Be With the One Who Gets It

Be with the man who holds a leg in the delivery room.

Who helps hold your boob when you are sobbing over trying to get a newborn to latch at 3 AM on day two.

Who thinks you are beautiful despite the baby weight.

Be with the person who changes diapers. And I don’t mean just baby diapers. The one who will change them long after age 2 and 3.

And coaches t-ball and goes to every hockey game and Miracle League Baseball Game.

The one who gives your babies a bath. And administers meds. And nebulizers. And ear drops.

And puts gas in your car. And checks your tires and oil.

Be with the one who listens. Who laughs at your jokes. And laughs at you when necessary.

Be with the one who stays. Who refuses to walk away. Who stays no matter how hard you push away.

The man who holds you when you hit bottom.

The man who bends down and fixes your sons waistband and makes sure his face is clean. The man who understands dignity. And why it matters.

Be with the one who refused to believe something was wrong. But went to the diagnosis appointment anyways. The man who never left. Even when it got really hard.

And the one who looks at forever with you, knowing it means caring for a baby long after a parent should.

Who looks at retirement and old age knowing it’s different than it should be. But is in it forever. And does it with a smile and a whole lotta grace and humor.

Be with the person who sets the bar for parenting. Not every man could do this. Many walk away. Some even run. But not him.

I watch him wipe mouths, bottoms, cut up chicken nuggets, wrestle and hug our babies.

Happy birthday to my guy. The best dad ever. The one I can’t get rid of. And the one that loves me and our babies more than I ever thought possible.

Thanks for being on this ride with me dude. Here’s to another 41.

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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