Cooper’s Treasures

See these things in my son’s hands? Most would probably call it junk. Or even garbage.

To my son…it’s treasure.

It’s nine pieces of construction paper.

Two pages from a calendar.

Four pages from a train guide book.

11 pages from a vintage train magazine.

12 empty DVD cases.

These are his things.

I told him to get ready for speech. He grabbed the necessities.

They go everywhere we go. They go to the bathroom and to his bed. From couch to floor. They eat dinner with us. And if he climbs in my bed in the middle of the night, these treasures are stacked next to my bed in a pile waiting for him to wake.

Typically he has his dad or I carry them for him if we have to go a long distance. Or up stairs. We always tease him. And laugh about how we should be paid to do all of this manual labor.

But we always help him. Why?

Because this is what makes him happy. This is his joy. His happy place.

Someone once told me to stop this. To stop his treasure collecting. They told me it was out of control.

We don’t care. Cooper’s life is so simple. And I can count on one hand the things that bring him true joy.

I am not here to take that away. Instead, his dad and I encourage it.

Joy. If only we could all find it in a pile of paper.

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.