Joy and Pain

Well, as they say...life has its ups and downs but you don't usually experience them in a single weekend.

First the Joy...

Jake and Nat got married near Waynesville, NC on Saturday. It was a picture perfect wedding and we all had a wonderful time with friends and family. Jack was the life of the party as we would expect, even playing DJ for a while.

The setting was spectacular; on top of a mountain in a beautiful house. Nat looked stunning in her wedding dress and was so cute when they were pronounced "husband and wife" that she bounced up and down with excitement. She and Jake are perfect for each other and we only wish them the best that life has to offer.

The wedding party

Now the hard part...

On Sunday, after the wedding, Lisa, Jack and I headed on a lengthy trip to Virginia to take Jack to a special hospital that will help him with his behavior problems. As many of you know and have experienced first hand, Jack is usually a very sweet boy but sometimes, he can be violent, especially with people he is close to. After a very strenuous summer and a referral from the neurologist, we decided to place Jack in this facility.

Jack will stay there for some time as he is evaluated and a plan is determined on how best to treat his issues. We know very little at this point on how long he will be there and exactly what this will entail.

Needless to say, it was very painful to leave him there. As a parent, you have mixed feelings of relief and guilt.

We did talk to Jack tonight and he is adjusting very well. Probably better then Mom and Dad. We will keep you all up to date on his progress.

Please continue to pray for Jack in his recovery.

Rough summer

As many of you know it's been a rough summer for Jack, Lisa and I. We have been continuously fighting behavior issues with Jack for a very long time. Jack's behavior, often violent, has made

almost every day a challenge for us.

We returned to see Jack's Charlotte neurologist today and she has recommended several medicine changes. We surely hope this has a positive effect on Jack.

Please continue to keep Jack and all of us in your prayers as we struggle through this trying time.

Kris and Shannon's wedding

May sure has been a busy month for us. Kris and Shannon's wedding was at North Topsail Beach on the 23rd and many people stayed on for most of the week. Lisa, Jack and I stayed until Saturday.

It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Most everything went off without a hitch. The wedding was on the beach and we had perfect weather all week. The only rain came when we were pulling out of the driveway to come home.

Kris and Shannon had rented two huge houses, about 10 houses apart, each with its own elevator. We could not have survived the week without those elevators.

The newlyweds are now in Rome and leave for a 14 day Mediterranean cruise. Kris starts his residency at Johns Hopkins later this month.

Enjoy the pictures.

Shannon and her mother, Karen

The groom and his parents

Shannon's brother Zach and Jack

Rehearsal on the beach

The Swiger men just before the wedding ceremony

Nat and Jake...you guys are next!

A very proud momma with her two older boys

A picture perfect wedding

Lonnie, Jack and Aunt Jo

Mary and Andy, the groom's grandparents

Carolyn, Jessica, Kurt and Daniel (sorry Meghan)

The happy couple at the reception

Jack was awesome on the dance floor

On their way

A view of the beach where the wedding was held

Introducing Dr. Kristopher J. Swiger

Hard to believe but we have a doctor in the family. Kris graduated from UNC School of Medicine on May 7th in Chapel Hill. Kris will start his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore in June.

Kris and Shannon have moved to Baltimore and will return this week to prepare for their wedding on May 23rd.

It's difficult to express how proud we are of Kris and what he has accomplished. Ever since he entered UNC as an undergrad he has excelled beyond anyone's imagination. And now, he will be a resident at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the world. He will be there 3 years then who knows what after that!

Congratulations again to Kris on a job well done.

And thanks in advance for the free medical advice.

Easter in Virginia

We had a wonderful trip to Virginia for Easter. Our older boys were there, minus fiances unfortunately. Mom and Dad's property was in full bloom and was just spectacular.

And the Easter bunny found us too.

This is big month for us as Kris graduates from UNC medical school on May 7th. He and Shannon then move to Baltimore and return for their wedding at Topsail Beach on May 23rd. Kris starts his residency at Johns Hopskins on June 20th.

Enjoy the pictures....

Jake enjoying his mimosa as Jack discovers what EB left.

Mom, Dad and Kris

Been so long

It's been so long since I last blogged that I am so embarrassed. But, there has not been a lot to report either. Jack is doing well in school. We've had some behavior issues to deal with and an adjustment in medication seems to have made that better. We believe the behavior stems from the brain injury. Research on the internet and talking with experts seems to confirm that.

Other than that, there hasn't been much going on. We are preparing for two weddings this year. Our older boys, Kris and Jake, will be getting married. We love our new daughters-in-law and I know Lisa will be happy to have a few more souls on her side....other than the female dogs of course. What can I say? It's a boy family.

Hopefully it won't be so long for the next post. Someone has a milestone birthday next month so maybe there will be pictures for that event.

Thanksgiving in the NC mountains

We had a great trip to the mountains in McDowell County, NC for Thanksgiving. All the kids came and it was a very restful and relaxing weekend. It was nice to get away for a while.

Enjoy the pictures......