Quotes from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

so many ways, loss shows us what is precious, while love teaches us who

Most people's initial reaction to sad people is to try to cheer them up, to tell them not to look at things so grimly, to look at the bright side of life. This cheering-up reaction is often an expression of that person's own needs and that person's own inability to tolerate a long face over an extended period. A mourner should be allowed to experience his sorrow, and he will be grateful for those who can sit with him without telling him not to be sad.

The reality is people have always died in large numbers in natural disasters such as avalanches, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on Earth—and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up—that we will begin to live each day to the fullest.

I call it sniffing someone out. If they smell real, I give them a signal to come close.

You may find that your God is strong enough to handle your anger, strong enough to feel compassion and love for you, even in the midst of your anger at him.

As you grow stronger, it may return from time to time, but that is how grief works.

They explained their concerns and she said, "I feel a kind of isolation that you'll never be able to understand. What you see is a mere fraction of what's happening inside, but at least my inner and outer worlds are reflecting each other. You wouldn't want me to throw worlds off balance, would you?

Facing death means facing the ultimate question of the meaning of life. If we really want to live we must have the courage to recognize that life is ultimately very short, and that everything we do counts.

I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought throughout our lifetime.

Dying is something we human beings do continuously, not just at the end of our physical lives on this earth.

I say to people who care for people who are dying, if you really love that person and want to help them, be with them when their end comes close. Sit with them - you don't even have to talk. You don't have to do anything but really be there with them.