Judi on CaroleIt is often said that good can be borne out of tragedy; well this saying is true for me when it comes to special relationships. I was widowed seven years ago and following my bereavement was given a tremendous amount of support and help from my parents, family and friends. But, as with any situation, you only know how it feels if you have experienced it yourself. Unfortunately a year after my husband died my only son was quite ill and following his recovery his doctor believed he would gain some benefit from meeting other bereaved children. I had attended counselling with my son shortly after my husband's death but neither Liam nor myself gained much from the experience. Therefore it was with reserve that I attended this group with my son. The adults could get together and chat if they wanted and I decided to give it a try for one session and then take stock. We sat in a room and introduced ourselves. The lady next door but one to me introduced herself saying she worked full time then corrected herself telling us from that week she was only working a four day week. By coincidence I too was starting to work only four days from that week, therefore we laughed and said we should be 'ladies that lunch'. We did indeed lunch and what's more, holiday, cry and laugh together. We now have a very strong bond in fact her son Ashley, refers to me as Mum #2 and Liam my son refers to Carole as Mum #2. I feel as if I have known Carole all my life and I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. Carole on JudiJudi and I met under unfortunate circumstances, we had both been widowed, we both had one son and as a result we met at a bereavement counselling group for children. The adults could get together for a coffee and a chat whilst the kids were doing their stuff and I knew as soon as we introduced ourselves to the group we'd probably hit it off. We had both worked full time, but after the death of our husbands decided to work part-time and we were both starting this on exactly the same week! As the weeks went by we became firm friends and although I've only known Judi for a few years, I feel as if I've known her all my life. We have similar interests and tastes, the same sense of humour but most importantly we don't go for the same type of man! Joking aside, I know that Judi and I will be friends for life. Our shared experiences bind us together and we're there for one another giving support, advice and a shoulder to cry on - or to have a good laugh with. We've had several holidays together along with our boys and we've always had a fantastic time and now that our children are growing up fast we're looking forward to planning some wonderful trips together. I can honestly say that Judi is the best friend I've ever had. Judi and Carole | 
