[marty in Ohio]

Bill,
It's the most profound loss of all to lose a child. When we lost our son we were told that there is no word for us. If your spouse passes you are are a widow or a widower. When you lose your parents you become an orphan. But there is no word for a parent who loses a child. The only term that comes close is an "initiate." You have been initiated into a club that no one wants to belong to.
I feel your loss.
Marty