I entered the Hospital ER as a worried mother of an autistic 3-year-old daughter who is nonverbal and terrified of doctors. She had just swallowed an earring, and I was nervous about the outcome. With tears running down my face, I was met by the most caring and compassionate nurse I have ever encountered. Her name was Bre; she met my tearful eyes with reassurance, and I just felt that this experience was going to be different from any I had had before. Oftentimes, as an autism parent, no one takes the time or effort to connect with us, and she did. She took her time with my daughter; she was able to get her blood pressure and pulse, something that other nurses don't take the time to get, because my daughter can be "too much.

Once we were done with Bre, we waited for our turn to the back, and once our name was called, the autistic meltdown started, and it was a lot. She was tearful and afraid of what was to come. Soon, to my amazement, Bre returned with stickers and a smile. My momma heart could have burst in that moment. She heard my silent needs and came with open arms. She stayed with us during one of our worst days and was there to explain everything that was happening, not only to me but to my daughter. Because of this, she made the process so much easier, and I am soooo thankful for her; for her time, for her patience, for her understanding. I am also beyond grateful for her including my daughter and me in this process because we are often left out in the darkness, "because it's too hard," and "too much" words I have heard too many times to count. She needs to be recognized and appreciated, and she deserves this daisy; she is caring, compassionate, and goes above and beyond for her patients, even the little ones. She advocated so hard for my daughter throughout. My daughter may not have a voice, but that day, she was my daughter's voice, and I will cherish her for a lifetime. I will return for her care; hopefully, she will be there when we come back.