Tearing Down the Walls

I read a quote a while back that told older moms to be the friend they needed when they were younger.

I think about it often in relation to my kids.

My son Cooper is 10. He was diagnosed with autism 8 years ago. And later severe and nonverbal and a whole lot of other words were thrown into the mix.

And overnight our world got a lot smaller. It seemed to shrink. It seemed to go on without us. And yet my son was exactly who he was born to be. He wasn’t broken or damaged. He was Cooper. A boy who needed a little more from the world at times.

The early years were so hard. Me, my husband, our family and friends, we had a lot to figure out.

And for many of us, it wasn’t a straight path. We had to stumble, fall, and learn to stand back up. We had to become invincible and build up walls because we had a little boy to protect.

I want to tear those walls down now.

I want to be the mom and friend I needed 8 years ago. That’s my goal. I want to create the world we needed too. One with people who high five little kids and don’t mind being hugged. One filled with kindness and understanding and noise and laughter.

And color. So much color.

Our family just hosted a movie for families like ours. I smiled the whole time watching kids like mine stim and wander and ask questions. I got lots of hugs. And thank you’s from parents.

There was no shushing or shame and no one batted an eye at my own son who watched the movie sitting on the floor. He made it through the whole entire movie. My boy. He did it.

Create the world you need moms and dads. And fill it with the people who understand your life.

And you will never have to say you are sorry again.

Thank you Woodbury 10 Theatre for the hospitality. And thank you to every family who joined us. I know it’s not easy to go out into the world. But you did it! We did it.

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.