“Grief is just love with no place to go.”

By: William Spence
Monday, March 29, 2021

Although I have been a licensed funeral director for 27 years, families are still teaching me new things about love, death, and grieving.  I was recently presented with a thoughtful quote that I had not previously heard, “Grief is just love with no place to go.”  Because I believe this statement holds such profound truth, I knew that I wanted to share it with others and give proper credit to the originator.

It seems as if credit goes to Jamie Anderson, author of Doctor Who.  Here is the context from which this powerful quote is taken:  “Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

My hope is that if you or someone you know is grieving, this quote will lend understanding and meaning to your journey.

~Bill Spence

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

FEMA Funeral Reimbursement to End September 30, 2025

Since FEMA began accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance in April 2021, the agency has provided nearly $3 billion in assistance to more than 438,000 people, with an average award of ...

Why are people of the Jewish faith buried so soon after death?

There are various sects of Judaism, each with slightly different customs and practices. Jewish funeral customs are based on their belief and understanding of life, death, soul (neshama), and afterl...

What is the coroner and what do they do?

The coroner is a county government official who is elected by county residents by typical voting procedure. Although the office is usually held by physicians or, sometimes funeral directors, all ci...

What is meant by Green Burial?

Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the env...

What happens to money I pre-pay if you are no longer in business or you sell your business?

Nearly every person who pre-funds their funeral will ask this question, and rightfully so. It’s wise to know how your money will be invested and what safeguards are in place to protect it for its i...

How long does embalming preserve a body?

I am frequently asked, “How long does embalming preserve a body?” The answer is actually quite simple… it depends! The preservation goal of modern embalming is to preserve the body adequately for ...

Can I be buried on my own property?

According to the legal counsel of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania does not have laws restricting one from being buried on their own property. The legality of being buri...

What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?

As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...

GoFundMe for Funeral Expenses

An unexpected loss can be devastating—not only emotionally, but also financially. Many people turn to GoFundMe and other platforms to raise money for funeral costs because they feel stuck. But usin...

How should I dress for a funeral?

In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in bl...