April 2, 2022

My Son, Thank You for Teaching Me

Cooper 6

My son,

On this eve of April, Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, I want to tell you how proud I am of you.

I want to thank you for teaching me, our family, and even the world about autism.

I want to thank you for being patient with me as I settled into this unique life.

I want to thank you for being brave, determined and for being yourself. You are more yourself than any other person I have ever met.

I want to thank you for trying. For letting me teach you. For being resilient. For going out into a world every day that doesn’t understand you.

This is your month. A month to share your world, your gifts, your strengths, all of you, with the world around us.

So dance. Stim. Wiggle. Communicate however you can. Love trains and penguins and line up sheets of colorful paper.

Be you.

And go easy on your old mom as she reflects back on the really hard days. Because looking at this photo of you in music class yesterday, with your peers, has me feeling every possible feeling.

I am so proud of you kid.

You made it. You stayed true to you, to every part of autism, while navigating it all.

Thank you buddy. Thank you for teaching me.

I am walking into April so proud to be your mom.

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.

 

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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3 Comments

  1. Gail Lewis on April 7, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    I have ordered your book and started following your blog. My grandson Cooper is also autistic and nonverbal and will be 18 in July. His journey is so similar as has the journey of his parents and grandparents. He too communicates now through his iPad—thanks to his OT Aubrey. He loves swimming and puzzles, biking on a bike with his dad and pizza, pepperoni and water. He is happy and loving and a joy. Thank you for sharing your journey with your Cooper. I also saw your story on Today show this morning.



  2. Frances A. on April 8, 2022 at 4:31 am

    This is so beautiful..just the exact same words I would tell my son at this very moment..thank you 💜💙💚🧡



  3. Olivia on April 10, 2022 at 5:12 am

    My son is 5 and was diagnosed at 3! Will be buying your book tomorrow!!!! Thank you so so so much. If youre ever interested in turning it into and audiobook, i’m your girl.