"Compassionate Friends" is a world-wide charity that holds free support groups for parents of children who have died at any age, for any reason.

I can’t begin to tell you how valuable this local, face to face resource has been for me. They have been my lifeline, and have helped me so much with my grief.

I’m sure that a parent’s loss and grief is always hard, no matter what the circumstances: whether from miscarriage, stillbirth and death in early infancy, to a child who dies later in life.

But what is so awesome about my Compassionate Friends group is how accepting and nonjudgmental they are. For a long time, I didn’t join them out of fear. I thought they wouldn’t want me there because I chose to end my pregnancy eventhough I absolutely didn’t want to – my baby had anencephaly, so I thought this would be the best thing for my unborn child. I still think it was the best decision for my baby’s sake, but I suffered in silence for so long. I didn’t tell anyone what had happened.

But my new friends (at Compassionate Friends) weren’t judgmental at all! In fact they welcomed me to their group with open arms. Far from being judged, I have received empathy, caring and support. Many have even said they believe it must have been the most agonizing decision for me. They’re right.

Today I am no longer alone in my grief.

If you want to find this face to face, support in your area, check out www.compassionatefriends.org