Are you sure he's only 6?

Lisa has been working on her jewelry for an upcoming show to benefit paws4people and she made Jack his very own bracelet. She began to tell him he looked cute or handsome or something to that effect but couldn't decide on the best word to describe it. Jack completed it for her.....distinguished.

Jack's visit to the fire department

On Saturday, Jack was invited to tour the Harrisburg Fire Department station #1. He had a great time looking at the big fire trucks, rescue vehicles and where the firefighters ate, slept and hung out. All the guys that were on duty were great and let him turn on the lights and honk the horns. He was presented with his own fire hat, too. We've included some pictures for you below.

Many thanks to all the firefighters, especially the guys at HBFD #1.

July 4th and Jack updates

We had a great family reunion in Blacksburg, VA over the July 4th weekend with our family, Kurt's family and Mike and Suzzie all meeting at Mom and Dad's. Jack got to meet his Uncle Mike and Aunt Suzzie for the first time. We had a great time playing games, playing volleyball in the pool and eating out. I included some pictures below.

Shannon, Kris, Jack, Mary, Daniel, Meghan, Mike, Suzzie, Kurt, Eliot, Andy, Jessica, Jake, Lisa and Carolyn (L to R) (Natalie, not pictured)

Grampy and Jack

Aunt Carolyn and Jack

Jack continues to struggle with seizures, some of them getting pretty violent. His neurologist has indicated that there are no more medications that he can suggest to try. He suggested a device called a Vagal nerve stimulator. We are not sure this is something we want to do but will at least hear the details of what it involves first before making a decision. Other options might involve seeking another neurologist's opinion.

We were very pleased to find out the Advent Luthern Church men's group raised over $4100.00 for paws4people through their BBQ and auction. Thrivent Financial kicked in a portion also. Our church has always and continues to be extremely supportive of Jack.

Lisa and I just cannot express in words what our church has meant to us during our fostering, adoption and care of Jack. So many people have gone out of their way for us and this is just another way that they are showing it.

The following appeared in our weekly newsletter:

Our thanks and blessings go out to those that came out to the AnnualSpring BBQ and Auction to raise funds for a Therapy Dog from Paws4People for Jackson Swiger. Your generosity and love for Jackson and the matching funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised $4,105 for Paws4People. A big Thank You to you all from Lisa, Kris, Jake, Jack, Eliot and the Lutheran Men.

This and that...

Good news on all fronts.

More success with 'potty boot camp' adventures. That 'light' is getting bigger. Sorry, no pictures this time.

Also, Jack's weight is coming back big time. We weighed him at home and he is back to 48 lbs., nearly back to his original 50! We've stopped the appetite stimulant and one less medicine is always a good thing.

We'll keep you posted...

Kristopher's birthday

A few pictures from our celebration of Kristopher's birthday and Father's Day. Lisa, Kris, Shannon and I celebrated by eating out at one of our favorite restaurants: Hotel Charlotte

Happy 24th Kris!

Potty Boot Camp

Maybe, just maybe, we are starting to see a small, if barely perceptible, pinpoint of light at the end of the tunnel. A couple of small successes! What seems to have worked so far is just to feed him while he's on the potty and eventually, well, you get the picture. We have the use of very handy chair that keeps him safe in case he has a seizure and doubles as a table.

Keep your fingers crossed. We're running out of diaper sizes!

Just in case you had trouble picturing this in your mind, we are happy to share pictures with you. We know you were worried.

By the way, Happy Birthday to Kris, who turns 24 today. He and Shannon are on the way to Hilton Head for a much deserved vacation.

A milestone: Promoted to 1st Grade!

Jack and Mrs. Hall

For those of you who know Jack's story, you understand what a true milestone this is for Jack. He has overcome so much in his short life and to complete kindergarten and move on to 1st grade is such as huge accomplishment. His progress this year both cognitively and physically has been outstanding. We would like to thank the teachers at Harrisburg Elementary for all their hard work but especially we'd like to thank Mrs. Pam Hall. We believe that Mrs. Hall's dedication and love for Jack are what make success stories like Jack's possible.

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We must also thank Mrs. Asha Cooke, Jack's IA (individual assistant), who is with him everyday at school to assist him with his physical needs. We couldn't do it without you Asha!

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Now, on to 1st grade!