July 9, 2021

I am so Much More Than a Caregiver

Ryan 2

A couple of my friends, Finding Cooper’s Voice and Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice, started a campaign called, “More than a Caregiver”.

Proceeds from merchandise sales go to help people that are well… Caregivers. Caregivers, but so much more.

It got me thinking…what does “More than a Caregiver” mean to me?

I’m a “caregiver” to our two boys, and I might be forever. I have hope that they will be able to do things on their own, and we are working on that.

But, I’m so much more than a “caregiver”.

I’m a husband.

I’m a father.

I’m a son.

I’m a brother.

I’m an uncle.

I’m a cousin.

I’m a friend.

I’m a mechanic.

I’m a plumber.

I’m a gardener.

I’m a handyman.

I’m a teacher of kindness.

I’m a spider getter person (Of course that’s real).

I’m a monster fighter.

I’m a storyteller.

I’m a musician (Mostly Baby Shark, and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, sometimes rock and roll).

I’m a professional swing pusher.

I’m a lifter upper (This one is real too).

I’m a kids paramedic (Kisser of boo boos, and medicine giver).

I’m a GIANT toy.

I may need to care and provide for my kids forever, and I’m OK with that.

The only thing that matters to me is that my kids are happy and healthy. I will do everything in my power to make sure they are happy and healthy for as long as I live.

My boys mean the world to me, and they make me proud every day.

I am more than a “caregiver”.

I’m a Dad!

#fcvblogsquad#autism#autismacceptance#brothers#prouddad#morethanacaregiver

Written by, Ryan LeFevers

I am a father of two autistic boys. Parker is 5 years old, nonverbal, and has a global developmental delay. Dustin is 2 years old and semi-verbal. I am coming up on 14 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, 20 years together, and we are very proud of our boys. You can follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram.

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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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