This is Tonito. He came to Love & Hope in April. I remember the first day that we met him, he had this cute little voice and was so sweet and playful. My heart melted the moment I saw him. It was love at first sight!
Tonito has cerebral palsy which makes it difficult for him to walk. He is able to take steps on his own and regularly uses two canes to help him get around. There is a rehabilitation center in San Salvador that offers hydrotherapy for kids. Tonio was on a waiting list for awhile but has recently started taking classes. I was able to take a lesson with him one day. It was so much fun because Tonio has no fear of the water, he just jumps in, smiles, and lets out joyful laughter the whole time! He is advancing so much in his skills as he learns to push off the wall and kick with just his legs. We can see how much his therapy helps him because he has been walking so much better in just the 6 months he's been living with us.
Last week, I rode along with the team of people who took Tonio to visit his grandmother, sister and uncle. His older sister has a very similar personality. They both greet everyone they see with big smile and a cheerful, "Hola!". It doesn't matter if the person is a complete stranger or someone who they've known all their life. The two of them tossed a beach ball back and forth while we visited. Their laughter made tears come to our eyes as we watched them play. When I think of "joy" I think of Tonito!
Today I took him to my neighbor's son's birthday party and at one moment he leaned over and kissed my forehead and said, "Kelly, preciosa!". He is so incredibly adorable. I love spending time with him because he is so joyful and seems to make the most of every opportunity he has. I have a lot to learn from Tonito, his sweet and positive attitude warms my heart and encourages me.
