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

By: William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

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.

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.
Refresh
Audio

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?

Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...

What is “preplanning” and how does it benefit me?

Preplanning is simply a matter of taking care of your funeral service details before the need arises. Today, more and more people are making the thoughtful decision to discuss their final arrangeme...

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...

Is embalming required by law?

Embalming is only required by Pennsylvania law under certain circumstances.  If it is the desire of the family to have a public viewing of the deceased, the law requires that the body be embal...

What happens if I die away from my hometown?

Although it is seldom that death occurs when traveling for business or pleasure, it occasionally happens.  The short answer to the question is, “Call the funeral director of your choice in you...

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...

How included should children be in funerals?

This is a great question that often gets asked.  For the record, I am not a licensed psychologist, counselor, or even a parent.  However, my study and observation have provided me with se...

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...

Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?

Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...

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...