Love story: Why these best friends plan on being buried side by side

Tania Differding and Ella Crofts, best friends since their teenage years, are planning for a future where they will remain together, even in death. Now 43, the inseparable pair from Geelong/Djilang, Australia, intend to care for each other in old age and have already purchased neighboring cemetery plots. Their bond, which began when they met at 19 through mutual friends, was immediate. Tania described Ella as a "cute little bubbly blonde with a unique sense of style," while Ella felt she had met her "kindred spirit." In their youth, they shared a "live in the moment" ethos, hitting the rave scene and documenting their adventures with matching digital cameras, though they were often too busy enjoying themselves to take many photos. This philosophy persists today: "Everything is fleeting, and we like to make the most of life while we can. Love it while it's there and know that it could end at any moment. And that is OK." This sentiment is even reflected in the name Ella gave her house: "Enjoy it while it lasts," a phrase Tania later gifted her on a plaque. Their friendship has been a constant source of support through significant life events, including the deaths of loved ones and numerous heartbreaks. Both have navigated mental health struggles, with Tania experiencing depression, ADHD, and anxiety, and Ella supporting her through a mental health breakdown four years ago. Ella recalls Tania's unwavering presence during this difficult time, which included practical help like doing laundry and emotional support. They both use humor as a coping mechanism, capable of making each other laugh even in the darkest times. Tania was particularly supportive of Ella after her sister Steph's death over a decade ago, helping to fill a "giant void" and pull Ella out of dark places. Tania is recognized for her ability to reframe problems, making them seem smaller and more manageable.

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We were best friends from the moment we met. I felt like I'd met my kindred spirit.