End of year scholastic achievements

So, my eight year old brought home a few awards: highest honors for maintaining straight A's, Math ST award (a math software program that only a handful of students completed and one that he completed ahead of everyone else), Perfect Attendance (okay, I don't give much credence to this one but I suppose I ought to applaud it as well).

His older brother (at the same grade) used to bring home multiple math awards. In fact, RJ was the first in the history of the school to achieve a perfect score on a math wizard competition. Quite an accolade for my now soon to be sophomore in high school. He's slated to take predominantly honors classes next year. His dad has gotten on his case for neglecting his studies (in lieu of his social life). As long as he maintains an above 4.0 GPA, I fail to see a cause for concern.

Matters as they stand

Still feeling the effects of the radiation pneumonitis. Unfortunately, my left lung remains collapsed. I still get extremely short of breath even with very minor activities. Walking a few feet would make me gasp and even talking takes its toll on me. Mornings are especially hellish. I now have new swollen nodes on both sides of my neck which are being treated by both hyperthermia and radiation. Unfortunately, the treatment causes swelling on my neck and my breathing becomes affected. NOT a good thing. I wake up in the morning feeling the effects of fluid build-up in my upper respiratory tract. This further impedes airflow in my already constricted windpipe.
I am extremely frustrated at this stage. I have been doing well and then one major set-back compounded by another. I feel like fate's fool (as Romeo so eloquently pronounced). All I can do is take each day as it comes and deal with things as best as I could.
It would help if Ramon would be more understanding. I understand his frustration. Unfortunately, there's not much I could do to alleviate the situation.

Mediocrity is still mediocre

I just find it funny how some parents celebrate their children's mediocre achievements. I think there ought to be a law against being forced to applaud mediocrity in our society. Giving children false hopes and raising their expectations sends the wrong message and would inevitably lead to disappointments later in life.
Okay, rather harsh of me but I am stating truths that no one else would dare voice. So there.