Does this read awkwardly?

Hi,

I'm writing to someone who I haven't been in contact with for some time. I would like to tell them that the reason I haven't written is because there have been two serious bereavements in my family.

This is how my letter begins (following the "how are you" part that opens all letters) :

"I am very sorry to have not been in touch. Our family has been going through a terrible and upsetting time as we have recently lost our two dearest relatives."

I am a little unsure whether this reads awkwardly, however. I would really appreciate if anyone could offer me an opinion about it.

I'm finding it very hard to phrase what I want say straightforwardly. Do you think what I've written is OK, or could it be slightly improved? This is just a casual letter to a close friend, so it needn't be written in a formal style.

Thank you very much! I would be very grateful for any opinions on this, as it is one of those bits of writing I've read over so many times, I'm unable to see it clearly anymore!