Day 4 Derrick visits

I have to spread this out. I cannot bear the thought that we have only 2 more visits with Derrick before we must leave him for months.
This morning his personal physician came in to talk to us and give us detailed explanations of his medical history. It is pretty much the same as the written report we received, but he did say that he has a murmur that they consider "functional", and not in need of treatment. They did not do a chromosomal analysis on him, but diagnose Down syndrome based on physical signs. I'm sure he has Down syndrome. When we asked about his large belly, we were told it was due to Down syndrome. He was a very nice man, warm, welcoming and very positive about Derrick doing well in a family. I promised to send photos/videos of him feeding himself and walking.

We went outside where the wind kept us cool. He likes to just "be", to sit with us, chewing on the little ball we bring, allowing us to touch and massage his hands and arms, cuddling in from time to time, etc... He is just content. I LOVE IT. It is going to be so hard to say good-bye.

We took him back in and the staff had put his lunch in the room for us to feed him. We didn't even ask. I'm honored that they will allow us this time together to really start bonding with him. Did I mention how hard it is to think about leaving him?

Back to the hotel for Jim to work, then off to find lunch and a place to buy his additional snacks for while we are gone.  We will leave in a few minutes for our 2nd visit of the day.

Until later...

Mary