Autism
More Than a Caregiver
My dear sweet boy, I love you, and I thank you for being so patient with me right now. In this new season of hard I want to be the best mom, but right now it feels like I don’t know how to be your mother at all. I promise, I’m trying. Thank you for forgiving me, for loving me through, and for granting me grace as we walk through this hard season of our journey. I’m asking all the questions, looking for all the resources. We are actively working…
Read MoreTo the Caregivers, You are not Alone
My good friends Kate at Finding Cooper’s Voice and Amanda at Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice, have started a campaign called More than a Caregiver. They are raising money so they can help give special needs caregivers free therapy sessions. It’s so important for special needs parents to know that they have somewhere to turn when it gets tough, that someone understands them and that they are not alone. I’ve been interviewing a lot of moms this last year. One thing they all say is that the pandemic has helped people…
Read MoreWe are Parents First
In the summer of 2020, I developed hives. It started with one on my hand, then a couple on my arms, and the next thing I knew…my whole torso was covered. The current heatwave, of course, wasn’t helping but having been in the air conditioning, I knew that wasn’t the cause. It was at the point of no return, the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet were riddled with splotches of itchy red bumps, that I called my local urgent care. A telehealth visit with a…
Read MoreToday I Will Trust
I get so scared sending him anywhere alone. But I have to trust. I have to trust in good and kind and grace. I have to trust that people will know the yellow haired boys name is Cooper because he won’t be able to say it under pressure. I have to trust that they will ask him if he wants a drink of water because he won’t think to ask. I have to trust that they will wipe his mouth after he eats and adjust his waistband after he goes…
Read MoreA Brave Day
Let me tell you about a boy. A boy who at ten years old shows more bravery than most adults I know. But his bravery looks different so most overlook it. He has very few words. Not much for conversation. But his eyes…they tell a story. If you listen to him. Patiently. If you don’t rush him. And wait. He will tell you. If you don’t talk over him. Or speak for him. He will tell you how he hears things louder than you. And smells the faintest smells. And…
Read MoreThe Wild Ones
Some kids are just mischievous. Wild. Busy. Exasperating. They see a puddle and have to jump in it. A glass of water and have to dump it. A counter and have to climb it. They see a toy and immediately want to know how it works. How it’s wired. Taking it apart becomes vital. What’s it made of they think. They see mail and need to know what’s inside. A package becomes a possibility. It could be a Nerf gun or a monster truck or ice cream. They must know.…
Read MoreThe Gift of Sight
One of the unforeseen blessings in the world of autism is the gift of sight. I get to see who the good guys are. The people who see him, really see him, and choose to learn and understand… The people who wave and smile… The people who fall in love with him for the amazing kid that he is… The people who help him when he’s struggling… The people who treasure him… Today was haircut day. Haircut day is challenging and scary and a whole lotta other emotions. Thankfully, our…
Read MoreI Don’t Want it to be the Last Time
My sweet baby will be 5 weeks old tomorrow. I am right in the thick of it…the hard season of no sleep and around the clock nursing. She’s leaping as they say and the two of us watch the sunrise together before my other three toddle down the stairs one by one. A few days ago I shared how the exhaustion was getting to me. How momming 4 kids felt like too much on no sleep. And a dear friend of mine messaged me and said…‘during those hard exhausting moments…
Read MoreGoing Fishing
Our goal this summer is to do stuff. Yup. You read that right. We want to try new activities with our kids as a family. For so long, Coops was unable to try most things but lately he is so interested in trying! So we made a bucket list of sorts. Today…we fished. The worms went over the dock twice, it was insanely chaotic, but it was super fun! Cooper was able to reel a fish in too and tried to kiss it which gave us all the giggles. Sawyer…
Read MoreCongratulations Dylan!
Congratulations to my nephew Dylan on his graduation from high school! We are so proud of you! We definitely spread all of the autism awareness at the party. Cooper did his best and that’s all that any parent can ask for. And we will try again next time. Because that’s how we learn. Now it’s time to rest because this mom and dad are exhausted. Back to Minnesota we go. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting…
Read More