Real Joy

Can I tell you about a boy and his secret, amazing world.

And joy.

He is ten years old. His name is Cooper, although we mostly call him Snoopy Joe.

He loves bright colors and snow and music and waving.

He also loves Christmas.

He doesn’t talk much. In fact, on the paper in my drawer it says he has level three, severe, nonverbal autism and an intellectual disability.

There is more too. It’s a lot. He has a file. I don’t look at it much. Only when I have too.

It makes me sad I guess. It’s so much weight to put on a little person’s shoulders.

And people forget that he is Snoopy first.

He’s also very busy. He has big, big plans.

This morning he started playing Christmas carols on his kindle. He found an episode of Barney and Baby Bop decorating a Christmas tree.

And he decided to have Christmas in February.

He found some old ornaments, ones destined for the Goodwill, and placed them around the house. So we added in a tree for him to decorate.

Please go watch my Instagram story (Findingcoopersvoice) and prepare to fall in love.

This kid has a hard road ahead of him. Heck, most have counted him out because of that file in my desk drawer.

And yet he lives in a world where it can be Christmas whenever he wants.

He has real joy.

And a family that believes in him and his world. Merry Christmas! Maybe this time around I will get my Christmas cards out.

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.