I have been needing to write this update for a long time.  We have been back home a little over 6 months.  Physically and mentally Michael has progressed so much.  

• Early on, we worked hard with the school to get the right accommodations in place for Michael.  His curriculum was NOT modified, but he definitely has some accommodations.  He is doing well, A/B report card.  What an amazing staff at KHS, I can't say enough good things about them and the blessing they have been to our family.
• The first 9 weeks of class, he missed a lot of work due to therapies and by December he was ready to be done with therapy so that he could focus on school full time.  Therapy paid off in spades and before the 9 weeks was up he moved from wheel chair to walker, to walking without a walker, and by Christmas he was walking without braces for his legs!!
• Early on, he was very tired after school, but this continued to get better.  As I write this, he has gone for a walk, but in not so recent a past, he would have been taking a nap.   
• He still has issues with the left side of his body, but he walks well and kept up with all of us on a recent trip to Disney World. 
• He is working out with his brother at the gym and trying to regain some of the strength he once had. 
• He is back in theatre and recently performed in a play.  I know I'm his mom, but I think he was the best one- :-).  His volume, speed and clarity were perfect.  I was afraid he was going to miss lines, but he did great.
• Speaking of his voice, it is 100% better, but it can still be difficult to understand him when he is tired.  He is still doing exercises to strengthen his bowed vocal cords- we are prayerful that he will not need surgery
• He is learning to drive again and is doing well.  Turning can be tricky for him with is left hand grasp deficiencies, but he is getting better at this each day too. 
• He got his braces off of his teeth last week and his smile is fantastic!!

What amazing grace God has shed on Michael and our family throughout this entire struggle.  I feel to my bone marrow the lyrics from Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson- "all my life, I will sing of the goodness of God." 

With your prayers we have definitely persevered through adversity.  Michael's road is not done, he's had quite a few bumps since going back to school.  He has struggled with friendships, wanting to take his life, not being himself, being mad at his body and his mouth for betraying him, but through it all he eventually comes back to the One that has brought him this far. 

Our family will run to the father with our burdens.  We will also run to you for friendship, prayers, laughs and encouragement.  

Please continue to pray for our family and 110% healing of Michael's mind and body.   

I also want to thank you for praying for my cousin DD.  You might remember that her 5 year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Logan went home to be with Christ on Christmas day.  Their family is in need of continued prayer.

Thank you for everything, we love you!!

Melissa Trocko