December 13, 2023
The Way He Brothers
I was rushing to get out of the house. Helping Cooper with his shoes and wrestling the baby into her jacket. Only she’s in that…‘I do it myself mama’ phase.
I filled water bottles and packed a bag and grabbed snacks. Made sure kids had hats and gloves and Cooper had his speech device and that I looked halfway presentable.
You know, doing all of the things.
Cooper, my oldest, who is autistic, was nonverbally letting me know that he was going to bring all hundred of his treasures.
Sawyer, my ten year old going on 16, was asking me for a bag because he wanted to bring his rollerblades to a place that didn’t allow rollerblades.
The baby was dumping Cheerios everywhere. And I mean everywhere. The dog was following behind eating them as he toddled. Crunch. Crunch. Giggle.
It was a afternoon I tell ya.
Getting anywhere with four kids can feel like running in mud. Uphill.
I sent Sawyer to the car while I wrangled the rest.
When I got out there, Sawyer said…’mama, I walked Cooper out here. I held his hand and helped him into the car. And I buckled him. You don’t have to mama. I did it for you. He’s safe mom.’
Tears.
See, he knows. He sees. He does. Cooper needs a hand held outside. He needs to be guided and encouraged.
Lately Sawyer and I have been arguing about homework and bedtimes and baths and talking back. But the way he brothers…
He is such an amazing human. All my kids are. They may fight and drive each other bonkers…but they protect. Fiercely.
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.
