He is Made of the Wind

‘It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms the child.’ – unknown

There is something about being outside that makes life better.

For all of Cooper’s life, we have made being outdoors a priority.

And I don’t mean busy parks or commercialized places. I mean the woods. Fields. Lakes. Deserted trails.

See, we tried going where the people were when he was younger. When he was first diagnosed with autism. We tried so hard to make it work. But he never quite understood what to do in those places.

If there was park, he ran from it. Happier to wander the perimeter watching the children play. It there was a busy beach with families building sandcastles, he would find the farthest spot away from everyone and sit and watch the sand fall from his hands repeatedly. As if he saw the beauty in every grain.

I didn’t see it. I couldn’t see what he saw in the leaves or the sand or the clouds. But he did. And I knew he needed more.

I think that’s why he always smells like the wind. He is made of it.

Over time we started to fall in love with the imperfect weather days. Rainy days didn’t stop us. We explored and touched and moved at our own pace all while decked out in raincoats and boats.

Same goes with winter. We bundle up and head out while most hibernate inside.

These boys throw snowballs and turn sticks into swords and hunt for turtles and point out strange animal poops.

Some may look at us and think we are lonely. Because of autism. And maybe I used to think that way too.

Those first steps I tell ya…away from the world I knew, into Cooper’s…they were the hardest for me.

But look how it turned out.

Go outside parents. Away from cars and lights and chaos. And watch your children come alive.

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.