September 1, 2024
Camping in His Own Way: My Son’s Journey to Happiness
I often say having a son with nonverbal autism has given me the gift of sight.
Before him I didn’t truly see people or the world.
Now I do. I see the good and the kindness.
He’s also taught me that there is more than one way to live. To enjoy. To experience. To be joyful.
Cooper has been asking us, nonverbally of course, for weeks, maybe even months, to sleep in his grandparent’s camper.
He showed me videos on YouTube of camping.
He used his speech device to present a single button…camper.
And he even learned to spell the words and text them to me daily.
Camper. Camping. Grandma. Grandpa. Movies.
It finally happened last night.
His grandparents brought the camper to him. And after a very untimely unfortunate experience of keys being locked in the truck, Cooper got his camper.
And since they arrived he has been snuggled up, watching movies, in his favorite bed in the camper. His favorite part is having the windows open and feeling the fresh air. And watching all the shenanigans happen outside.
Often you’ll hear a giggle as he observes.
This is his joy.
He doesn’t care at all about fishing or campfires. He doesn’t like s’mores and hiking isn’t his thing.
But this place is his greatest joy.
I’ve learned as him mom that he gets to experience joy in his own way.
I’m not here to change that. I’m not here to change him.
He’s taught me so many things. Some would say my best teacher.
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.
