She said the group has helped her talk about her son since she knows the people there understand what she’s going through. “Being with people that know what it’s like” and “just being able to say it,” have helped her heal.

Peterson also knew about TCF beforehand and also didn’t want to drive to Evansville. Her son died three years ago in an accident at the Knox-Daviess county line.

Peterson called the Joneses after having a “really bad day” dealing with the death of her son, then began attending the support group meetings. She said it has helped to be able to tell her story to someone who will listen.

Mary Rose Jones said it can be tough the first time a grieving parent attends a support group meeting because everyone there has been hurt. So she encourages them to try at least three sessions so they will begin to understand that helping other people helps them.

“Church and friends can help,” said Cecil Jones, “But unless they’ve been through this, they don’t know.”