A Christmas Gift
Our Christmas in photos…For as long as I’ve known my son, trying anything new or different has been a no.
I have pictures to prove that at one time he tried foods sorta willingly. An adorable blonde haired baby covered head to toe in spaghetti sauce, the high chair tray speckled with some green vegetable.
But one day that all stopped. Almost seemingly overnight.
He would scream and cry at the sight of an apple or an egg. All but 5 foods were pushed away in anger. Substitutions were not allowed.
Around age three his rigidity went through the roof. He’d only watch mere seconds of a movie on repeat.
We couldn’t turn certain directions in the car. Most often left. One wrong turn would bring on hysterics. We couldn’t go to new places. Then we couldn’t go places we’d always gone. No new toys could be introduced.
He wore the same shirts and pants and shoes. Drank out of the same sippy cup.
Everything was a no from him. His, and our world, became very small.
As his parents we tried to push and pull back, walking a tightrope of sorts, fearing in a way what was happening. It felt like he was disappearing.
It was hard. But we know for him it was harder. Because something inside of him, invisible to us, was telling him no. But we didn’t know what.
Over the years we watched his rigidity reach an almost unbelievable level. But lately, in the last year or so, his world has started opening up. Age 9 was a big year for him.
It was the year he became willing to try. A new park. A new food. A new movie. A trip in the car with no real destination.
Today, for the first time in his ten years, he tried a warm, out of the oven, cinnamon roll. Of course he smelled it first. Touched it carefully. Inspected it for poison. He was nervous at first…and I was proud of him for simply coming to the table.
As his mom I knew he’d love it.
I was right.
He loved it. Even doubly high fived me after. That’s high regards from Coops.
It may not seem like a big deal to most. But in our world, any willingness to try is a gift. And if he actually likes it…well…that opens up his world even more. And allows his brothers, his parents, friends, to enter his world.
Like a bridge in a way. We tiptoe into his world of paper and trains. And he tiptoes into ours.
It’s so much more than just a cinnamon roll.
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.
