Doing Our Best

Tonight, my middle son and husband had their first baseball game of the season.

It was a big night for both of them.

Jamie coach pitched and Sawyer was the catcher. Double trouble if you ask me!

At 39 weeks pregnant I knew if I wanted to see our team play I was going to need some help.

My oldest and my youngest keep me on my very swollen toes. Thankfully I was able to call in some help.

On the way to the game, Cooper began playing an episode of Dora on his iPad. The episode where Dora hits a home run with her sidekick Boots.

And then patted his chest and said ‘mmmm-eeee.’

I did my best to explain that his baseball season starts in June and this was brother’s game. But I knew he didn’t understand.

He ran on the field like I knew he would. He waved to his dad on the pitcher’s mound. His brother gave him a high five. He dropped to the ground when it was time to leave.

And I talked him through it. It wasn’t a crisis. It was a 2 minute situation that we had to work through.

We got a lot of stares and a few smiles. And then he was done.

We were given grace. That’s all we can ask.

We visited the park after. And I got to watch Sawyer bat three times.

By anyone’s measure it was probably a failure. By mine, it was a success.

Cooper did his best. Sawyer had a great game. I chatted with friends. I got my steps in.

And we taught a whole crowd of people about autism. And held our heads high as we educated.

That’s all we can do.

I made the decision a while back to not hide anymore. I don’t whisper autism or avert my eyes.

Instead I smile, even if I feel like crying. I answer questions. I take deep breaths with my son and sit when we need it.

We do our best. And keep going.

It’s paying off. Maybe next time we will last longer. That’s all I can hope for.

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.