Happiness Looks Different for Everyone

A profound moment for our family was letting go of the picture in our head if what it was supposed to look like.

Timelines. Must do’s. Picture perfect moments. Obligations. Stress.

I suppose you could say expectations too.

We let all that go. It was a hard goodbye. Because as people, humans, parents, we have this picture of what life is supposed to look like.

We expect certain things. Big and small. We want things to go a certain way.

Holidays are a big one.

And autism changed them all for us. We have challenging moments. We have amazing moments.

We’ve learned so much over the last ten years with this kid. We’ve learned when to push and pull back. When to try harder and when to let it go.

Because it’s about happiness. And good golly that can look different for every person. Remember that.

We just celebrated an early Christmas with my family.

Cooper ate peanut butter toast and strawberries. He opened his presents early with his brothers. He picked up every single piece of wrapping paper after because he dislikes a mess.

His favorite present was a pack of train postcards and train themed stationary. He beamed with joy. He was done opening halfway through. Then gathered up his things to take some quiet time alone upstairs.

Happiness.

It’s a beautiful thing when you can find it and take it all in.

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.