My Greatest Gift to This World
My Son,
I’ve been awake a lot the last 3 weeks and that has given me a lot of time to think. You wouldn’t believe the clarity that comes at 4 am.
I’ve decided that when my time is done, and someone is writing up the story of my life, and listing my greatest accomplishments, I want them to list you first.
You. The yellow haired boy who made me a mother. The boy who overcame. The boy who persevered. The boy who conquered. The boy who gives the gift of sight to the scared.
See I get the honor of sharing you with the world. Do you know how special that is?
When I heard the word autism for the first time I was terrified. I was told everything you would never do. I was told everything sad and hard and scary and dangerous.
I wasn’t told about the joy. The laughter. The courage and bravery.
You are changing that kid.
When a parent googles autism now, they see you. They get to read about how you communicate with movie scenes and go to school and learned to buckle your seatbelt. They see a boy who learned to dress himself and go for walks and even speak words. All much later than you should have.
The see hard work. They see hope. You my son are the light for parents. And I get to walk alongside you as you shine.
You kid. You are shattering every stigma and quite literally lessening fear.
If I would have had this you ten years ago, my goodness it would have all been so different.
Thank you. Thank you for being mine and for teaching and learning and paving your own way.
I won’t lie. I’m scared a lot still. I probably always will be. But the light you shine for others leads me through.
‘Katie Marie Swenson lived a long beautiful life with her family. Her greatest gift to this world was the boy who smelled like the wind and inspired the world.’
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.
