Times are tough.

All the children are having a hard time dealing with all the changes in life.  My son Rick no longer lives with us, due to his own poor choices.  We are currently awaitng to be served for the times he is to appear in court.  He is facing 3 very serious charges.  We have visits with him 3 times a week.  We could visit more but with 2 other boys at home, they need us now more than ever.  And I believe he needs time to think.  The judge has ordered no contact between my younger boys and him.  It is a safety issue for all involved.  Rick's having a hard time adjusting and wants to come back home.  And other times he just complains he is bored.  Mind you he is still finding time to do stuff that is not right.  I'm not sure how to get through to him, this is serious stuff. His Juvenile Officer has already told him any more charges before now and court will change any help to automatic jail time.  No one can see him then than Dan & I.  If you'd like to contact him write him here and we will forward.


Lil Dan is set with his own issues.  He feels everyone is so worried about Rick, no one even notices the good stuff he is doing.  He has had an awesome track season.  Doing good things with his grades.  Is a very thoughtful young man who goes out of his way to help others.  He has a good heart.  But is extremely angry right now with his brother.  Is not sure he ever wants to see him again.  Is clinging to his faith and friends.


Eddie Ray is confused.  He is happy his brother is gone one second.  He's glad he can no longer hurt him or his friends.  Sad his brother is missing.  Feels bad for his brother that he can't come home at this time.  Trying to sort out all the things his brother chose to share with him about what he has done.  Not really understanding what has happened.  He is now in therapy for the first time in his life.  


We as parents are feeling a variety of emotions.  Trying to be everything all of our children need us to be.  Trying to understand how one could intervene to get a child help.  So he could see and understand the damage he was doing to others.  And yet he keeps right on doing what it is he knows is wrong. Trying to understand how my oldest seems okay with everything going on right now.  We keep trying to deal with the losses of friends and family this year.  We have relied heavily on the lord this year to us through.  It all seems so overwhelming with no escape. Prayers would be appreciated to help guide us all, heal our hearts, and that the judge will see my son truly needs help, that just consequences will not solve this.  But that we need a  intervention to stop our son from further damaging himself and others.  And we can return to being the family we were meant to be.  We love all our children deeply and will support each one to the best of our ability.  Love Susanne and Dan

Metro Meet Dan Rocked

Dan did his personal best.  You could hear his name ringing through the stands.  He was on fire.  Can't wait for stats to come out.  Mom got to excited and forgot  to set stop watch.  He had a half a lap on all the other teams then the next couple kids lost the lead.

He got to 4.2 feet.  He's not happy.  But he gave it his best shop.