A Leap of Love

The couple began looking for a family to adopt Justin, whom they sometimes referred to by a Chinese nickname that means "light." They saw a profile for the Curtis family through an adoption service and were drawn to Barbara's background in Montessori education and the family's religious beliefs.

By then, the Curtises had adopted Jesse, who was placed in foster care at birth, and Daniel, who was born to a couple that considered abortion but could not agree on it.

When Catholic Charities called to tell her about Justin, Barbara initially hesitated. She was 52 and had four children younger than 9, three with disabilities. But she agreed to meet the Lis.

Now, the youngest member of the Curtis family is an affectionate 8-year-old who wears stylish size 6 bluejeans and wire-rim glasses.

Li and Lai visited Justin last month with their daughters, ages 5 and 7. Thanks to an open adoption agreement, they have made the trip from Taiwan several times, first to California and then to Bluemont in western Loudoun.

At a gleaming oak table set for 10, the Li family ate beef stroganoff and broccoli and drank milk with several members of the Curtis family. Barbara updated the visitors on Justin's progress. "He is playing soccer," she told them. "He is learning to read and to count to 100."

"To 100, really?" Li said, impressed.

After dinner, Jesse, the shyest of the brothers, retreated to one corner of the family room to flip through a picture book, while Jonny, known in the family as "The Mayor" for his larger-than-life charisma, entertained the guests. In one moment, he was an old man hobbling across the dining room. In another, he was a swaggering fan at a high school football game, where he volunteers in a Viking costume as the mascot.

Justin played Chutes and Ladders on the floor with the girls and then went upstairs to click on his Everly Brothers CD. He tapped along on a yellow-and-blue plastic drum, while Daniel sang a version of the song full of melody but few words, and danced in his pajamas. Step by step he moved happily to the music and grabbed Li's hands to dance.

Li said the visits are helpful.

"It gives me peace of mind to know Justin is doing pretty well," Li said. "He is learning. He is growing. It helps me sleep better at night."

Coming soon: As people with Down syndrome live longer, caring for them is becoming more complex.