Cooper Cochran

Cooper Rodrick Zion Cochran born 11-18-08 came into this world two weeks early weighing in at 13lbs. 2.8 oz; yes 13 lbs this was no typo.  Knowing already I was going to raise this baby alone I was ready for this challenge and excitement in my life. Cooper has two older siblings whom was from a marriage that ended in divorce. They have regular involvement with their dad. I liked the idea that all Coopers life decisions are made solely by me and I knew we were going to be very very close. .

August 30 th 2010 is a day that changed my life forever. Cooper had been running a fever for two weeks off and on but not constant and no other symptoms that led me to think he was ill. I thought he was getting his two year molars. It was not until he came home from daycare the Friday before that I found several bruises all over his body.  I immediately called the daycare and other parents whose children go to the daycare, but determined it did not happen there. I was scared. It wasn't long after being in the doctors office that following Monday that we knew the cause of all these symptoms. All the doctor had to do was put his arm on my shoulder and I fell apart. I was alone and scared and sad and assumed that with a diagnosis of high risk Leukemia it automatically means my son will die. They gave me one hour to go home and talk to my older two kids and pack some things and get to the hospital. To this day that was the hardest conversation I have had to have with my kids. I am a single mom of three great kids. They all have their own set of issues. God trusted that I can handle these obstacles and I have and do. My 13 year old son has severe ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive disorder. Over the next two days I must have received nearly 60 text messages asking if his brother was going to die. It was hard on all of this. The wondering and waiting and hoping and worrying. I have always had a lot on my plate. I have always had a level head. Coopers change in personality has taken a harder toll on me than thought. I hate that he is on so many medications. It kills me that he is not the same patient, quiet, loving baby. I know it is not his fault at all but it hurts to see him in a different light. Day one was tough but I have been driven ever since to find ways to keep my kids world from falling apart around them.  I cant afford to lose the apartment or my car, but I haven't been able to work. It is really tough. If it is out there I have inquired about it. I am just in the early stages of this fight. Real talk I am scared. I am worried and I am stressed.