The Little Brother and the Big Brother

There is 8 years between these two. 10 and 2.

The little brother and the big brother.

I know the facts.

The little ones spoken language passed up Cooper’s months ago. He has a hundred words. He uses full sentences.

When the younger one leaves home, Cooper will be 26 years old. A grown man.

The baby doesn’t know what autism is. Or even that on paper his older brother is nonverbal.

They have never, not once, played a game together. Not in a traditional way.

And their Dad and I know that there will most likely come a day when the little one will watch the older one.

There is sadness in there. There is so much beauty too.

But I also know there is so much than than facts. There is what we feel and know in our hearts.

These two are inseparable. When we are home, they are together.

The little one drives Cooper crazy sometimes. He takes his things. And moves his piles of treasures.

But if the little one gets a treat, he always gets one for brother and brings it to him with so much excitement.

Cooper may have few very words, but he tattles on Harbor constantly. But not in a mean way. More so in a ‘mom, look at what he’s doing NOW’ sorta way. He yells for my attention and then points and surely every time the baby is about to dump out a glass of water or splash in the dog dish or has a sharpie marker. It never fails. Cooper has his eye on him.

And just last week at an aquarium, Cooper reached his arm out to stop Harbor when he got to close to the railing. He knew it wasn’t safe.

And just moments ago, Cooper found mail. He loves mail so much. He grabbed the box and made a beeline for the junk drawer with the scissors.

The baby immediately yelled…’no scissors Cooper! Not safe.’

8 years difference. And yet they have this relationship where they orbit around each other, both understanding that the other needs a little help now and then.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two. They have so much to teach each other.

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.