Grandpa Shannon

I remember when Jared and I were first dating, we had just finished attending a single adult activity at the local roller skating rink. I looked like I had been skating for an hour by the time we left. Then we drove home with the windows down. I knew I was a mess and in need of a brush which was why I was trying to bail out of the family birthday party Jared wanted me to attend. I didn't want to intrude, but he finally convinced me that "only his family" would be there. I relented and assumed I would be seeing Mom, Dad and maybe a few siblings. Instead it was that plus several cousins, and aunts and uncles, and two sets of grandparents. I felt overwhelmed and disheveled (a car ride with open windows will do that to you.). I wanted a brush and some lip gloss, but even more I wanted to go home.

I tried to blend into the couch in the living room, but that was entirely impossible because Grandma and Grandpa Shannon were there. They had a way of pulling you out of your shell, of making you feel like you were the most important person in the entire room. After a few minutes, I forgot how wind blown and out of place I was and just enjoyed visiting with them and soon everyone else in the room that I would eventually love as my family.

We attended Grandpa Shannon's funeral at the beginning of December. It was there that I learned that everyone thought they were Grandpa's favorite. I've spent the last 16 years assuming I was his favorite. What a talent he had for helping everyone feel important. He will be missed.


Now for a few pictures.

Our Family

Jared comforting his brother, Michael

The Pallbearers, the grandsons

Those Shannon Boys

One of the few things I like about funerals is getting together with everyone.
All the Clyde Shannon family

Grandpa was a veteran of WWII. He served in the Navy on the USS Cabot. The US government allows for one military graveside service. Since they also did a grave side service in Nashville, there wasn't going to be one in Lubbock. However, Clyde made a few phone calls and these very kind men, peers of Grandpa Shannon, donated their time and performed another service here. It was moving to see these men, in their old age, fumble to shoot their weapon and perform the 21 gun salute then slowly bend to pick up their shell casings. It was obvious that these men shared the same love of country that Grandpa had.