We were sitting at a restaurant with my brother-in-law and his children. My husband and sister-in-law were on their way. Kyle, 8, was sitting at the end of the table. He is in Lyric's class as school and was chatting away about his recent camp experience. Lyric was at the other end of the table with Lauren, 5, and the two of them were having a good time being silly. Suddenly Kyle spoke very matter-of-fact to his dad. "Dad, everyone at school thinks Lyric is weird".

My heart froze. My stomach dropped. And I looked away.

Bryon answered, "Well, that means its even more important that you stick up for her."

"But Dad, then all the kids make fun of me."

Bryon responded, but to be honest, I don't even remember what he said. I was locked in on my daughter - oblivious to the conversation and oblivious to the challenges that lie ahead of her. She was laughing and being goofy and her joy helped calm the anxiety I felt.

Oh my sweet Lyric. What do you have in store for you? And how am I ever going to help you overcome the challenges you are about to face? What do I do to prepare you?