Keep Moving Forward

So, I am sitting here, once again thinking about progress. And how important it is to stand still and reflect on much can change in a year.

See, we stood still for years in the progress department. Any movement felt backwards.

As a mom, I simply could not figure out how to get us moving forward. I felt like I was beating my head against a wall at times.

But time, it has a way of happening. And all of a sudden, I look back and realize, we are in a whole new place.

Yesterday, Cooper and Harbor and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. (I swear the baby was happy !)

An actual walk. We took our time. We stepped in puddles and touched license plates.

We visited our neighbor and Cooper went inside to grab a few pieces of paper. With her. I was able to stand still. Not chase.

After, he even let me talk for a while. And he wore a hat the whole time.

On the way home we chatted about geese flying south, Christmas lights and what a good job he was doing. He grunted and pointed.

I jabbered the whole way of course. We gasped and giggled. Because that’s how we communicate.

I prayed for this. Communication doesn’t have to be words.

After, I took the boys on an errand. We stopped and got gas. Did you know for almost 8 years we couldn’t get gas with him in the car. It wasn’t safe.

We couldn’t stop at stores or run errands or turn left. We could only go on familiar roads. Stop lights were awful. Going anywhere was hard.

And yesterday, I stood outside my car and pumped gas while Cooper played on his Kindle and the baby sat in his car seat.

And me, well, I used to be called the doom and gloom mom by a few lovely followers. I apparently talked about our reality with to much negativity.

I’m not sure if I agree with that but I will say, I am amazed, and in awe, of how much progress this kid has made in a year.

Have hope parents. Know that if you keep working, and demanding the best for your child, and pushing, teaching and hoping, change will happen. Not overnight. But eventually. Because none of us stand still. Not forever.

Just look at us. A gas station. Waiting calmly in the car. A walk. Wearing a hat.

These are the things so many parents take for granted. Not us. We work on them every single day.

Keep moving forward.

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.