Dear Sarah,
I am so sorry that I was unable to attend your farewell lunch last Friday. I had promised to be there, and I know how much it would have meant to you and to everyone on the team to see you off properly.
The reason was a family emergency that arose on Thursday evening. My father had a fall at home and was taken to hospital, and my brother and I spent the following day making arrangements and sitting with him. He is now recovering well, but it was not something I could leave, and I should have let you know sooner. I did try to send a message on the morning of the lunch, but my phone battery had died and I did not realise until it was too late.
I would very much like to make it up to you. Would you be free for dinner at the Harbour Grill one evening next month? My treat, so you can choose the wine, and we can finally have the proper goodbye that the day should have been. Please let me know which evenings suit you.
Best wishes,
Oliver