The Best Things Take Time

I get asked a lot about the sibling dynamic in our autism world. It’s honestly probably one of the topics I am asked about the most.

It’s also one of my favorites to share about.

When Sawyer was 9 months old I watched him fall completely in love with his older brother Cooper.

When he was 2, I watched him chase behind him, following as closely as he could only to be ignored.

When he was 3 he asked me why his brother didn’t talk.

When he was 4 he asked me if his brother hated him. He asked me if he could have autism too so he could be like Cooper. He asked me if God was still making his brother’s voice.

I felt like they were two ships in the night. So different. Their paths rarely intersecting.

At age five he drew a picture in kindergarten of our family and forgot to draw his older brother.

And time went on. As it does.

I watched them figure each other out. Sawyer helping and advocating. Cooper teaching and loving.

And yesterday, Sawyer brought home is writing sample. He wrote about Cooper and me.

Time. The best things take time. Time to grow and become.

I recently stumbled upon the Māori definition of the word autism. Takiwatanga. Translated it means ‘In one’s own time and space.’

I fell in love with it. Cooper. Sawyer. Me. Our family. We all settled into autism in our own time and space.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two.

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.