Some people can make your life so much easier by just offering the smallest of a kindness.
Let me tell you all about one such act.

So today I collected Kirsty from school and as a little treat I decided to take her to the drive through for chips. She doesn't eat chocolate or sweets so fries are her little indulgence.
I got all the way to the payment window before the blood drained from my face as I realised I had no wallet.
No money.
No card. 😳😳😳
Not even coins in the ashtray to scramble together.
I had completely forgotten I walked out with just my phone and no bag.
I apologised to the lady and drove away.😢

Now if this was any other child you could explain and say you'd come back with money.  But not where autism is concerned.  Especially non verbal autism.
The second I drove away Kirsty started crying and saying " ma chip, ma chip ". 💔💔💔
Imagine the panic.
I was gutted. 😢

I live about 8 minutes from there but that would be like an eternity to her so I drove to the nearest bank and parked up in the hope of getting cash and bringing her into the actual McDonalds to sit down. 🤞
On our way in, we met Emily from the Evolve therapy clinic in Mallow. I couldn't stay chatting long as Kirsty was so distressed so I quickly explained the situation.  Emily kindly offered to give me the money but I said there was no need and carried onto the bank.

Now not only did Kirsty not have her chips but we were going somewhere else she wasn't ready for so that didn't go well.
And guess what... Ya you can see where this is going. The fecking cash desk was closed since 12.30pm.
😳😳😳

Now I was thinking,
" I. Am. Screwed. I'm going to have to bring her home and come back and there will be WAR!! "😟

She was already clawing at her jumper at this stage, which she does to warn you that shit is about to hit the proverbial fan. And still saying " ma chip, ma chip " over and over and with tears accompanying her little voice.
I walked back to the car and Emily was just getting out of hers.  She looked over to see if I was sorted and I said " after all that the cash is closed " wringing my hands.
So she walked over and put €5 into my hand.  I said no over and over but she insisted.
Emily's the clinical director of Evolve where they offer speech and language, and OT services . She knows autism inside out. She worked with Logan at his toughest stage. She knew what I would be facing if I derailed from the chip plan once more.
So she insisted.  And deep down I knew I had to take it. I thanked her/ apologised to her about 5 times and promised her I'd repay her ASAP.🙈

Then I drove to the drive through and got my extremely distressed little girl some long awaited chips,with tears in my eyes. 💔

Look at her face. Even after she got them, you can still see the worry on her face. Even getting out of the car she was still so upset.
I used to think that only parents of ASD got ASD, but my god some professionals do, and Emily is one of them.
The last pic I took after getting home, Kirsty... calm and eating. This would be a very difference picture if I hadn't been so kindly helped.

Like I said, a small gesture but a HUGE impact.
I can't thank her enough.
Everyone please show her some love. She's an amazing lady.
I'll put her link in the comments.  I've always vouched for her professionally but personally she's even better. 💙

We love you Emily. You're fiver is on it's way, along with my eternal gratitude. 😂

💙💙💙