Posts Tagged ‘Special Needs Child’
He Did It!
He did it! He did it! He did it! I think horse therapy is in our future?! Up next is zip lining! The boys are having so much fun. I have to say the best thing about this place is the relaxed vibe. No pressure. No lines. No judgment. The number one reason why we can’t go places is the crowds. So remove that and success is inevitable! Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges…
Read MoreGood Morning From Camp!
Good morning from camp! We are just getting started! Everyone slept. Mostly. And everyone ate pancakes and sausage. Mostly. And everyone is having fun! Horses and laser tag are up first. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch 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…
Read MoreCoop’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 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 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 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…
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