I am One Lucky Mama

A few days ago I had an ITP meeting for Cooper at his ABA Center. We talked about behaviors, evaluations, speech, and goals.

We talked about how great Cooper is doing. His overall behaviors are down but the duration is up.

We talked about holds, and kicking, how his favorite thing to work for his colored paper, and how his SDQ and CASII scores have improved.

We chatted about emotional problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and so on.

These meetings are required for him to maintain services. They are important. They are necessary.

They aren’t always fun. And not because of anything said or done. I love his team. But because they can feel clinical sometimes.

And sometimes, I feel sad. I feel overwhelmed. Talking about behaviors, hitting and kicking is tough. I don’t always want to know what’s going on.

Today, I volunteered at Sawyer’s track and field day.

A totally different type of school experience.

We held hands, ran, played Duck, Duck, Grey Duck, did a potato sack race, and had ice cream.

I watched all the kids walk in lines. Sit in circles. Play. Participate. And enjoy themselves.

I watched Jamie and Sawyer race around the track.

I listened to them all talk and be excited. I marveled at their conversations.

I was the mom who stood and watched. I snapped pictures. I relaxed.

At one point I saw a few boys on the spectrum. Hands covering their years. Vocal stims.

I saw them do great. I saw them struggle. I saw them meltdown.

I felt drawn to those boys. I know that world well. But today was different.

Today was about Sawyer. And enjoying him.

I am a mom with two very different children. I have a foot in two very different worlds.

Some day I hope they come together. But right now, I don’t know if they will. I can only hope.

I am one lucky mama.

I have a Sawyer and a Cooper. Both amazing. Both trying and succeeding. Each doing it their own way.

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, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

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