December 7, 2022
Thank You For Seeing My Boy
A few weeks ago, my husband and I sat around a table with five educators, and four on zoom, discussing our son’s education.
He was starting at a new school. Mid year.
The one he was at prior didn’t work out. I will be bold and say he wasn’t wanted there. He wasn’t liked. I could fancy it up and put a bow on it…but, well, why…
As we discussed the transition, and it came time for me to talk, I said…
“I don’t care about educational goals right now. I just need him to have a place that wants him. A place that he is happy going too. People who like him. Who treat him well. That recognize that he is just a boy.”
See, I was broken down. It happens sometimes, in this disability parenting world.
Our kids feel like numbers. Data. Funding. A box to be checked.
And it guts us. As parents to kids who beat to their own drum, we get wrapped up in all the nevers and cants and wonts.
And if it happens enough, if we are told enough bad things, we start to wonder. We start to doubt.
But he’s just a boy. He’s so much more than an excel spreadsheet. More than a 13 page document.
He’s Cooper. Nothing more, nothing less. A boy. My boy. A boy who is loved and treasured.
Yesterday was his sixth day at his new school. His birthday.
They decorated his locker.
They baked a cake.
He rode a scooter bike.
They had a party.
They sang happy birthday.
Our friend’s daughter held his hand.
He is happy.
He safe.
He is accepted.
He is included.
He is loved.
He is welcomed.
He is just a boy who turned 12 yesterday.
‘School is nice.’ That’s what he typed to me.
I will never be able to thank the people who treat him like a person first enough.
Never. And that is a very humbling thing.
So, I will say it here.
Thank you for seeing my boy. That’s all that I ask.
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.
