April 16, 2019

Success in Our World

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What does success look like in our world?

Success that would have NEVER happened six months ago…we would have had to get a babysitter for Cooper, split up, or skipped it.

Success is attending an outdoor Easter Egg hunt at our church as a family. And of course wearing a swimsuit because mom mentioned the word ‘waterpark’ this morning.

Being near a road and not running into it.

Waving at people.

Smiling.

Talking to people.

Sitting for a few minutes inside the church.

Safely wandering.

Going on the risers and pretending to sing…and everyone clapping for our nonverbal boy.

Using the public restroom.

Trying to open up every single door.

One child ignoring all 2,000 Easter eggs and the other one laughing and running with his friends and picking up 50.

Being in our community.

People seeing Cooper. Educating about autism.

Riding in the car safely.

Transitioning home.

It’s a good day. We had a blast.

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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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2 Comments

  1. Anne on April 16, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Cooper, are you wearing pjs and a bathing suit?! Can we be best friends please?
    Congratulations on all your success. Happy Easter!



  2. Maureen on April 16, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    Thank you for educating me on that score, Kate. Even though I’ve been following your story for some months now, it would never have occurred to me about the bathroom issue. If I had ever come across this situation and had a bad reaction to the situation , it would have been from ignorance not malice. Thank you.?