Happy Thanksgiving!

I have not been able to update the diary for a little while due to a recent shoulder surgery I went through. I didn't feel up for doing much probably because of the Percocet.

The kids have been doing well. Tyler has nothing out of the ordinary to report but has taken a few falls lately and it seems it is because his DBS turns off. We are trying to figure out what is causing that to happen. Ty continues to play baseball on the North Central Florida Mustangs and has seen more playing time in the field(right). The coaches are great with him and it makes a huge difference in his life.

Samantha is uncomfortable a lot. It is hard for her to sit still. Her back twitches and pulls so much that it will throw her to the ground or make it very difficult to fall asleep. Fatigue makes dystonia worse so it becomes a viscous cycle. We are all eager and scared about her January 20th date for DBS surgery.

Luke occupies his time with Sponge Bob, dancing, drawing, and playing catch...

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I am in Charlotte North Carolina with my mother this week. I am able to catch up on a lot of the things I have not been able to catch up on for a while but I miss the kids and "the Saint"(Michelle). I just got back from Washington DC where we held the first Dystonia Coalition meeting and it was a huge success. I am excited about what we can make happen for the development of a cure and treatments. Email me if you want to know more about the coalition but it is too much for a diary.

Reports cards came out last week. Tyler and Samantha got straight A's. Luke does not get letter grades but was evidently asked four times for his hand in marriage.

Samantha had a sleep over at a friend's house last week with several of her friends. She had a great time but when she gets tired she stresses. It is embarrassing and difficult for her to crawl to the bathroom when she needs to go. I think about how they deal with crap like that all of the time and sometimes it makes me very angry. It is hard to fight...

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How great is the Secret Pal? The secret Pal has visited the kids twice this week, once for Halloween and the other was this morning for Tyler's birthday. This is a special person to my kids and us and always keeps us positive through anonymous giving. Whoever you are I am sure you are a happy and fulfilled person.

This weekend was the 1 year anniversary of the loss of my father(Dr. Edward V. Staab) and a very important man to not just my family but many more. His impact on society, medicine, Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure, and his family will not be forgotten.

Today is Tyler's birthday and he turned 12. Wow, he is growing up and as parents, Michelle and I could not be more proud of him. From Tyler's school work to his compassion for his siblings, Tyler is da man! I try to learn from him every day on how to make the best of things and be positive all of the time. I can swear to the fact that there is never a day or probably 1 hour that Tyler doesn't smile. Tonight, Tyler and I are going to Hooters...

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