Our Family Has Come so Far

One of the things I am practicing lately is reflection. Specifically, reflecting on how much has changed over the years. And how far our family has come.

See that boy on the right with the amazing smile and giant yellow egg? His name is Sawyer and he was 4 years old. He is 8 years old now. And this is one of my most favorite pictures of him. It was Easter morning.

I remember that Easter vividly. I remember handpicking every item for my boy’s baskets. I remember hiding every egg in the yard. I remember being so excited.

And then Easter morning came. Sawyer ran throughout the house and the yard gathering up eggs in his basket. He adored every gift the bunny brought too.

And when he was done he asked me point blank…’why doesn’t brother want to be my friend?’

I’ll never forget it. I felt sick to my stomach.

I tried so hard with Cooper, my older son. He was 6 years old then and didn’t care about Easter in anyway. Or gifts. Or candy.

I tried gathering his hand in my mine excitedly and motivating him to gather eggs. He refused.

I showed him his basket hoping he’d care. He didn’t give it more than a second glance.

I did everything I could to involve him. And for the first time, my sweet Sawyer noticed the differences.

He asked a lot of questions about autism that day. The most he had ever asked.

I prayed for grace and courage and wisdom to answer them correctly. It was a hard day. One that I will never forget.

See those pictures on the left? They are from yesterday. And that little boy has grown up so much. In fact, there is a third one in the mix.

As I watched the three of them run around the yard gathering eggs I felt the tears pool in my eyes. The egg dying. The unpacking of Easter baskets. The gasping over train magazines and toys.

The eating of all the chocolate before 8 am. The wrestling and giggles and joy. So much joy.

I am so thankful for change. For progress. For growth.

And for these three brothers.

I don’t think life is ever perfect. There are no perfect holidays. There is just real life.

Sometimes it’s messy and uncomfortable and sometimes it’s amazing and wonderful. And sometimes it’s all of it in one day.

Hold onto the happy moments as hard as you can. That’s what we do over here. The best we can.

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.