June 16, 2023
He Loves When We Are Together
Last night my son Cooper was listening to a song on his iPad.
The tune was familiar. In fact, I bet I’ve been hearing the same song on and off for eight plus years.
I was doing something in the kitchen when he came in.
My four year old was hungry.
My toddler wanted bubbles.
My kitchen was dirty.
And here comes my son, dancing.
He touched my arm for a second. Then a second longer.
He forced my attention. He smiled. A smirk really.
And he touched my ear.
That means listen in his world.
So I stopped what I was doing.
I stopped making and cleaning and rushing.
‘Every animal talks in their own special way.’
That’s what the song said.
When the words registered, he touched his own chest. Then lips.
Then my lips.
And smiled.
He was telling me he talks in his own special way.
Nonspeaking autism. Nonverbal autism. Call it what you want.
Then he growled. Like a polar bear in the song.
How’s that for talking in your own special way.
I’m so lucky to have a person in my life who demands that I slow down. And dance in the kitchen. And listen with more than my ears.
I’m pretty sure my nonverbal boy just convinced me to take a road trip to the Hesston Steam Museum and The I Love Toy Train Store. Both are in Indiana. He wants his whole family to go. He loves when we are all together.
Which makes me smile because so often I only hear the fighting and see the mess. Not him.
He loves when we are together.
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.
