I’m Thankful For You: My Amazing Daughter
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jennifer Hood and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
This November I would like to honor and thank my 24-year-old daughter Keegan. Or as she is known in our home, Sissy. I’ve raised an amazing daughter and I want her to know how truly thankful and appreciative I am for her.
A little bit about our family. My husband and I have five children total. His, mine, and ours! They range in age from 4 to 24. When my 4-year-old Zayden was born I knew something was different about him. He didn’t play or engage with me like my oldest two did. I made an appointment to have him evaluated at 18 months but there was a long waiting list. I called them everyday for two weeks straight until they got tired of me and got him in. He was diagnosed with severe autism.
Our whole world changed that day. It’s almost like the world stood still. It broke my heart into a million pieces. I spent weeks angry at the world.
My daughter Keegan has been by my side since the day he was diagnosed. She told me, ‘Mom, it’s going to be okay. You are the strongest woman I know and I know you can do this. I’m going to help you.’
Taking care of Zayden is very challenging. Our whole day revolves around him. Keegan has given up her life to help take care of her brother when she should be off living her life. Going to concerts with friends and enjoying the freedom of her 20’s but she’s not. She helps me every second of the day and worships the ground Zayden walks on. She is helping me give him his best life. I couldn’t be more thankful.
She’s the one that constantly tells me, ‘Mom, I know it was hard today but tomorrow will be better.‘ She’s wise beyond her years I tell ya. I don’t think I could do this without her.
Every time we go somewhere I see little ones younger then my son doing something cute or talking and it kills my soul. I’m heartbroken every single day. I can relate so much with all that you say on your website.
Thankfully, Keegan is always there to make me feel better. She is the most selfless person I’ve ever known. I honestly couldn’t do it without her. Working with Zayden has even inspired her to become a Registered Behavior Technician and now she’s on her way to become a BCBA to work with other autistic kids just like her brother. She is also the only other person that my son will let watch him. He loves his sissy so much. She helps with the housework, gives him a bath every night, helps put him to bed, and gives me breaks when needed.
She is by my side no matter how tough it gets. We’ve have cried many times together when autism gets the best of us but together we are strong.
Thank you Keegan. You are an amazing daughter and I want you to know how truly thankful and appreciative I am for you.
You can still nominate the doctors, therapists, teachers, friends and family that make a difference in your special needs world. Click HERE to learn how!
