Francisco Vicente Duarte, whose nickname was "Chente," was shot and killed while he was helping his mother at a Pearland flea market last weekend.
Now, the 10-year-old's family members are scrambling to get to Houston to honor his life.
His grandparents are heading up from Mexico. They were hoping that the government would give them a humanitarian permit so they could be at Chente's burial and their wishes came true on Thursday.
Chente's grandmother got her emergency visa but his grandfather didn't. He was hoping to be allowed into the United States to say goodbye to his grandson and Rep. Al Green said he worked with partners at the border to help him into the country safely. Green also arranged for someone to drive the grandparents to Houston to be reunited with the family.
Vicente Hernandez and his wife are making the painful journey they never thought they'd have to make.
He said the last time he talked to Chente on the phone he promised he would bring him a toy. Now, he can't wrap his head around what happened.
"Es un dolor en el corazón que no se puede es como un sueño algo que no es real como una pesadilla," Hernandez said.
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With a broken heart, Hernandez spoke to KHOU 11 News from a bus on the way to the US border. He said that when his daughter called to tell him the news, he didn't want to hear it. It was too sad and too painful.
"Cuando ella me aviso le dije no me digas eso muy triste la noticia de esa magnitud muy triste y muy dolorosa," he said.
Chente turned 10 last month. Hernandez said the boy and his sister spent weekends helping their mother at the flea market. He said Chente was a playful boy who was loved by everyone.
"Pedirle al gobierno si por favor nos da permiso y para darle el último adiós a mi nieto," Hernandez said.
He and his wife made the 23-hour bus ride from Guerrero.