On a typical Friday after school in August of 2024, Brooke and I were driving to Chick-fil-A, our mother-daughter ritual to celebrate her good week at school. We discussed friendships, kindness, empathy, and her teachers ( Moreno Kaiser Evanoff Chilton Vail Jamison Theresa Anne Hatten Waller - you were all mentioned by Brookey). She reminisced about old classmates and friends in California and her new ones here in Texas.

 

This conversation led us to the idea of starting a group for kids and families who may or may not have the kind of friends and support she has. She truly grasped that she is loved and supported by many, and not everyone is as lucky.

 

Engine off, sitting in the car outside Chick-fil-A, we shook hands on a "deal," committing to this concept. Instead of playing in the Chick-fil-a play structure, she chose to sit her wiggly little body with me at our table for 2.

 

We brainstormed a name for the group, doodled a logo on a napkin (the heart was her idea, the puzzle piece inside mine), she chose her favorite color for the TEAM color (red, of course), and we went on to discuss potential members and ideas for social events. Brooke's fabulous ideas of grandeur had to be toned back a bit, but we came up with 3 doable event ideas to start with, right there at that little table.

 

Brooke has been an integral part of this journey with me, every step of the way.

 

**I want to pause and express gratitude to Brooke's extensive support network - from coast to coast, teachers, friends and family. With the love and support you all provide, this child is going to do great things. Mike and I thank you so much.**

 

There are so many ups and downs with ASD, ADHD, Speech Delays, Sensory Processing disorders - this kid has all of that going on inside, and still, she impresses her dad and I all the time. We are so lucky to have that kiddo as our daughter. She makes us better people.

 

Please join EST and support this group. You don't need to live near, we're a network of support - and we'd love to have you join.