See Our Kids

See that man on the left there?

He stopped by our home today to do business with Cooper’s dad.

When he walked in…Cooper gasped. And pointed. And waved.

Now knowing my sweet boy, I know that he will continue to wave until said person waves back.

Sometimes, people don’t notice him because he is unable to speak. Or they are busy. Or they get uncomfortable by the bigger eleven year old boy waving so intently. I’ve seen it all.

So, I often gently say…‘this is Cooper and he is autistic. He loves waving. Can you wave back?’

And just like that, the confusion is gone, and people usually wave back.

We celebrate autism and differences here. We bring Cooper to the forefront. We don’t whisper or hide.

But today was different. Something beautiful happened.

First, the man kindly waved back.

And then my sweet boy ran up to him, engulfed him in the biggest bear hug, pulled his head down, and gently kissed his cheek.

Cooper’s dad and I held our breath for a second.

The man didn’t skip a beat.

He smiled and returned the high five that Cooper immediately asked for.

And when he left, he sought out my boy and high fived him again and patted him on the back. He didn’t have to do any of that. But he did.

Now I don’t know if this man knows autism, or that this exchange brought tears to my eyes, or that he received an amazing gift today.

Or that he chose to see a boy who is invisible to so many.

But I know. I know how huge this was.

When Cooper brings you into his world, it’s a gift of epic proportions.

See kids and adults like Cooper. See them as equals. That’s all that parents like me pray for.

For people to see our kids with kind and patient eyes.

I am thankful for kindness from this man today.

And I wonder if he went home and told his wife or partner or someone about the yellow haired boy with no words who showed him so much love today.

I’ll never know….

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.