Conveying Love Nonverbally

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Since Cooper was a baby, he has always touched my face. He will do it to get my attention or to show me something that’s important to him. He will do it when he’s excited, when he is sad or happy. It’s his way of communicating. He does it even before vocalizing. He always has. It’s our thing.

This is how he shows me love. He will run up to me, motion for me to bend over, and palm my cheek with his hand. Sometimes, it is just for a second. Sometimes, it is for a minute. I never rush him. I just wait. Today, he was watching the history of The Great American Railway on my lap. He held my face for a minute or so.

I just want to add there is nothing quiet about Cooper. Nothing gentle. Nothing still. Except, when he touches my face. Some days he does it daily. Some days, I wait for him to want to show me love again. I never take it for granted.

If you research what it means to touch someones face, the literal definition is, ‘wanting to convey love nonverbally.’

Well, that’s quite literally the definition of our lives. Conveying love nonverbally.

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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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