They Have A Story to Tell Too
I have three sons.
Most of you know Cooper. He has two younger brothers.
A lot of folks ask about them. They want to know why I don’t share them more.
Some are asking sincerely. Some equate photos on Facebook to love. Letting me know that I love my other two children less than Cooper.
I don’t feel that’s true but what do I know I guess.
I’m not expert in parenting, that’s for sure.
Sawyer is 7 and Harbor is 2.
They are both exhausting and amazing at the same time.
I joke that Sawyer is my favorite because he sleeps 12 hours every night. But please know I am only joking. I have a different favorite every day.
The reason I don’t share more about them is because people are mean.
I get tired of hearing how I must not love Cooper because I spend time with my other two children alone. Or vice versa.
Or how I’m a terrible mom because my youngest has longer hair.
Or sometimes, people will say I’m only here for autism. And how they don’t care about my other children.
Sigh. It’s hard to win these days.
But despite all of that, I do want to share more about them. Because they each have a story to tell too.
Today, Sawyer, Harbie, and I went to our friend Seeley’s house to make gingerbread houses. Cooper was invited too but he decided to stay home.
His anxiety is on the rise over wanting to become Dora the pirate. He can’t quite understand why he can’t be her. It’s a lot of pressure on this old mom. I mean I have skills but that ones out of my skill set.
He also doesn’t like creating anything messy or intricate. Or sitting. Or being away from home. Too much pressure I tell ya.
And finally, he has been known to climb in an adult’s bed once or twice and roll around. Even explore in their bedside drawer and mortify me beyond belief. He also likes to go into bathrooms…when others are in them. (Sorry neighbor David. Your secrets are safe with Cooper.)
So, he stayed home with dad and we ventured out. Just the three of us.
The boys had a blast. I prepared Sawyer that Seeley is a lot like Cooper, but different. Mostly because she is a REAL LIVE mermaid.
He had so many questions. How does she breathe? Will she have a tail?
On the way home he asked me about her autism and why she gets to talk. I explained to him how every person’s autism is different and how lucky are we that we get to know so many amazing teachers in real life. I also explained how kid’s like Seeley and his brother are changing the world simply by being themselves. I mean…a mermaid??!
Please go follow FlanaVille to learn more about Seeley. She will open up your world to so much color.
It was a great conversation about autism. The kind I wholeheartedly encourage.
We had so much fun today. And when we got home, Cooper was waiting at the door for us. Yes, he missed us, but he also wanted to eat the roof off of the gingerbread house his brother made for him. And give us a big pirate ‘AARGH’.
It was a good day.
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.
