Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Dear Merrilyn, Mike, Sam, Cassie and Jesse,
I am so sad to have lost a dear friend, who I had so much fun with. Granted, the two of us were generally trouble together, but those memories are some of my fondest from high school. In my last visit with Shannon we talked a lot and reminisced of old times. She told me she regretted some of her choices. She glowed when she talked of you kids - she was so proud of each of you and prayed for you to be happy and successful. I heard about what a wonderful Mom Sam is and how hard she was working, Jesse, what a talented musician and Cassie, she admired your determination to do your own thing, but she also worried about each of you in her own way. Merrilyn, Shannon admired how hard you worked to take care of your family and I know you were her rock, as you were as well, Mike (Panther Man).
When I think of Shannon, I think of a flame in the dark - she always lit up a room with her smile and bubbly personality whenever she entered. As young kids talking about life in general, she once said that she wouldn't want people to be sad at her funeral, that she would want them to "PARTY!" and listen to good music, laugh and remember good times.
I always remember Shannon's ability to talk with everyone and everyone. She knew no strangers and had no enemies. She made a difference in this world in the kind words and brilliant smile she shared with everyone she met. Now that she has gone to live in God's light, I believe she would want each of us to carry on her legacy and pay forward small acts of kindness to every friend and every stranger.
Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, as is Shannon. I am honored to have known her.
Love, Aimee
