May 4, 2023
They Live In Separate Worlds
I have four kids. My older two are 12 and 10.
Brothers.
The oldest is 12. He loves trains and DVD cases and bright colored paper. He is part fish and would live in the water if I let him.
He does not like sports. Not one bit. But he adores sitting in the sun with a queen sized comforter and a pillow.
My 10 year old lives for a party. He plays hockey and baseball and anything competitive. He adores babies and puppies and asking me for Roblox. Talks and staying up late and trying to grow up faster than he should.
They live in separate worlds most of the time. The cloak of autism wrapped around the oldest. Holding him tight. They don’t really understand each other. I can say that for certain. But there is love and adoration. A mutual respect.
I often say as a mom I’m straddling two worlds. Arms outstretched.
Practice. Play dates. Homework. White baseball pants to scrub. A negotiation for a cell phone.
Therapy. Miracle league. IEP meetings. Dora, Elmo, and vintage train movies. It’s a secret world full of color.
But last night their worlds overlapped.
An older brother watching the younger brother play catcher. A throw from home to third. And an at-bat.
Just one inning. That’s all he could do. That was his best. And I’ll tell you…it was more than enough.
The people. The sounds. The wind. The sun. A scratchy chair.
He has to work so hard to be in this world. And he did it. 17 minutes in total.
‘He came mom. I didn’t think he could do it.’
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.
