New friends

There is a boy named Henry who is on a similar Brain Balance schedule as Sam. Since we're there at the same time, I sit with his mom, Cindy, a lot in reception and Henry and Sam often overlap in the back. Cindy is super friendly and enthusiastic and I really enjoy talking with her about our childrens' progress and their challenges.  It’s not too often that I find a mom of a kid with issues that’s willing to open up. But in this environment, where all of our kids have something going on, it feels safe and most of the moms are willing to share stories and support. Coming here has become a nice outlet for me too.

Every time Cindy sees Sam she greets him with a big smile and a boisterous hello.  At first he was surprised and a little unsure about why she was being so nice to him but now he likes Cindy’s attention and since Henry is 12 or 13, Sam is impressed by every move he makes.

Rather than spreading his stars out along all the hallway walls, Henry has taken over one wall and created a star rainbow. It's an eye catching pattern in a sea of unorganized, multi colored stars. On the way out last time Sam added two of his stars to Henry's. He told Cindy and she warned him that Henry might not like it and Sam said he'd understand if it had to be moved. But he also reminded us that Henry is his good friend so he'd probably be ok with it.

The next day my cell rang.

It's Betsy.

Hi. What's up? (There's no missing the panic in my voice. Why is she calling me? Has Sam flunked out?)

I have a really important question.

Yes? (Panic rising)

So you know Henry's rainbow wall? I know Sam wanted to add to it.  Cindy found all his stars and made Sam his own wall right next to Henry's. And I'm wondering if Sam will like it or if he'll be upset that she messed with his stars?

I think he'll love it.

Great. Just wanted to make sure. We were debating whether we should deconstruct it.

Nope. Leave it as is.

Excellent.

How nice is she?

On the way to his appointment the next day I told Sam about his new wall and he was excited.

And it’s right next to his wall? (in awe of being so close to the man, the myth, the legend)

Yup.

His mom did that for me?

Yup.

She’s super nice. Why’s she so nice to me?

Because you’re a pretty cool guy and she can tell you’re nice too.

When we walked into the Center the first thing he did was run back to check it out in person. And he couldn’t believe how many stars he had on the wall. These are all mine? he asked.  I guess Henry is on to something. Seeing all the stars in one place gave Sam a little bit of the ego boost he needs. It’s nice to make some new friends.