Preparing for Cooper’s Eighth Birthday

Cooper’s 8th birthday is just around the corner. It’s always a bittersweet time for me.

My boy is growing up. And yet, it’s a reminder of where he really is at cognitively, socially and emotionally.

It’s a marker in time. A reminder. He will be eight. And yet, he won’t.

A week or so ago, Cooper asked me for a party with ‘party, balloons, presents, cake, grandparents, Santa, Santa hat and Christmas tree.’

This is the first year he has asked me for a party.

The years before have been touch and go. Most recently we just celebrated at home with Jamie and I.

The years before those ended in meltdowns and self injuring behaviors. And tears on my part. So many tears.

Watching my baby scream while other kids enjoyed. All the years were Thomas the Train themed. If you look at the photos from year-to-year, the only difference is the fact that we’d aged.

Same people. Same cake. Same decor. No singing happy birthday…because it stressed Cooper out. No opening of presents…because it stressed Cooper out. Birthdays are hard.

But this year, he asked for a party. And I will give this kid the world. That’s a fact. But I realized as I made up the invite…I really had no one to invite.

Cooper is going to be eight. He’s never been invited to a birthday party. He has no friends. No kids that he plays with. He attends a therapy center and their names are protected by HIPPA.

Birthdays are hard. The emotions are harder. And by that, I mean my emotions.

I’m a big enough person to admit it. Birthdays are hard for me as the mom. But this year we are going to celebrate and give him the best day ever. His life is hard. Harder than most.

He’s turning eight. And we are going to have a party, balloons, presents, cake and grandparents. And friends!

PS. Look at how cute baby Cooper was! He’s been carrying this invitation around for weeks!

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.