Fred From Florida

I know Mr. Fred has nothing to do with Santi, but many of you that visit and pray for Santi aren't from Florida and I thought you might like to see our clothesline friend. Mr. Fred is very social, likes to watch us hang clothes on the line and impress us with his florescent green color. Samuel (2) thinks he looks like an alligator.

Double Booked...

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

We’ve had some interesting developments since securing the surgery dates for Santi! Santi’s older sister, Cilicia, who will be turning 19 this summer, is having surgery on the very same day as Santi’s halo placement……in the same hospital…..in the same operating room……….and in the same recovery room!

We discovered that Cilicia has one dysfunctional multicystic kidney that needs to be removed. It is amazing that she has been functioning with one kidney all of her life without our knowing about it. She was experiencing some trouble on that side and after several tests with our family practitioner, we were led to have an ultrasound, which revealed the problem.

Please pray now for BOTH brother and sister teaming up at Shands on June 30th! We know that God is indeed faithful and merciful to us and that this situation has fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. We anticipate Cilicia and Santi being used of the Lord to give testimony of God’s dealings in their lives through this unusual circumstance. At first, we were taken aback by the “double booking”, but realized that it is a blessing. Santi will have his beloved sister with him. Of course, both will need our care and attention, but they will have each other.

Needless to say, we Hurons are keeping watch here at home and are readying ourselves for some major convalescent care!

Surgery Dates for Santi

We would like to thank all of you for praying for the perfect timing for Santi's surgery. Praise God we now have two dates!

The first surgery date is June 30th for the placing of the halo; he will be in traction for six weeks until August. Santi will be in a wheelchair at all times except for bathroom breaks and for sleeping.
The Lord has been at work for Santi for some time concerning this surgery, the wheelchair that Santi will be using all these weeks was donated to Santi from another little boy who was scheduled to undergo the same halo surgery, but decided to change hospitals, leaving the special made wheelchair without an owner. (God knew that) This wheel chair is a good many thousands of dollars.

The second date, August 18th, is for the actual back surgery. Lord willing, Santi will be in the hospital for a few days and then will be able to come home for the remainder of his healing and another few weeks of traction.

Santi is very excited as he realizes that his prayers have been answered. Every once in a while he will get teary eyed remembering things from previous back surgeries...something about Santi is that he has the most remarkable memory and will recall events and days long gone, with articulate detail. One thing you could pray for Santi is that he will have a peace and trust in God... no worries, no fears.

Please pray for Santi's weight these last few weeks before June 30th, we'd all like him to be as strong and healthy as he can be!

A Day in the Sun

Our family was able to enjoy a beautiful day at a secluded island in Tarpon Springs this week. Jon-Michael enjoyed conquering the horseshoe crab and bringing it back to the shore for all to see...maybe one or two screamed when the poor thing was released at their feet! Digging in the sand, catching small, slimy things, playing with sea weed...what special, sweet memories.

Santi Blueberry Picking

This time in Florida blueberry's are ripe! What fun everyone had in trying to find just the perfect berry...

It's Santi's 10th Birthday!

It's a special day, because it's Santi's birthday! He is now 10 years old!

If you want to leave a birthday blessing, just leave a comment...

Ice Cream and Peanut Butter

We are still waiting to hear from the hospital about a date for surgery. About a month and a half ago, we took Santi in to see the surgeon that will perform the surgery and he strongly suggested that Santi gain at least ten pounds before the operation. Ten pounds would help cushion the sensitive vertebrae and hardware in Santi’s back and bring about a better outcome for healing. We decided to place Santi on a concentrated diet majoring on high calorie intake. Anita and Cilicia did some research online and discovered calorie counters and many recipes for high calorie foods that Santi could eat to help him gain weight. Santi has always been challenged to put weight on; together with his high metabolism, he’s had issues with reflux and spinal pain that have all contributed to a light appetite and lower weight.

Now, after success with the recipes which include lots of ice cream shakes, sour cream, and extra butter on his toast, he has gained 3 pounds since we started at the beginning of January! We are so thrilled! Santi knows he has to be diligent with his eating. The girls set a timer to let us all know it’s time for his snack. He eats 3 regular meals throughout the day, but also 3 extra large snacks in between. His favorite is peanut butter spoons!

We continue to watch him for signs of pain as he doesn’t ever tell us when he’s hurting. Usually after a long, strenuous day of activity, we know to give him a Motrin tablet to relieve the pain and discomfort in his back. It helps him to rest easy. Long walks or long play times are getting harder for him.

• Please continue to pray for Santi as he deals with increased curvature and consequently more pain.
• Pray for the doctors and nurses that will perform the surgery that their hands will move with surety and gentleness.
• Pray that his spinal cord will be protected during the surgery and even afterwards preventing any nerve damage, which is a great concern.

Thank you again and God bless each of you as we hear of your love and faith in Jesus; for continuing to bring us refreshment through your prayer and loving concern for us.