meetings5

through corresponding with Susan, I discovered that Tony had lived in the town for 27 years that Kelli had worked in. My family was going to be there to go though Tony's house so I suggested to Susan that we try to meet since we were going to be in the same area. We met at an Italian restaurant that Kelli had worked at. My mom went with me, she was Tony's big sister ... well older sister anyway ... he had been bigger than her for many years! We arrived first but Susan came in very shortly after we did. It really sent chills down my spine meeting her ... I was so overcome with emotion I didn't know what to say. You post on the website and send emails but actually meeting someone face to face is indescribable. There was no need for introductions ... we just hugged for a long time. There was also no need to ask the usual "How are you?" because we both knew what the answer to that question was. We talked about our loved ones of course, but we also shared stories about our lives apart from the ones we lost, our surviving relatives, our work, etc. Susan and I are both in healthcare so we had a lot in common in that area of our lives too. The food and service was excellent. Many of the employees came to our table to remember Kelli. I thought that was very nice. Our "lunch" turned into three hours (and a round of dessert!) but the time seemed to fly. There were a few tears but there were some laughs too. It was really an incredible experience and I hope we can meet sometime again. I liked the way my mom phrased it. When the waiter came to our table before Susan arrived, he asked what the occasion was. My mom said "We are meeting a new friend." And that is exactly what happened. Although I am sorry for the circumstances that brought us together, I am glad we are no longer strangers."

Susan - "Laura summed it up wonderfully.. It was such a strange yet, indescribable meeting.. We conversed as if we had always known each other, no awkward moments, no stumbling for words, or things to say. Laura did forget to mention the beautiful angel she brought me ...(I sure felt like a heel, as that thought did cross my mind but was unsure). Anyway it was a Survivor Angel, absolutely beautiful. I have even taken it to work to show my co-workers. I will cherish it always..."