Meeting3

Sandi - "My meeting with Marlene was just absolutely wonderful. She is an amazing person. I met her about 5 and we visited and then Ginger, another SOS came and we visited some more. I told my story about the things leading up to and including the night I found Jeff. I needed to tell it and I felt so much better afterwards. We went out and had dinner. Marlene's mom was also there. I see where Marlene gets her nice smile and genuine kindness."

Kathy - "I was always one of those skeptics who would lift one eyebrow when

someone said they met over the computer, through the internet, or on-line,

and NEVER thought that I would be a 'computer match mate', but my

heart meshed with so many compassionate friends when I stumbled

into the 'Circle' and after many tears, cyber HUGS, and

encouraging words, one can not miss an opportunity to meet in

person.

I first met Jess on the Circle message board and then 2 and

a half years later, we finally made that long awaited 'physical

connection' this past August 2001. Jess is everything and MORE.

Her home, her family, her arms, her HEART were opened wide

with all the warmth and love that she expels on the board. These

visits just expand into plans for when we can do this again, and we will

do it again

Jess and I didn't get to have the extended visit we had hoped for, but the time spent was quality time spent. For me it was meaningful and special. She took me for a walk down her "Friendship Strip" garden where we thought of all our other dear friends from the Circle, and spoke of how wonderful it would be if we could ALL meet."

Amy - "Margot and I got together at her house. We are lucky to have found each other. We only live about an hour and a half away from each other. We spent Sunday afternoon and evening getting to know each other. We didn't really touch too much on our loss. Instead spent our time getting to know each other. Margot is the same wonderful person we have all

Marlene - "February 2002 Phyllis and her husband Al were here in Florida again. I was so excited and couldn't wait to get together. I was extra excited this time, because our husbands were going to have a chance to get together again. Last February, when Phyllis was here, the four of us had gotten together to meet and had coffee and dessert together. This year we were going to spend an evening together, having dinner. It was so wonderful the four us being together. Tom and Al really hit it off great together, so well in fact, that Tom and I will be driving up to see the two of them this summer when we go up north.

It just is so amazing to me, how truly powerful these meetings of the heart are. I have been so very lucky in meeting Kathy, Phyllis, John and Maria, Gary and Chris, Sandi and Ginger.

Phyllis - "This was the THIRD time that Marlene and I had gotten together . . . I feel she's like an old friend . . . safe, comfortable to be with . . . AND, I really love her! :o) Marlene, Tom, Allan and I met for dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant she had suggested. We had to wait for about an hour for a table, but we made up for it by sitting there for HOURS - eating, talking and laughing. The food was terrific as was the company. We finally left when we got the 'hint' as waiters bustled around us asking if they could get us anything else.

Joan - "Cori and I met on Friday the 19th of April 2002 at Ron's and my little weekend retreat near Hood Canal. My anticipation and excitement was relieved by utter delight and privilege of meeting this pretty and sincere young lady. The meeting of the hearts was just that, and more! We understood and shared the same feelings and broken hearts that only you, here, truly understand. Cori has a soft voice, is articulate, and has the most beautiful dark brown eyes! She's a doll. We shared a kinship even before we met. We were "driven" to meet and made it happen as soon as we were both able....after only two weeks of discovering each other. We live just 20 or so miles apart, imagine that! I'm very anxious to meet her darling little girls. On this first meeting the two of us hugged and shared for hours! And how wonderful it was! My wish for all of you is that you experience the same..... and someday, somehow, we all will! Remember, none of us is alone with our sorrow. The more we share, the more we survive! Thank you Cori for sharing your heart with me at our first meeting!"

Cori - "Joan and I had a wonderful meeting tonight, she is as lovely as perceived thru her posts. There is something about that hug when you meet another survivor. It's strong, yet comforting, the "I know what your going thru kinda hug", the "help hold me up kind of hug." I am so grateful I hooked up with her, and look forward to more time together."

Fern - "Meeting Vi was a wonderful experience. It is rather extraordinary to "know" someone before you ever meet them. But seeing them is really the icing on the cake. We talked non-stop, we could have used more time together. So amazing to say yes I have felt just like that, yes me too, yes I understand completely. We even discovered our sons were born in the same town and other similarities. Simply amazing. I don't know how else to describe it. I was so blessed to have Barb come out to visit a couple years ago (has it really been that long ago????) and now to find Vi in my same state and she even comes north now and again....I am a truely grateful survivor."

Marlene - "I was flying out to Anaheim, California, to see John Edward and Sylvia Brown in a seminar. I was taking my mother with me. My uncle lives not far from Anaheim, and I was looking forward to visiting with him. Also, my sister-in-law, and dear friend Vonnie, would be coming from Las Vegas and meeting us there.

I remember Sandi reading a post of mine on the circle and emailing me that she did not live far from there did I think we could set up a meeting. I only had 3 days there, and lots to do including meeting with another friend of mine Ginger, whom I had never met before and who lost her son to suicide as well, but a chance to meet still another survivor. You know it!

It was SO wonderful. Ginger arrived first at the hotel, not long after that Sandi. I remember how touched I was to meet Sandi, who was so much newer on her journey. She had gone into her special box, to bring a picture of Jeff for me to see. I was so moved. I know how difficult it was for her to do. We went to dinner the four of us.

I also feel this visit was made even more special for me, because I had my mother with me. Although she knows that I have the Circle of friends who have been my salvation, this was her first hand experience in meeting with a survivor, and she enjoyed, being with us, listening to three mothers, share about losing their son's to suicide, drawing support from one another."