The quote highlights the profound and multifaceted nature of grief. It outlines the intense physical and emotional symptoms that often accompany loss, such as choking sensations, shortness of breath, and persistent sorrow. These common experiences are recognizable, yet they overshadow a deeper, more insidious aspect of grief that is often overlooked.

This aspect is the overwhelming sense of emptiness that can pervade one's life when the acute pain subsides. The reference to a "vast gray space of nothingness" emphasizes how the absence of meaningful moments can be just as challenging as the grief itself. This reflects the struggle many face in navigating life after loss, where feelings of purposelessness can linger long after the initial shock has faded.