Disability Shouldn’t Mean Lonely – Finding Cooper’s Voice

Big things and little things.

Would he ever be able to talk?

Would he make friends?

Would he learn to drive a car? Go to prom? Have a job?

Would he ever live independently?

Goodness I worried. And wondered. About everything really.

His story had no clear answers.

He’s fourteen now. A teenager. A freshman at our local high school.

So many parts are as I predicted they would be after we heard the word autism for the first time.

Some are better. Some are harder. But mostly it’s just our normal.

Lately I have found myself longing a bit. It was Home Coming this past weekend.

I knew there was a parade and a football game. I glanced at the dress up days but Cooper opted not to participate in those. I saw photos of dance invites and dresses on my Facebook feed.

But we did have something wonderful happen.

I hosted a picnic for families like ours on Saturday.

Our people gathered for pizza and fruit and connection. And laughter. So much laughter.

At one point I looked over and noticed Cooper was sitting next to his friend Dexter. Both are considered ‘nonspeaking’ but for different reasons. Both are autistic.

I watched them laugh. They were looking at Cooper’s phone. They were being silly.

I watched Cooper hug Dexter. And Dexter place his hat on Cooper’s head.

I couldn’t hold back my smile. And my tears.

Not once in fourteen years have I ever seen my boy be so present with a friend.

Goodness this parenting disability stuff is a rollercoaster. I won’t deny that.

But the good parts. There is nothing better.

I’m so thankful for this boy Dexter. He is such a good friend to my son.

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.

Read more blog posts on Finding Cooper Voice here.