An adorable 2-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder surprised his mom during a supermarket visit. The toddler who is hard of hearing was caught on camera signing “I love you” to his mom for the very first time.
Crystal Kouri, from Los Angeles, California, is the mother of PJ, who was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues.
Due to his condition, teaching him sign language was a priority for his mother. She said, “Treacher Collins syndrome has caused PJ’s ears to be underdeveloped, resulting in moderate hearing loss.”
She further added, “We began sign language immediately as a way for him to communicate with wearing his hearing aid.”
One day in January 2020, as the little boy was on a trolley in the middle of the supermarket, he astounded his mom with the most precious message in sign language. He said “I love you.” Tear-jerking footage shows the proud mom returning the sign to PJ while also saying “I love you.” PJ then mimics her saying the three-letter word.
Although PJ is only 2 years old, he has already learned an impressive vocabulary of 250 words, both verbal and in sign language. However, what made that moment incredibly special and heartwarming was that it had been the first time the boy communicated those specific words. “Hearing him say and sign ‘I love you’ was as emotional and pivotal as the first time he signed ’mama.' I stopped right there in the supermarket to record him,” Kouri recalled.
Over the course of his life, PJ has undergone several surgeries. “His condition has caused him to have five major surgeries so far which have enabled him to breathe, eat, and grow normally,” his mother explained.
However, Kouri said, “That’s fine with me. I don’t care. I brush it off all the time.”
