Seeing their Future

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These two. Brothers. Cooper was barely two when Sawyer was born. I had so many ideas of what their relationship would be like.

So close in age. I thought they’d be best friends. I thought they’d play nonstop.

Like so many parts of life…what I imagined didn’t happen. Their relationship has always been unique. Lots of ups and downs. Lots of confusion for Sawyer. Cooper is mostly oblivious to him. They rarely interact.

They seem to lead separate lives but do acknowledge that the other one seems to live here too.

But we are working through it. And Jamie and I are hopeful that someday it evolves into something special for both of them.

Today, Sawyer was with me when I picked up Cooper from therapy. Due to scheduling that rarely happens.

Sawyer, the baby and I were waiting in the lobby when Cooper was brought out.

He saw Sawyer and broke out into the BIGGEST smile. He ran to him. Hugged him multiple times. And showed him to his therapists.

My heart burst.

As we left, my arms were full with the baby and I said to Cooper…’you can hold my hand or brothers.’

At 8 he still needs to be held onto when walking in the community. He’s a runner.

He picked Sawyer. And they walked hand in hand to the car, through the parking lot, ahead of me.

The younger brother guiding the older brother safely to the car.

In that moment, I saw something more beautiful than I ever thought possible. I saw the future of their relationship.

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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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