I met Shawn when he was 36 years old.  He was handsome man who had a laugh and a sparkle in those blue eyes that made me want to know more about him. Tall with broad shoulders and a barrel chest, he looked so good in a tshirt and jeans. As time went by and we got to know each other, he told me snipets of his early years growing up in Londonderry, Vermont.  His family was part of the 'working poor' in the area but his parents truly loved each other.  That made a difference.  His older brother Matt (13 months older), was more coveted by Dad and for his whole life, Shawn was forever trying to measure up.  It didn't seem to matter what it was about, he was always the one in trouble or on the wrong end of things.  A failed marriage, 4 DUI charges, and looking at a short stretch in jail was when I came into the picture. I saw him in early March 1997 at a local bar.  He was being slightly aloof holding his bottle of Bud, and wearing an old felt cowboy hat.   Everyone told me he was 'bad news'. I didn't care.   I found out differently in a very short period of time. That night he told me everything that was going on in his life.  I found his honesty so refreshing.  We laughed, had a couple of drinks and danced several times.  I was the one who said ' hello' and took him by surprise.  I will never forget that evening.  It was part of my destiny to meet him and build a relationship. 

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