References when my manager was laid off too - 14 months and counting

My manager was laid off too and I am unsure who to use as a reference. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I have one former client who liked my work. Is a client acceptable?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 14 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

A client reference worked well for me. It shows you deliver outside the company too.