We met in a special needs group during COVID. I was just starting to share Ella’s story and was feeling so alone. I posted in the group about my blog and our sweet girl. Tawnya commented.

She has a son named Trever (who I shared a post about). At the time, like Ella, he was undiagnosed, and they share some of the same characteristics. We chatted for a long time. About life. About our families. About the struggles we faced.

I am not sure Tawnya knows but she pulled me out of a funk I had been in for a long time. Her outlook was so encouraging and her dedication to Trever was inspiring. I am a firm believer that the people you need come into your life when you need them the most, and I surely needed her energy and spirit.

Over the last four years, we have continued to talk. Trever got his diagnosis before Ella and my heart was bursting for her. She had found her people and she went all in. We often talked about meeting up but she’s in Virginia and it just never worked out. Her family is further south so she didn’t travel up this way and we are homebodies so don’t leave too much.

Tawnya checked in the summer Ella spent in the hospital and we always kept up to date with each other’s lives on social media. Then this spring something spectacular happened. She told me the family was taking a cruise and leaving out of New Jersey. She asked if it would be possible to get together. I immediately knew I needed to make it happen. Dani and I had become Trever’s biggest fans so there was no one our meeting was happening without her.

Today, after four years of online friendship we met. It immediately felt we had been hanging out for years. Her family is amazing and I fell in love with Trever the second I saw him. He was holding my hand and staring at me with his gorgeous blue eyes. He had my heart. His little brother too! His energy matched hers and gave me the most precious hug upon meeting.

Our time together meant the world to me and I won’t ever forget it. I hope we get the chance to see each other again, maybe on a trip down to Virginia? Tawyna and her husband Dan have lots to teach me about Costco. I’m also going to need to practice my water gun skills because Conner and I will be dueling.

We have an incredible village and friends and family who support us always, but there is something about spending time what people who truly understand your daily struggles. I am so grateful for the Smith family. I can’t wait to see them again. Memories were made this afternoon. Memories I won’t ever forget.

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