Happy Birthday, Friend.

Last year, we were going to sell our house. Before Brenly started kindergarten. We had to have the BEST school in the BEST neighborhood with the BEST teachers. We put our house on the market. Lots of people looked at it but no one ever made an offer. God had another plan that we knew nothing about.

Brenly started kindergarten at Monroe. I was scared. Ok, not scared, 100% terrified. What if it didn’t work out? What if the teacher didn’t understand Brenly and her needs? What if the aid was terrible or mean or well, all the awful things went through my mind. The week leading up to school, I was a hot mess to say the least. I have zero trouble admitting that I am an overprotective mom. I also do not think there is anything wrong with that. However, I may be a little much when it comes to Brenly. When she hurts, I hurt. When she melts down, I melt down. When we go out, I watch her like a hawk. Now, she wouldn’t be in my sight for the whole day for the first time ever. The unknown for her was terrifying to me.

But as I said, God had a plan.

Enter the game changer. The 6th man. Like a basketball game and your team is down 8 with 2 minutes left. There isn’t much gas left in the tank. Everyone has been working so hard to get the win but they are tired. So tired. Exhausted. There have been so many losses. So. Many. Losses. But this time, they were so close to a win. They don’t know if they could handle one more loss.

The 6th man comes in. It is the person on the team who can fire everyone up; who can get every team member to muster up enough energy to make a comeback and win the game.

Heather Monroe, you are our 6th man. We were down. We were tired. Then God put you in Brenly’s life. In our life. Suddenly, our world became brighter. We finally won.

My fears went away seemingly overnight. Phil’s too.

You became Brenly’s person. She talked about you that first week of school and hasn’t stopped since. She loves you more than any of us can probably fathom. They say kids with autism don’t “feel.” I think that is the farthest thing from the truth. I believe kids on the spectrum feel at such a deep level that we can’t even imagine. And I can’t imagine the depth of love she feels for you. I know you feel the same for her. You two have one of the most special bonds I have ever seen.

You are one of the most kind, loving, caring and selfless people I have ever met.

I love that you text me if Brenly is having a rough day.

I love that you text me if Brenly is having a great day.

I love that you send me snaps of the two of you.

I love that you send me videos.

I love that you send me updates.

I love that you also love Cayson.

I love that you will be silly with Brenly.

I love that I can text you if I have a concern.

I love that I can text you to tell you something funny Brenly did.

I love that I can text you anything at all.

I love that you have become my friend.

I love that God had a plan.

You are the person we needed on our team. We love you.

Happy birthday, friend.