- from Kerilyn Stephens Hi Laurel, I haven't emailed you yet because honestly, I didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry for your loss" or "my condolences" or even "I am so sorry, its terrible, how awful" all fall way short of the mark and even sound insulting. My heart breaks for you. My heart is sick for the grief you are experiencing that I can't even begin to comprehend. There are no words that can make the loss of a child hurt less, especially one as precious as Elise. So, please hear the love behind the vastly inadequate words of I'm so sorry. There are no words. All of you are in my thoughts and (I know we differ on this but) prayers every day and today especially. I didn't know Elise long but she was beautiful, loving, and funny. She is forever stamped on my heart.