I know that I cannot fully understand your grief, for I have never lost a child, but the pain must be...beyond words.

I have 2 young daughters (ages 1 and 3) and the thought of any harm coming their way makes me shudder.

I am so happy that you have each other and such a strong, loving marriage to help weather this storm.

Loyalty…what a great word Robert, and so undervalued today. I’ll switch doctors, because my insurance no longer covers; I’ll go to home depot, cause the “mom and pop” is too expensive. And even in marriage…I’ll leave because it’s rocky. To be loyal, is to be faithful. Seems so difficult to achieve…unless, like you and Karen, you understand the true meaning …to remain, even in the midst of life’s ups and downs, achievements and losses, and the unimaginable nightmare you have survived. But no matter what life brings, you remain loyal to one another. I think there is no higher plane to reach in a marriage.

"Loyalty" is about bridging gaps.

Loyalty is about coming together -- not necessarily because you "see" the other side's POV, but because you want to stand alongside them and try to "understand" their POV.

Loyalty is about give and take. Sometimes you feel better about giving than taking, but in a loyal relationship, you might also have to learn how to take...or then again, how to give.

Loyalty is about balance; once things go off kilter, a loyal partner tries to remedy the situation and tries to restore balance.

Loyalty is about choosing a path or paths in life, and having someone follow you or preferably, walk by your side, down that path...wherever it may lead.

Gosh, I just reviewed my words and realized that I sound just like a super-sappy Hallmark card!

Like Stacey I cannot claim to know your pain, but as a father I have more insight than I would want. At least as far as the fear of losing a child.

But I cannot help but remark about the tremendous love you share. Life may never be the same, but I wish for you both to get beyond a point where you feel it is to be endured.

My wish is for you to be able to walk outside and enjoy the sunshine. I cannot imagine that with the bond you share that this will not happen.

I am so sorry for your loss, I am so sorry for your pain, but I am so glad that you have each other. Hope seems to be the keyword for me the past day or so, I think that you give us all hope that this type of a love is possible. I don't even necessarily hope to have this myself, but it is hopeful just to know that it happens. I do understand what you mean by endurance though as there are times when that is simply all you can do with pain. I find myself so wanting to say something of comfort, but I know that there is nothing anyone can say that will make this any easier. Thanks for sharing your story.

Karen,
There is nothing I could possibly say, to ease the pain of your loss.
Can you take any comfort at all, in knowing that your son got to experience such an amazingly loving family?

Thank you all for your kind and generous comments. Karen and I feel that we have a supportive group out there who gives us a true measure of nechama, people but who also remember Ariel ZT"L.

We wish you all a lovely and meaningful Shabbos.

Robert and Karen, your example continues to give me strength. May your love and loyalty always provide as much comfort and healing as is possible.

Elie, I have been so lazy about responding to the incredible people who write comments. I didn't recognize your name, so I looked up your bio. I went numb, my scalp froze. You are thanking me? Please accept my feeble offerings of nechama, I can't imagine what you have gone through in the past few months. Whereever you are, and there are many places (emotionally) you can be, I wish I could stand by you. That's all I can do. Hamakom Yanachem Etchem Bashaar Evlei Tzion V'Yerushalayim