My Son, You Are Kind

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‘Thanks for coming to my conferences mama.’

Of course buddy.

‘Did you like my owl? They are nocturnal. There is a girl I like. I’m going to ask her on a date on the last day of school. Then if she says no I won’t have to see her for the whole summer.’

That’s seriously genius. But you are too young to date.

‘I’m not doing for very good in reading. I’m trying. I need to stretch the words more. But it’s hard for me.’

You are doing just fine honey. We are going to practice more. After school.

‘My writing isn’t that good either. But I like to write. A lot. I like to write stories. Last year when I drew a picture of my family I didn’t draw Cooper. You were sad mama. This year I drew both my brothers. I love them.’

‘Mama, do you ever wish I was special? More special? Like Cooper? I’m just sorta ordinary I guess. Cooper is good at reading. At least I think he is.’

Buddy, you aren’t ordinary in anyway. You are EXTRAORDINARY.

And you know what your teacher told me? That you are so helpful. And so kind. The kindest boy she said.

I have a secret for you Sawyer.

You will learn to read. And learn to write. But you already have something really special.

Something that makes you different. You are kind.

And many people never learn that. Because it can’t be taught. It comes from inside.

‘Really? Being nice is way easier than reading!’

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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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