We are a family of five, Jose (Jojo) 5, Maria Citlali 14, Luis Damian 16 and my husband, and I.
Jojo was born one week after my oldest turned 11, and just I day before my 37th birthday. I remember my daughter, 8 at the time saying “mommy, you got the best birthday present- Jojo was born”. My oldest made the comment later that we had waited so long for Jojo. Thinking he meant waiting the 9 months, I responded with “yes, 9 months had felt very long” but he said, “no mom, we waited years”. I didn’t let him see that that made me tear up. I realized then that the feeling I had had of finally feeling like we were complete, was shared by all of us.
Jojo has Down’s Syndrome, something we didn’t find out about until he was born. Yet, it’s not what I think about when I’m asked to describe him. Jojo loves to be the center of attention. He is energetic, funny, kind, loving, smart, a prankster, oh and of course- addicted to pizza. He loves not only eating it but making his own. He has so much to give every single day. Which is good because things don’t necessarily come easy for him.
His low muscle tone means everyday tasks are just a little harder. From getting dressed to brushing his teeth to chewing his food and speaking just to name a few. For this reason, he goes to speech, physical and occupational therapies.
This doesn’t slow him down though. He loves to go hiking, play soccer, baseball, basketball, you name it, he’ll go for it. The way he doesn’t give up when something is a little challenging reminds all of us that we can give a little more.
Location: Cobb County