So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you. I think we all have different ways of dealing with our grief. For me, it has been leaning on Jesus and talking about Jon. I also listen to his music that we had in common, as well as some that he liked that I didn't particularly care for. It seemed to help me see a part of him that he didn't share with me. I found a lot of comfort here at Legacy because people responded to my posts, even it if it was just to say they were sorry. It helped me to read here so I didn't feel so alone.

Debbie,

Thanks for friending me.  The web site for Compassionate Friends is below. Looks like the closest chapter is in Bakersfield.  It would be worth calling the contact person to see if she knows anybody closer.  But if not, I think it would be worth the drive to go to a meeting.  There is another national parent grief support groups called Bereaved Parents of the USA. Its a lot smaller, and I don't know much about it.  However It does have a lot more understandable title than CF does. :-) The web site for this groups is also below.  But because of its size, the nearest group to you is in Sacramento.

Sharing your feelings here at Legacy Connect is really great, but nothing beats talking things out either in person or by phone. Let me know if you'd like to talk.  For parents who have lost children, and since I'm retired, I'm available a lot of the time [My wife would kick my you-know- what if I said "24/7" :-)]. Take care and let me know if you find a place to share your grief. 

Paul

http://www.compassionatefriends.org/Find_Support/Chapters/Chapter_Locator.aspx

http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/BP_Ch_California.htm

Welcome Debbie, I'm sorry you had to find us, but glad that you did...I too lost my 18 year old son, in a motorcycle accident in 2009, please feel free to share any thoughts that you want here, we all try to help each other.