Words from Mike Kelly

Dear Joanie –

Oh that Christmas card….we knew it was coming. We wanted to see it and at the same time, we didn’t. It came today and so did the tears.

God we’re going to miss Shawn. When we heard the news, the grave sadness was numbing…can’t think of any other way to describe it. How could it be? Here one day and then gone. The void is huge and triggers a range of emotions, questions and fond memories. The permanent smile and twinkle in his eye were contagious. Shawn was a good time happening and always inviting of another to join the fun. It’s Shawn’s optimistic passion for whatever he did that we’ll remember most: whether it was you, the kids, the dogs, hunting, fishing, cooking, St. Thomas, the house, the cabin, the yard, the Twins, the holiday parties, his work….the list goes on….that will be Shawn’s legacy for us. His passion for life: live it now, to the fullest. (I wish I could remember the full life-living quote Shawn introduced me to that contained a reference to “sliding hard into third base”, but that’s how I will forever happily remember Shawn.)

Surround yourself and the kids with your warmest memories of Shawn, Joanie. Collectively, you, Parker and Carly are Shawn’s living legacy as the lives he influenced most. His all-too-short life must be celebrated again and again in spite of his horrible departure. Our prayers are with you, Parker and Carly.

All our love,

Mike and Mary Kelly