Impact

I keep hearing stories about how Ariels unexpected and sudden death has impacted people.

I hear that people hug their kids a little more.

I hear that people smile a little more.

I hear that people are trying to be more generous without expecting anything in return a little more.

I hear that people are trying to be better prepared if anything unexpected happens to them.

It's good to know that Ariels passing has had this type of impact.

That it makes a difference to those whose lives he touched, even if inadvertently.

There are those whose lives are greatly impacted. Myself, our children, his family, my family, the Marines, his Work Buddies, our Friends and Neighbors.

Then there are those who are inadvertently affected by the passing of this amazing person. There are several factors at work here - his huge smile, which he shared with everyone freely. His good naturedness, which, even if you only met him once, you took note of immediately. His genuine ability to like everyone upon meeting them, the good things that you might have heard about him, well - the list could go on and on.

I don't recall anyone ever meeting Ariel and not immediately liking him. I'm sure there must have been one somewhere, throughout the time we were so lucky to spend together and all of the people we met (and believe me, there were many), even though everyone's first comment to me was usually how great he was and how happy they were to meet him.

Regardless, I do sincerely hope that his unexpected and sudden passing is having the impact that people are telling me about.

Ariel was a good soul. A genuinely good soul. The kind that are far and few between these days. We were all blessed to know him and have him in our lives - he was that kind of guy. I certainly hope that his passing is having the impact that people are telling me about. I hope that all of the goodness and generosity and kindness and humor and compassion that he had means something and is impacting people in their daily lives. I cannot imagine that it doesn't. Those of us who were fortunate enough to share in the joy that was Ariel do know what I'm talking about. Those who were fortunate enough to know him even only peripherally also know, as it describes the person we are all meant to and hope to be.

No, I'm am not 'over' the pain of losing him.

No, I will never 'recover' from this.

What I will do, what I hope I my children will do, what I hope that everyone who has had the infinite pleasure of meeting or knowing Ariel will do, is to

be good

and

be genuine.

That's all.

Hug your kids a little tighter. Make sure that your affairs are in order. Lend a helping hand, with a HUGE smile on your face, to someone in need.

Be the person you are supposed to be, the person you were meant to be.

Let this have an impact - a good one - on you.

That's what he would have wanted.

from thpeoe other"
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My friend recently used the word 'symbiotic' to decribe Ariel and I, and our relationship as a couple, and I found that description to be very apt, although our relationship was more of the beneficial nature.