Autism
Coop’s Troop Changed My Life
A few years ago I created a space…a space that I needed. A space for families like mine to come together online. We chat, laugh, cry, and support each other. Coop’s Troops has changed my life. I’ve made so many friends and met the coolest kids. And tonight we had our second family meet up at edinborough Park. It was so fun to watch our kids play and be themselves and for the parents to relax without worry. Because we all get it! Thank you to everyone who came. I…
Read MoreThank You for Taking Care of My Son
I want to say the hugest thank you to the amazing staff at Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists for providing exceptional care to Harbie today. He had ear tubes placed and his adenoids removed after suffering for quite some time with chronic ear problems. Over the years I’ve seen good, bad, and great medical care. Today’s was amazing. So much kindness for my son. If you are in the Minnesota area and need a great ear doctor, Dr, Karlan is the best of the best. As for Harbs, he…
Read MoreMoments in Time
There are these moments in time. They seem to slip by. As quick as they come their gone. I need to capture them, I think. I turn to look for my phone or camera, but something stops me. I forget the camera, the perfect picture. I return to the moment in front of me. My babies. My boys. They are laughing and singing and swimming and make believing. Soaking up the sun rays of one of their first summers together. Right before my eyes, they are getting to know one another.…
Read MoreExpect the Unexpected
As autism parents, I think it’s a steadfast rule to celebrate the little things. We are always working towards a better tomorrow, better outcomes, better behavior. Taking it one step and one day at a time. Only planning as far into the future as we can manage and controlling what we can. Praying that all our hard work, encouragement and love gives our kids what they need to succeed. Well, our lives are fairly, predictable. I have gotten used to expecting that he wants 2 peanut butter sandwiches for lunch…
Read MoreTomorrow is a New Day, but the Struggles Remain
Our house is dead silent. It’s the middle of the day and everyone is sleeping. Not just because it’s nap time, but because our entire family has to decompress from what just happened. The hour-long meltdown that just occurred on the drive home. This always happens. We can’t go anywhere anymore, without a meltdown on the way home. Even when I give warnings before it’s time to leave. It doesn’t matter if I warn him 5 minutes before or 5 times for 30 minutes. There will always be a meltdown.…
Read MoreEnjoying the Rain
Life has been extremely hectic and tough around here lately. My daughter, Opal, was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum six months ago, so we have been in and out of doctors’ offices, therapies, doing multiple evaluations for said therapies, and then our youngest, Lucy, has started needing physical therapy. That’s four different therapies, 5 times a week, totaling to about 32 1/2 hours. Just when I thought we were getting the hang of all of the things, life throws more lemons, and this time, they were EXTREMELY sour. I lost…
Read MoreA Picture Tells the Story, Doesn’t It?
Does a picture really say a thousand words? There is so much more to our story. It was the 4th of July. We were excited for fireworks, family, neighborhood fun. We planned ahead. Casadee has a friend sleeping over. I got them matching 4th of July outfits including accessories. Flag shirts, red white and blue necklaces, bracelets, patriotic tattoos, Stars and Stripes sunglasses, headbands. So hopeful. The neighborhood is throwing a block party. Waterslide, bounce house, face paint, games, raffles and food truck. The whole neighborhood turned out it seems. Kids running, laughing,…
Read MoreJoin Miracle League!
Cooper had a strong finish to the first half of his miracle league baseball season! He got on base 100% of the time. Gave hundreds of high fives. Threw the ball to his coach. Ran the bases. And enjoyed himself! And I got to watch as he played. Which sounds so simple. But for parents with kids like Cooper, kids who need more, we often feel more like teachers, nurses, and therapists than moms and dads. So tonight, for the first time, I got to wear my mom hat instead…
Read MorePlease Acknowledge People With Disabilities
People get really nervous around individuals who are non speaking. Or folks who use a wheelchair. Or who look different. I didn’t know that before I had my son Cooper. Before he led me wide eyed into the world of disability. Without knowing he showed me how a person can be invisible. A person standing front and center. Some of it’s subtle. The overlooking of a person. Some is not. And it’s hard to see. It’s hard to not get mad and sad and frustrated. Because I cannot think of…
Read MoreI am so Much More Than a Caregiver
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”.…
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