A Beautiful Moment to Share with You

He smiled. Leaned his head onto my shoulder, and touched my cheek with one hand, telling me nonverbally to stop. To pause.

Good morning, friends,

I have a beautiful moment to share with you…

This morning, when I came out of my bedroom, far earlier than I would have liked, I knew my Cooper was waiting on the stairs for me.

For one I could hear train whistles and happy music. And secondly, lately, he’s been waiting for me more.

Near, but far.

Not close enough to touch, but easily heard and seen if I peek around a corner or under a table.

He gasped as he usually does when it’s been a period of time since he’s last seen me. As if it’s been months and not just a few short hours.

This kid often gets his nights and days a bit confused, so it was no surprise when I led him back to bed at 1 am this morning. We often meet in the middle of the night.

But now, daytime. The sun soon to rise.

He stood as I neared him. I noted his height immediately. He seemed like he got taller overnight.

He smiled. Leaned his head onto my shoulder, and touched my cheek with one hand, telling me nonverbally to stop. To pause.

He had something to tell me. This is how he communicates with me. When it's important, he touches me gently. Either on my arm or cheek.

I can still remember the beginning. Speech Delay. Developmental Delay. Autism. Severe. Nonverbal Autism. Intellectual Disability. Like dominos they fell over the years, piling up all around him. Until I said no more.

He is Cooper. He is uniquely himself. He is exactly who he is supposed to be.

And then I heard it.

Baby Bop singing from his iPad.

‘I missed you. I missed you so much. I'm so glad I get to see you again.’ A green dinosaur saying the words he could not.

And then he smiled.

‘I missed you too buddy. I’m glad to see you too.’

Communication can be so beautiful. Even when it's not words.

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Thank you all so much for being part of our community. When Cooper was diagnosed with Autism a few months shy of age four, I just wanted to find one other family like ours. One other child who carried the same diagnosis as him.

We knew no one. And there is a unique isolation that comes with that.

When I pressed publish on my first post on my Facebook page, Finding Cooper’s Voice, nearly six years ago, I never in a million years thought it would grow into this beautiful community. But it did. And it’s been such a blessing to our family.

When I give presentations I tell the audience, you don’t have to do this alone.

There is no medal given out at the end of life for the person who did it alone.

Please remember that. Find others who walk the same path as you. Whatever that may be.

If you are looking for a community, a place where you can ask questions, get and give support, meet other parents, and feel seen, please consider joining my supporter group, Coop’s Troops on Facebook. It has changed my life. And I bet it will change yours too.

Merry Christmas friends!

Kate and family

Autographed Copies of Forever Boy, signed by all Six Swensons are Still Available!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coop’s Troop ‘Snow Much Fun’ Day Retreat!

January 14, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Come Join Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice for a Coop’s Troop “Snow Much Fun” Day Retreat at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch! Participate in all the winter activities that Ironwood has to offer.

This day is about participating in activities and experiences as a family. Ironwood Spring’s goal is to “support Coop’s Troop in every way, and to make accessible, fun-filled experiences for all who live with autism and their families. These type of experiences give all of us opportunities to express creativity, to spend time as a family, and to develop life skills in so many areas.”

Cost: $60.00 for Adults, $50.00 for children. *$25 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation.

Registration: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=838&campCode=oez&idSession=369283

Forever Parents, An Autism Support Group

January 17, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Please join us at Forever Parents, an Autism Support Group with Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice. This is an in-person event in Woodbury, Minnesota for parents and caregivers of children (any age) with disabilities. This will be a safe place for caregivers to discuss their experiences and share resources. This group will also provide caregivers with information, training and tools, and assist caregivers in building a supportive network. And most importantly, gives parents and caregivers a place to meet one another and connect, share, ask, and learn.

Adults Only. All parents and caregivers welcome.

You must register by Saturday 1/14/23 with who is attending. There is a limit of 30 slots available.

Any questions please reach out to Theresa Duffy at theduffy1028@gmail.com

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4fa4ac22abfb6-forever2

Save the Date: 3rd Week in March. Date is TBD.