I Will Not Miss my Son’s Life being Sad

There are a lot of things I allow on this page. Healthy debate for one. Constructive, respectful criticism for another.

Why? Because that’s how we all learn. We only know what we know. And let’s be honest, most of us are living in parenting bubbles.

I am not at an expert parenting level yet, even with three boys.

But, there is one thing I do not allow. It’s pretty simple really.

It’s criticizing the value of my child’s life. Or any other life for that matter. Autistic or not.

Sick. Ill. Sad. Not worth living. Hopeless. I read those words yesterday.

‘Ill. My son is ill. Sick. If I don’t take away his sickness then I don’t love him. I don’t care about him.’

I thought about it all night. Mostly because my baby woke up a few times but also because I chose to have a cup of coffee at 6 pm. Bad choice.

Anyhow, I read and reread the comments. I looked through my camera roll on my phone.

Three happy, healthy, beautiful boys. No sad kids. No sick kids.

And here is my takeaway.

If you look at my son, the one who wakes up joyful every morning, smiling, laughing and happy to be alive and feel sad…then you don’t belong here.

If you look at my son, the one who is learning to speak, the one who can read, and think, he is ill, he is broken, than this isn’t the place for you.

See, I wake up every morning with him. I drink coffee. He eats Cheerios. I watch the news. He watches his shows. We snuggle.

He points to the sun and shows me his favorite things. And I consider myself to be the luckiest mama in the whole wide world. I have a Cooper. Not every mom gets a Cooper.

And what I forget to do is look at him and think…you poor sick baby. Your life is sad. What a waste. Pity, pity. I shall be sad today….and I shall tell others to be sad about their children too.

Nope, not us.

This page is about celebrating the amazing milestones and achievements that come with severe autism. Riding in a cart. Eating a taco. Waving to a friend. Sitting near a baby.

Yes, we have struggles. I’ll never lie about that.

We have sad moments and tough days too. But you bet your backside I’ll find the joy. Because I made a choice a few years ago.

I will give my son his best life. I will celebrate him. I will treasure him. And I will push him every single day towards his version of independence.

I will not settle. I will have realistic hope. And most importantly, I will not be sad. I will not miss his life being bitter or angry.

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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, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.