Ryan Stricklin's smile says it all. He was fun loving, friendly and kind. But that was taken away three months ago. He was in an ATV accident in Piatt County. He knew a train was coming but couldn't avoid it. His mother says he skidded about 100 feet. He hit the train and died at the hospital. His mom Anne Drummond says she was used to taking care of somebody and then that was gone.
   Kathy Landreth came right over when she heard the news. She knew Anne from their card making club. They weren't close..but that was about to change. She says she wanted to be there for Anne just to help her. So why was Kathy one of the first people at Anne's door? Because she understood what she was going through like no one else could. Kathy says she knew the pain she was going to feel because she had felt it too. Her 13-year old daughter Amy died in a car wreck in Monticello almost a year ago. Kathy remembers she home with her that afternoon and then she was gone. She says even a year later it's still hard. But Kathy wanted to be there for Anne no matter how difficult it was going to be to relive the memories.
   Anne says, "Angels are sent to us when we need help and I think that's what she was."
   But Anne has helped Kathy right back. They share stories over making cards or sometimes they don't say a word. "It strengthens everybody when there's someone else going through that," says Kathy. Anne agrees, "I don't have to be pretend with her and she doesn't have to pretend with me and it helps."
   They formed a bond in a way they would never choose but it's one they're grateful they have. Kathy says, "I think we'll be friends for a long time."