I’m Thankful For You: My Daughter, An Advocate

(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Amy Herbert and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.) This November I want to honor and thank my daughter Isabelle Rose Herbert: Our son Ben’s smallest (yet biggest) advocate. Our daughter Isabelle was our first born. She was speaking in full sentences by 18 months and was (and is) such a rule follower. Just as perfect as a baby and toddler could get! She is just an all around amazing, smart, kind, and compassionate human. There was a reason God…

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I’m Thankful For You: My Son Parker

(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Alyssa Hartwell and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.) This November I would like to thank my son Parker. There are so many people in my family’s life that I am thankful for but before I get to my specific thank you, I want to tell you a little bit about our family. First, we are from Canada. My husband, Steve, and I are parents to three beautiful boys. Parker is five, Aiden is almost three, and Finn just turned…

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Dear Mom, I Read Your Letter Today

A few days ago I shared a letter I wrote for my son Sawyer. You can read it HERE.  It was a toughie to share. It was brutally honest. It was real. And I really put myself out there. I purged every ounce of worry and self-doubt that I have about raising an autistic child alongside a typical child. Let’s get something straight. Cooper is an amazing little boy. He is funny and sweet and brings more joy than I can put into words. But…it’s different for me. I am…

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A Letter To My Other Son…The Sibling To A Special Needs Child

My little peanut, Today is your fourth birthday bud. How can that be? I look at you running and jumping with your friends and it’s hard for me not to cry. You are amazing. I am so proud to be your mom. I need you to know that. I want to tell you a few things. I know you won’t understand them now. And that’s OK. But someday, when mom is old and grey, I want you to read this letter. I want you to know I am sorry. And…

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