Grief is a deeply personal and complex journey, often overwhelming and isolating. During these difficult times, words of comfort and understanding can provide a sense of connection, helping us process the emotions we are experiencing. 

At The Farewell Guide, we have gathered five of our favourite quotes about grief. Whether you are planning a funeral and wish to include a meaningful quote in the service, or you simply seek solace in knowing that you are not alone, these words may offer comfort and reflection. 

1. "Grief is the price we pay for love." – Queen Elizabeth II

This simple yet profound quote, spoken by Queen Elizabeth II following the tragic events of 11 September 2001, serves as a poignant reminder that grief is a natural consequence of love. The deeper we love, the more intensely we feel the pain of loss. While grief can be overwhelming, it is also a testament to the deep connections we have formed. This quote offers reassurance that the sadness we feel is a reflection of the love we continue to hold. 

2. "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller 

Helen Keller’s words resonate with those who have experienced loss, highlighting that although a loved one may no longer be physically present, their influence and love remain within us. Our cherished memories and shared moments shape who we are, offering a lasting connection that transcends time and space. This quote is a reminder that love does not fade with absence; it becomes an enduring part of our lives. 

3. "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." – Jamie Anderson 

This beautifully evocative quote by Jamie Anderson captures the essence of grief as love with no place to go. It reassures us that our sorrow is not just pain, but also an expression of the love we still carry. By recognising grief as a continuation of love, we can find comfort in knowing that those we have lost remain a part of us in profound and meaningful ways. 

4. "Grief changes shape, but it never ends. People have this misconception that you can deal with it and say, ‘It’s gone, and I’m better.’ But it’s like a wound that heals into a scar. It’s always there. You learn to live with it." – Keanu Reeves 

Keanu Reeves' words reflect the lasting nature of grief. Loss does not simply fade away with time; rather, we learn to carry it with us, adapting to life in its presence. This quote offers a modern and honest perspective on how grief evolves while remaining a part of our lives, much like a scar that never fully disappears. It serves as a reminder that healing does not mean forgetting—it means learning to coexist with loss. 
 

5. "The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal, and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to." – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross 

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, renowned for her work on the five stages of grief, provides a candid perspective on loss. Her words remind us that grief is not something to ‘move on’ from but rather something we learn to carry with us. The experience of loss reshapes us, making us more resilient, more compassionate, and more deeply connected to the love we have known. This quote encourages acceptance of grief’s lasting impact and reassures us that healing does not mean forgetting. 

Finding Comfort in Words 

Grief can be an all-consuming experience, but it is also a reflection of love and connection. These quotes offer a powerful reminder that mourning is a deeply human experience, one that binds us together in shared understanding. Though grief is painful, it is also an enduring testament to the love we have for those we have lost. 

At The Farewell Guide, we are here to support you through this journey. If there is a particular quote, poem, or eulogy you would like to include in your own funeral plans, or in the service of a loved one, you can add this to The Farewell Guide’s free online funeral planner. You do not have to navigate this path alone—we are here to help. 
 

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