March 6, 2023
The Ones Who Don’t Bat An Eye
I saw them before they saw me.
Cautiously walking into the movie theater.
A mom. A son.
The boy was big. Taller than me. He had headphones on. His hands danced like my son.
He moved fast and slow getting the lay of the land.
I greeted her immediately. I knew she was with us. She was kind. She was looking for her people.
‘After our kids get older, it’s so hard to meet people. Once they are in their twenties…’ her sentence trailing off as she followed behind her boy.
This autism life. The beauty. The isolation. The needing to find your people. The worry when venturing out.
I felt the tears sting my eyes for a brief second. I was looking at my future.
A devoted mom.
A misunderstood man.
That’s why I started hosting these events.
I needed people to help me feel brave.
20 or so families coming together at a movie theater.
A sensory friendly showing of Sing.
Our kind of people.
Kids who prefer to sit on the floor and give hugs.
So much noise. Wandering too.
It’s the feeling of being understood.
And never having to say sorry.
‘We haven’t been to a movie in 20 years. I can’t thank you enough.’ That was the last thing she said to me before they wandered into the theater.
Find your people.
The ones who don’t bat an eye when you watch the movie from the ground.
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.
