Victor’s uncle was getting old, and he and his wife wanted to retire and move back home to Guatemala, so they left Obando’s Landscaping to Victor. Victor was a very successful business man and the company flourished, as did our family. After Victor and I were married for two years, we had our first son Pedro. Pedro (1976) brought so much joy to our life, so much that we continued to have children—Rosa (1978), Josue (1980), Gabriella (1982). Our children were truly the joy of Victor’s and my life, so we decided to have one more child and then our family would be complete.
I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant with our fifth child (1984). The pregnancy and birth went well. Antonio was beautiful! After I held Antonio in my arms for what seemed like moments the doctors took him into another room. I was confused as to what was going on, and then a doctor came back into and informed Victor and I that Antonio had scoliosis so he would have to stay in the NICU for a few days. They began doing physical therapy with him right away and thankfully after a few days we were able to bring Antonio home with us.
Pedro, Rosa, Josue, and Gabriella were so excited when Antonio finally came home. We told them that Antonio’s back hurts him so they had to be careful when they played with him and held him, but I can remember their joy, especially Rosa’s, because they were all so excited to meet their new baby brother, Antonio.
