Monday, November 30, 2009

It's that time of year

Even though the weather was mild, we hauled out the old Christmas tree and decorations yesterday. Jack was so excited he could hardly stand it. It's nice to have a little one in the house to remind us of what Christmas was like when we were children. With all the stress recently regarding the medical issues, it was nice to have a little time to think about nothing else but keeping Jack from grabbing the breakable ornaments. There was only one casualty and no blood was spilled. The tree seems particularly beautiful this year.






Monday, November 23, 2009

New blog for Jack and CAYLIE

The paws4people organization has asked us to begin a new blog detailing the "transfer" process. It is entitled "jack & CAYLIE". I have added a link on this blog so please feel free to check in on both our blogs at any time.

Bradford Park Turkey Trot a huge success!

As expected, we had a large turnout for the 3rd annual Bradford Park Turkey Trot on Saturday. This one was special though. The local charity was none other than our very own paws4people and all proceeds were to be contributed in Jack's name. If you haven't heard, over $3100 was raised thanks to the generosity of our neighbors and local businesses. Again, thank-you to everyone who made this possible and enjoy the pictures.









Friday, November 20, 2009

Graduation day and catching up...

Hello everyone. Sorry it's been so long but it has been crazeee around here. We had a wonderful trip to WV for CAYLIE's graduation. We even got to bring her home with us for a night and now we are in the process of doing the transfer training. During this time, Karen Owens, the NC trainer will train Lisa and I in handling CAYLIE. Actually, I had previously thought this would only take a few weeks but found out today that it will take 2 - 3 months. She will be able to move in with us permanently in 2-3 weeks (CAYLIE, not Karen) but the actual complete training will take longer. Anyway, we are thrilled to have CAYLIE around almost all the time now and Jack is loving it as well.

A cd is forthcoming from the graduation cermonies but we took a few at the reception.




Mom and Dad at the reception


Kyria - the woman who started it all looking sweet (we know the truth though)


Heidi and Jack



Terry looking thrilled to have his picture taken



The graduate - CAYLIE



Jack and CAYLIE getting close

On a more serious note, Jack continues to struggle with the seizures. He had such as severe one the other day that there were residual effects from it for a couple days afterward. The neurologist ordered an EEG and bloodwork to make sure it wasn't anything more serious. It wasn't. Meanwhile, we were a bit blindsided by the neurosurgeon who calmly suggested that we might want to consider brain surgery over the VNS therapy. Needless to say, we are struggling with that whole thing. Our neurologist, though, was very kind and helpful, but to add another twist; his last day is today!
Goodbye Dr. Nelson, or Dr. James as Jack calls him.



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Graduation day draws near....

This Saturday, the much anticipated event at Hazelton, West Virginia finally takes place. Lisa, Jack and I along with my parents, Mary and Andy Swiger, will be heading to the US Penitentiary Secure Female Facility and Camp to attend a very special graduation. CAYLIE, will be graduating from the paws4people program that she has been in since she was a small puppy.

CAYLIE has been preparing to become a full service dog and since last winter, specifically, Jack's service dog. After graduation, she will come to North Carolina and live with Karen, her trainer, as she begins her transition to our household. Lisa, Jack and I will all have to be trained on how to handle her, especially in social situations. As many of you know, CAYLIE's biggest job will be to provide mobility and stability to Jack.

We will update you when we get back.