Communication is a Gift
I think a lot about communication. More than the average person I’d say.
I think about how important it is. Vital.
For a person to be able to say their name and ask for help and tell someone when their stomach hurts.
I used to think communication had to be verbal. Because that’s all I knew.
But then I became a mom to a little boy who opened my heart and mind and ears to a whole knew world.
My son Cooper is now 11 years old. He communicates with sounds, sign language, a speech device, pictures, pointing, typing words in YouTube, and scenes from his favorite movies.
He has some words too. Only you may not know what they mean when he says them. Even his Dad gets confused between marshmallow which is Lucky Charms, milk, and more.
They all sounds like ‘mmmmmm.’
But I know the difference. And it’s the most beautiful communication ever.
When he was 2 and 3 and up to 8, he wasn’t able to communicate. Not really. And as a result, he suffered. He couldn’t tell us what he needed or wanted or when his head and hurt and while we did our absolute best to guess, I can say for certain we got it wrong sometimes.
I will never lessen the struggle and frustration that people who cannot communicate must feel. We must never forget that. Or the desperation of the parents.
I thank God every single day for my son’s progress.
Last night we had a babysitter. My husband and I went to a party for 4 hours. A much needed break.
Three of our kids went to bed and Cooper stayed up. He waited. For us.
He waited at the window. And in the living room. On the stairs. He moved throughout the house. Waiting to go to sleep but never saying why.
Our little old man who likes to be in bed at 8:30 pm every night with 7 blankets waited silently. For us.
Until he said…’MMM-O-MMM.’
My boy. Waiting in the window for us to get home. Not really understanding why we were gone. Or where we were.
He couldn’t last until 10 though. He had to go to bed.
When I kissed him good night I whispered in his ear…‘I’m home buddy. Mom is home.’
Communication. What a gift it is.
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. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and join our supporter page, Coop’s Troops, for an amazing community full of support and understanding.
