January 9, 2017

Acceptance: A Video Blog

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Sharing on a tough topic this morning. I’ve been scared to share this video blog because it’s very real and raw but I know that other parents need to hear these words. It’s OK to be sad. It’s OK to admit that it’s hard. And it’s OK to grieve all the things you won’t do as a special needs parent. You are human.

https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice/videos/792431380899325/

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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4 Comments

  1. L on January 9, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    Thank you, Kate! I get it too.



  2. Kristin on January 10, 2017 at 1:13 am

    Kate. I’ve been following you in Instagram for awhile. My son has apraxia so I stumbled upon your account. I just wanted to say that you are an inspiration to all parents. I know you didn’t choose to be put in such a hard role but you are a blessing to those who follow you and share your journey with. Prayers and blessings to your family. You are one absolutely amazing mom.



  3. Ann L. Hicks on January 10, 2017 at 3:46 am

    Kate,
    I am the mom to a 33 year old autistic son. I’ve responded to you before, however, it’s been awhile. I want to hug you so bad and tell you it is okay to feel sad. I have been down this road so many times. Just when I think that I am doing okay, I have a day where I sit and cry and wonder why us, why Chuck! Chuck now lives in a group home setting 25 miles from our home. He has been there 14 years. He loves it! He will come to our home to visit for a couple hours on Sunday, but is always ready to go home to House D where he lives. I still miss him everyday. I love him like no other! He has an older sister who is married and has 3 children. This Christmas, the three kids, a niece and 2 nephews hugged him for the first time when he was ready to go back to House D. They have always been afraid of “Uncle Chuckie”. The smile on his face was priceless. I cried all the way taking him home just because he was so happy! Everything takes time. Chuck’s speech is limited. He knows so much, and feels so much, he just can’t always communicate it. He is loud, babbles a lot to himself. Yes, we are always stared at when out with him. I don’t always care anymore! Believe me, you will have special times with Cooper! They will just be different times. No he won’t marry, or have kids, but there will be other things that have so much meaning to you both. Chuck is so much like Cooper from what I read on here. But I still grieve for my little boy and young man who I felt robbed of so long ago. Hang in there! Better times will come. They will come when you least expect them too!



  4. Blizzard on January 13, 2017 at 5:32 am

    I just wanted to thank you for posting. You are a lovely person and touched me deeply with your insights, your honesty, and sincerity. Thank you so much for sharing!