Our Biggest Day

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Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot of firsts for my son Cooper.

Tonight, was the biggest one yet.

He and I sat and watched an hour long flag football game together. He sat. He watched the timer. (Two 25 minute half’s is a long time!)

He waved at his brother who was playing.

He held my hand.

He asked my 486 times for trains. And we were present. Together. A family of five.

This wasn’t just any first. This was a first we have worked towards every day of his life for 7 years.

Every. Single. Day. I laid the foundation to get the older brother to the younger brother’s games.

For so many years it seemed impossible. And over the years I didn’t necessarily give up I more so adjusted our goals.

The game was Mount Everest. So we focused on listening. On safety. On sitting. On being present. On not running. On not screaming. On not rolling. On not self injuring.

Today, we climbed our mountain. He and I. And people around us probably had no idea that this was our biggest day. Ever.

Life is funny like that. Others seemingly typical moments are our huge ones.

When we got to the car after I felt the tears spring to my eyes. Because there were many a day when I thought this would never happen.

Hard work. Determination. And love.

Good job kid. I’m so proud of you. Thank you for never giving up.

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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