I have a little brother named Robertito (his real name is actually Roberto, but we've always called him "Robertito"), who is nine years old; and he has a lot of medical problems.
First and formost, he was born with Down's syndrome. Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting in an extra chromosome that causes numerous physical and mental symptoms in those affected. He is mentally handicapped, and he also has eyes that tend to slant in an upwards tilt; and his tongue seems much too large for his mouth, resulting in significant speech problems (plus he tends to drool). His nose has no bridge to it, so it appears to be flattened in appearance, and his ears are abnormally small. He also has short, stubby fingers and toes, and he is rather short for his age (not to mention, stocky; a lot of people with DS are heavier than average). He also has a bad heart; he had his most recent heart operation just this past year--and he nearly didn't make it; he "coded" while on the operating table, and the doctors and nurses had to work hard to bring him back. He can't run around like most little boys his age because of his heart problems; and he often has to be on oxygen at night when he goes to bed.
In addition to his mental disabilities, Robertito has cerebral palsy and walks with braces on his legs and with forearm crutches. He
tends to turn "spastic" whenever he gets excited, and his speech becomes even more difficult to understand. He also drools worse than before. It's disgusting. His nose also tends to run, and someone is always having to chase him with tissues, so they can clean his face off. (It's NOT pleasant seeing mucus dripping from his nose, especially when people are trying to eat!!)
Because of his mental retardation, Robertito is more like a three-year-old: he is just now learning to write his name, and he is just now learning the basic colors. He is also learning to dress himself (but oftentimes comes downstairs with his clothes on backwards!). He is also learning to interact with people other than his family and is now attending a school for mentally handicapped kids.
Robertito is quite unpredictable in terms of his behavior: one never knows when he is going to spout off and lose his temper. He also loves to monopolize any conversation by singing out of tune and yelling as loud as he possibly can--just so he can get the attention. Going out to eat with him is always an adventure. We are always having to keep close tabs on him; otherwise, he might wander off. (And with his heart problems being the way they are, we don't want to lose him, for fear he might have trouble and end up dying as a result.)
Robertito is also unpredictable because when he is mad he will use his crutches as weapons. He wil hit anyone who gets too close to him when he is in one of his angry moods. (I know--I have been hit with a crutch a time or two; I have the black-and-blue marks to prove it!) We are trying to teach him that he is NOT to hit ANYONE at ANY TIME, and that hitting others is BAD.
Robertito is Mexican by birth, and he was born in Mexico, near Monterrey. His hair is blue-black and shiny and straight (and it has a mind of its own), his eyes are big and black, and his skin is a lovely olive-tan color. He speaks both Spanish and English (but seems to prefer talking in Spanish). He loves all music, but he seems fascinated with Cajun music. He loves the sound of the Cajun accordion. And at times I have caught him trying to "play" my accordion (and then I get mad at him because I am always afraid that he is going to break it). At any Cajun festival we go to or any time we see a Cajun performer in concert, Robertito will be there, in the front row, singing his little heart out, and he will try to attempt to "dance". He always seems to enjoy himself and have a great time! It's also the same whenever he hears tejano or Mariachi music (and it's probably because it reminds him of his former "home" in Mexico).
Robertito is a great little brother; he seems to get along with everyone, and he is a great little hugger. Hugs and kisses are never in short supply when it comes to Roberto!! :)
I just wish he wasn't so unpredictable in his behavior, and I just wish he'd learn to wipe his nose......
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