I'm writing this on Tuesday, May 10th, early afternoon. I just received the following update from Karma about our grandson, Antonio:

The surgeon just came to where I was waiting and said that he was all done with Antonio's surgery. He said that he did not have to cut out the bone, but was able to correct it! Which meant- shorter time (in surgery) and less blood loss!! Tonio is in recovery and doing good!! Tomorrow he starts walking!

We are obviously rejoicing that this part of Antonio's journey is over. Now, on to recuperating and healing.

He just celebrated his 14th birthday this past Friday, 5/6....it hardly seems possible! He was such an adorable little guy (see photo above, taken when he was three) for a long time.......but somehow, our beloved oldest grandchild, Antonio Felipé Pina, is now taller than his Grandma White!

He was very embarrassed when his female cousin decided she wanted to kiss him....

He loved diving into Grandpa's ice cream cones....

...but today, he is facing back surgery. The orthopedic surgeon will work to correct three hemi-vertebrae Tuesday, May 10th, in a 7-hour surgery session beginning at 7:30 AM Pacific time. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for Antonio, for the doctors who will be performing the surgery, as well as for Karma, Antonio's mother, during the time that Antonio is in the surgery suite as well as the days following during which time she will constantly be at his side.

Thank you for being someone very special to us, and for praying for this precious child of ours!