Good Vibes

My oldest son Carter, cruising the beach

I noticed that there was a group on the cruise traveling together.  On several occasions I had noticed members of the group having a great time.  I think before Daisy was born I would have been less likely to notice, but since she was initially diagnosed with the genetic disorder Trisomy 18, I have developed more of a soft spot for people with such challenges.

I am not sure where they were from or how many were in their group, but many of them were apparently born with Down’s Syndrome.  Down’s is a genetic disorder in which there are three of the 21^st chromisome (Trisomy 21.)  There are only supposed to be two of each of the 23 sets of chromisomes.   Trisomy 18 children who manage to live a while can have similar features to Down’s Syndrome.

After the Legends show, we came out, still in costume, to greet our adoring fans.   One young man in the group yelled to me, “Elvis! Elvis!” 

I smiled and waived.

A moment later I received a tap on the shoulder by a woman in the group.  “Could you please pose for a picture with my friend?”  It was the same young man.  He was a big guy,  Down's Syndrome with a great big smile and thick glasses.

I put my arm around him and she snapped a few shots.  “Thank you, Elvis!”  And he wrapped me in a huge bear hug.  I wish I had that picture to post.

Daisy sees through my disguise