A little boy lives with a rare genetic disorder that has left him mentally and physically delayed.
Baldemar ("Baldo") Gregorio Hermudez is a little boy with a great big personality wrapped inside a tiny little body.
He is a hugger, and he isn't a bit shy; he loves people, and the more people there are around, the happier he seems to be.
He is also physically and mentally disabled; and all too often, people are left staring at him or making comments to his family.
When he was born, all seemed normal during the duration of his mother's pregnancy, but then, at the time of his birth, joy turned to incredible sadness in a matter of a few short moments. It was discovered that his head was smaller than normal, and he had abnormal-looking features, which hinted at the suggestion that something was wrong with the infant boy. When tested, it was found that he did, indeed, have some possible mental and physical concerns: he didn't respond as well as he should have been, and when he cried, it sounded like a kitten was in the room: it was high-pitched and weak, quite unlike the strong, lusty cry of an otherwise healthy newborn.
Further tests were run on the child, and it was soon discovered that he had a rare genetic disorder known as cri-du-chat syndrome, which caused significant physical and mental disabilities and accompanying health problems such as heart and lung disorders, smaller than norml head circumferance, and webbed fingers and toes. He would always be physically and mentally handicapped, but to what extent wouldn't be known until he got older.
He was behind in all his milestones of life: he didn't walk until he was three, and he didn't talk until he was three-and-a-half. He didn't sit up until he was six months old, and he didn't learn to feed himself until he was four. He was still wearing diapers at the age of five, and now, at the age of six-and-a-half, he had only recently mastered the art of potty-training and could now wear regular little boys' underpants without having an accident. His walking was stilted, and he was rather clumbsy in nature, but he was a very happy little guy with a jovial personality; and nothing pleased him more than to show off for his family or friends.
Baldo is the second youngest of four kids in the Hermudez family: he has a little brother, Juano (2), and two older sisters, Mercedes (9) and Mira, who is 11. Juano, Mira, and Mercedes are all healthy with no health concerns; and they dote on their handicapped little brother fiercly. They will do anything to protect him from harm, and they find no greater joy than to spend their time with him and try to make him laugh. For such a little guy, Baldo has a huge belly laugh, and they delight in his giggling.
Baldo goes to a special school for multihandicapped kids in their hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, and he is very well loved by the teachers and aides. He also has a lot of friends, and this year, he just started kindergarten. (He just started school last month, and already he is the most popular kid in his class.)
It is unknown as to whether Baldo will have any defects involving his heart or lungs; he has already been in the hospital twice with pneumonia before he turned four, and he has a low immunity to colds or other communicable diseases; so when sickness is running rampant at school, he will no doubt be watched over by his teachers, in case any signs of sickness should happen to hit him. He has to take antibiotics to help his body fight germs, and he also has to see his doctor every month, to make sure he is in tip-top physical shape. If he gets sick, he will more than likely end up in the hospital.
I have worked with children like him, and all I can say is to meet one is to meet a bit of heaven here on earth... unconditional loving is something only an angel on earth can give.. I see from your story he is one
Children love to sink their teeth into sweet and delicious fruit. This story and teaching will have them sinking their hearts into the Fruit of the Spirit.
