After losing her son in a utility vehicle accident in 2008, an Opp woman is now working to provide support for families who’ve lost a loved one.

Michelle Mock’s son, Colby Ramer, died while operating a Polaris Ranger that January, and ever since, Mock has struggled with how to continue with her life.

Her solution? Establishing a support group for grieving families. Called “Life in the blood: Heart to Heart,” the project is a joint venture with friend Judith Henton, a Eufaula woman whose daughter was murdered in 1986. The two met years ago through another support group.

“Without God, I couldn’t have made it where I am today,” Mock said. “This was something I felt led to do for other parents. Only someone that has been in that situation truly knows how you feel and what you’re going through after losing a child.”

Mock said the years since her son’s death have been hard, but her faith, her family and her friends have helped her along the way.

She’s reached out to other parents who’ve lost a child. Mock said when another local child died in an accident similar to the one that claimed her son’s life, she felt compelled to extend her support.

“I said, ‘That’s what that mom needs right now,’ ” she said. “When Colby died, the only person I remember seeing is a mother who had lost her son. You need that support.

“We all grieve differently,” she said. “But there seems to be a connection when you meet someone who has also lost a child. It’s instant – that connection, and that is what this group will provide.

Mock said the group is open to all, not just those who’ve lost a love one because of an accident or violent crime.

“We welcome everyone, and of all religions, too,” she said.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Living Waters, a Christian counseling center, in Headland and on the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at New Chapel Baptist Church in the Rhodes Community near Opp, which is located between the Perry Store Community and Kinston on Ala. Hwy. 189.

For more information, contact Mock at 334-764-4508 or Henton at 334-687-3871.