Both Tyler and Samantha received their grades yesterday. Straight As!!! Again. I wouldn't make such a big deal out of it if I had done this as a student but I did not. It is also very hard to tell someone to do something for their benefit that you didn't do. I stress to both of them that they need to work harder and use their brain to overcome their physical ailments. Michelle and I are proud of them. Of course Samantha wanted $50 bucks for her grades so I told her to talk to her Mom.

Tyler has been doing well. He went to a long baseball practice on Sunday and made a great effort at stopping a hard hit ball to right field. He reached up and hit the ball down with his glove. It was a great play. My philosophy on good play and achievements has really changed. It is amazing how proud something like that effort can make you. I used to think you had to be really good at sports but realize now that the amount of effort and determination of someone like Tyler in these situations is more fun to watch and more admirable.

Samantha continues to be uncomfortable with her dystonia. She went back to school yesterday, one week after having major brain surgery. We tried to get her to go for just a few hours but she is stubborn and wanted to prove a point by going all day. She stayed in her wheelchair so that the arms kept her in her seat. Michelle and I hold Samantha's right foot every chance we get throughout the day and night because it helps with the pain. We turn her foot back straight changing it from the bent inward position it is always in now. She cannot turn herself over when she sleeps so she lays flat on her back or face down without a pillow. She does not use a blanket because she gets caught/tangled in them and it is scary. Michelle and I get up during the night to help her turn over in bed or go to the bathroom. We are optimistic about the surgery and will find out more next month after the batteries are placed and the system is turned on.