To the Parents who Admit it’s Hard

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To the parents who say it’s hard. And talk about the hard.

The ones who don’t hide. Or lie. Or fake it. But instead learn from it. And let the hard make them stronger. I see you.

To the parents that have figured it out. Or at least figured it out enough.

Thank you for helping others. For supporting and lifting up. For answering a midnight text saying, ‘I can’t do this anymore. ‘And reminding them, ‘yes, you can.’

To the parents who don’t judge. Who offer a hand, dinner, a glass of wine or 15 precious minutes to shower. Or simply say, ‘I understand, it’s not fair.’

I thank you.

To the parents who never, ever give up. The ones that have found strength they didn’t know they had.

The ones that operate on a level of exhaustion that most wouldn’t understand.

The ones that wear more hats in a day than most people do in a life time. Advocate, doctor, therapist, nurse, teacher and caregiver. I understand.

To the parents that don’t treat life like a competition. And know there are more ways than one to do something right. Thank you.

To the parents who inspire. Who cheer others on. Thank you.

To the parents who have lost themselves along the way. Who wonder who they are now. And who they will become. Who wonder if they are more than their child’s disability.

I am you. We are you. And this is your place.

Thank you.

We will support you. We will raise you up. We will defend you. We will go to bat for you. We will laugh and cry with you.

This is your place.

Welcome home.

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.

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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