August 22, 2024
Standing Up for Gus Walz: A Mother’s Plea for Kindness
Today, after nearly ten years of sharing about autism, hoping to shatter stigmas and lessen fears around those who are different, it finally happened.
I lost faith in the internet.
And let me tell you, prior to today, I’ve seen some stuff. Stuff you probably wouldn’t believe. Awful, demoralizing stuff.
But today, I saw the worst.
And as a disclaimer, please know this is not a political post. Anyone who knows me knows I’d rather start my eyelashes on fire than post about politics.
This is a post about humanity.
This is about the disgusting bullying of a teenager. A kid. A child.
Gus Walz.
See, Gus is my son. My son is Gus. Only different of course. No two people are the same.
And my son carries a diagnosis of severe nonverbal autism. I don’t know if Gus has a diagnosis and truly, honestly, it doesn’t matter. Not really. Not when we are talking about kindness. And humanity.
My son is 13 so a bit younger than Gus.
But watching him last night, and this morning on the news, and then throughout the day in my newsfeed, I saw my own yellow haired boy.
His name is Cooper. And he feels everything deeply. And he shares his feelings with the world.
He’s not afraid to cry. Or hug. Or love. He holds my hand too. Honestly, he probably always will.
He also does this thing where he touches my arm when he’s trying to tell me something important. And when it comes to love, he will touch his forehead to mine. It’s like winning a million dollars every time it happens.
See, he’s not afraid.
It’s unbelievable really. As if he hasn’t been hardened to the evil in this world. Not yet anyways.
And I swear he can hear and see and feel things the rest of the world cannot. There is a tenderness to him.
Is it his autism? Or neurodivergence? Him? Or a combination?
I don’t know. I just know he is good. And worthy. And the bravest person I know. Unapologetically.
And the cowards?
Well, they are the trash that bullied and teased a teenager for being real.
The posts I saw today were almost unbelievable. Gross.
Kids should be off limits. Full stop.
So I’m going to say what needs to be said.
Gus, you are amazing dude. Just like my kid. You have this gift of inspiring people just by being yourself. And that scares weak people. I see it all the time. Differences scare them too.
Never change. Not ever. Do not let the hardness of this world break you. Stay true to yourself kid.
I hope my boy Cooper grows up to be just as brave as you.
-Cooper’s mom, who happens to be a proud Minnesotan and an even prouder mom of an autistic child.
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.
