October 11, 2023
Beyond the Commercial: A Different Journey
This morning, while drinking my coffee, I saw a commercial. It was for some insurance company.
Perfect family, house and kids. The oldest graduating from high school.
The tag line said something like…”these are the moments we prepare for. The only moments that matter.”
I’ve been thinking about it all day. My mind keeps going back to it.
The only moments that matter…
First day of school. Getting a driver’s license. Graduation. A college acceptance letter. First job. A promotion, Marriage. Babies. Retirement.
But what if a person doesn’t achieve those moments? Does their life not matter?
My son is on a different path. His own really. He was diagnosed with a disability with he was 3 years old. The certains that we thought were promised vanished. And everything changed.
Where is the commercial for his life? For his moments?
He will most likely do most of those ‘big things.’ And that’s ok. Because he is still going to have an amazing life.
Our commercial would be about the transition from therapy to adulthood, finding a day program, taking public transport, volunteering, becoming an uncle, guardianship and someday transitioning to a group home. Those will be our big moments. And I’ll tell you this…they are not sad. They matter.
We have other moments too. Ones that will never make anyone’s ‘amazing moments’ list.
Last night he had his best night. Ever.
He asked me to sing the Itsy Bitsy spider and moved his fingers up the imaginary web. He ate a whole plate of spaghetti with a fork. Drank water from a cup without spilling.
He said his brother’s name so clearly, so perfectly, it took my breath away. He did a puzzle all by himself. He blew me a kiss when he went upstairs for bed. And when I went to tuck him in, he rubbed his finger across his teeth, reminding me that I forgot to brush his teeth. As if saying, ‘silly mama.’
I sat down after telling him I loved him and thought…this is it. He’s doing it. He’s doing all that things I dreamed of. These are the moments I prayed for.
His moments matter too. Even if they don’t measure up to the world’s version of what matters.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you they don’t. Because they do.
His commercial would be breathtaking if you ask me.
A boy, a teen, a man…surrounded by love.
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.
