You are Enough Moms and Dads

As a mom to a little boy with severe, nonverbal autism, I spend more time than I would like to admit wondering if this is all going to be okay.

Will my son be okay and safe and thrive in a world that isn’t designed for him?

I wonder if I am doing enough for him? Heck, I wonder if I am enough for him?

And I’ve learned one thing.

At our darkest, lowest points in life, something beautiful will happen. Something unbelievable. Something that will rejuvenate you. Give you hope.

And remind you that you are enough. That you are doing the right things. And most importantly, that this will all be okay.

That happened for me last night.

I am sick with a cold. My baby isn’t sleeping. I’m exhausted. I haven’t slept through the night since my stepmom died in June which I know is the saddest sentence ever.

I swear my husband and I are on opposing teams. I feel like my dogs and kids have joined up to put me in an early grave. Blah, blah, blah.

Basically, life is happening.

The why doesn’t matter so much. That what happened does though.

My eye was watering. Like a water faucet. That’s a head cold for you.

My son Cooper, who I swear wouldn’t notice if I dyed my hair red or cut it all off, walked up to me, paused and studied my face.

He saw the steady stream of tears. He saw the tissue in my hand.

He reached his finger out gently, touched the tear on my cheek, and pulled the tear back to my eye. As if to put it away.

When he saw that wasn’t enough, he leaned in clumsily and gave me a huge, slobbery, loud, blowing out, Cooper kiss right on my eye.

And then did a little clap and twirl and ran off. Back to his pile of photographs, books and blankies.

He noticed. He saw me. He cared.

And that was one of the best moments of my life. Right there. That one pulled me out of my funk. And will keep me going.

You are enough moms and dads. Hang in there through the hard times. And look for the beautiful moments to carry you through.

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.