Message from Uncle Robby

[raycastile]

Andy might kick my butt for bringing this up in a public forum, since he's been pretty private about it until now.  But oh well, tough.  I'm in Sao Paulo where his boot can't reach me.

His daughter, Mia, is having a very serious operation Tuesday (unless the schedule has changed).  How serious?  VERY serious.  Andy can elaborate if he wants.

This is a sweet little girl who calls me "Uncle Robby," even though she knows my name is Raymond.  I am definitely looking forward to seeing her when I return!

If you are the praying type, say a prayer for Mia.  If, like me, you are not the praying type, then just send her some good thoughts and give Andy your moral support.

Thank you!

[Mego73]

Done and done! Hoping it works out good for everyone involved.

[capt.hendry51]

No problem Ray.  My wife and I were not blessed with children of our own, but we have many nieces and nephews who are near and dear to us.  Best of wishes to Mia on a speedy recovery.

[tv horror]

It's always a tough time when illness strikes and for it to be ones child then it is unbearable. I will most certainly give my support to Andy and his family and especially to his little one, Mia. 

[fmofmpls]

I am the praying type and rest assured that I will be sending up prayers for Mia and her lovely family. 

[Meek]

   I'm not the churchified type but I do dial direct when chatting with The Old Man and will include Mia & family tonight when I ring Him up.

   "Meek"

[Mike Scott]

Positive vibes to Mia, Andy, family and friends!

[typhooforme]

Positive vibes from the aging hippie contingent here, too.  Andy and family have all my warmest and most strengthening thoughts going out to them.

[avenger]

Raymond,Mia and Andy will be in my prayers.All good thoughts for this family in this stressful
time.

[packy120353]

Prayers and positive vibes to the Andy family. It's so tough and our heart goes out and we will be thinking of you. Be strong my friend!

The Kolocs

[poseablemonster]

Wow, I wasn't expecting this thread!  I don't mind, though; many of you are my closest friends and the UMA really is a family of sorts for me. 

My four year old daughter Mia has had scoliosis - curvature of the spine - since birth.  Recently, the curvature got to the point that it became life threatening, and she was not thriving or growing because of the compression of her internal organs and the stress on her respiratory system.  So, her doctors felt as if surgery was an absolute necessity.  She's been in "halo-traction" at the hosipital for 6 weeks now, and she will be having her big surgery tomorrow where they will put growth rods on her spine to straighten the curve and balance out her chest cavity.  It is a very major surgery, and especially at her age and size, there are substanital risks involved.  The good news is that Mia is a fighter.  She's feisty, smart and never gives up.  So, that combined with all the prayers and well-wishes and support from our friends gives me lots of hope.  Here's a shot of her in the courtyard at Shriner's Hospital where we are now:

So keep her in your thoughts, and thanks again to you all.  We have the best friends that anyone could ever hope for, and Shriner's is providing the best medical care available.  I'll keep everyone posted as things progress.

[monsterphile]

Her halo-traction looks like a crown on the princess that I'm sure she is to all that know her.  Years ago, I had interaction with a lot of children that ha some tough health problems.  What I always found so amazing was that no matter how severe the problems kids face, they still find a way to play and be kids.  The Dora stickers on her halo show me that Mia (beautiful name by the way) is no different.  She's a treasure.

[raycastile]

Thank you Andy for posting that picture.  She is indeed a little princess.

[drthomasholmes]

 Best to your daughter. It is times like these that I am proud to be a Mason. Are you a brother? The hospitals and what they do for kids and their families was a big reaon for my joining. How is the Shriner hospital treating you? They are some of the best.

[neonnoodle]

Sending all the best thoughts for everyone!