December 1, 2022
He Had Never Once Asked for Something
My son Cooper was 7 years old when he first asked me to buy him something.
Imagine that. 7 years it took. Prior to that he had never once asked me for a toy or movie or game.
We were standing in line at Target and he saw the movie Cars on the shelf.
He pointed. He gasped. He jumped. He may have been nonverbal but there was no doubt what he was asking.
We watched Cars for weeks straight. He even slept with the dvd.
His twelfth birthday is next week.
We’ve been counting down the days for months.
He wants to invite friends. Family. He wants presents, 10 to be exact. Cake not cupcakes. Decorations and balloons.
And he wants the party at his favorite train store. I know all of this because every single day we talk about his birthday.
I ask questions. And he answers with a yes or a no.
Today he brought five birthday invitations to his new school for his classmates.
I don’t know their names. I don’t know if my son has gotten to know them. Or even if there are friendships blooming. I honestly don’t know if they will come.
Autism. The mysteries run so deep. There is so much I don’t know.
But I do know that every morning we stand at the calendar and count down the days. And that he watched me fill out each invitation.
And as I watched him walk to the bus, hand in hand with his dad, I let the joy of this life wash over me.
We are having a birthday party.
And yes it will be different. But in no way less.
9 sleeps until party day.
This piece was written by Kate of Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of Forever Boy.
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.
