I read with interest your story of Kristian Andersen's death in The Scourge, and wanted to commend your paper on the sensitivity you have shown to Kristian's mother, Jan Andersen.

I met Jan Andersen online before Kristian's death. Although we have never met in person, and although our surnames are the same, we are not related, except in spirit.

It is more than irony that I, as an author of a book about moving beyond bereavement, should find such a friend in Jan. God puts people in your life for a reason. I believe I know why He lead Jan to me, but even more certain why she was sent to bless my life.

I have never known, even in person, such a wonderful person, devoted parent, caring friend, and exceptional human being.

That she would use her son's tragic death to bring comfort to other parents of suicidal children only confirms my belief in her outstanding character.

I commend Jan Andersen for her strength, but especially her commitment to educating young people about heroin use, and offering comfort and support to the often overlooked and harshly judged silent victims of this epidemic the parents of children who have died of a drug overdose.

To them, my deepest sympathies and my strongest recommendation to contact Jan's website for encouragement. There, you will find a friend who will, I can attest, show you the true meaning of "a friend in need".

Julie Donner Andersen

Canada