Shannon was one of the most extraordinary people I've ever known.
She was radiant, elemental and truly special.
She gave the best hugs. They always kinda hurt, but you knew she meant it every time.
I feel so blessed to have been her friend.
-- J.D. Warnock

Bless you Shannon.

Oh Shannon, I knew you for only a short time but long enough to know you were special. You didn't have it easy, but you were always smiling and you made others happy just by being near. You were loved. You'll be missed.

Shannon, Would you be mad if I did not attend your memorial? Can I stay home with a carton of cottage cheese, a bag of kettle chips and binge watch Roseanne? Because when I see all of the people who have traveled downtown, across the country, even the ocean to celebrate your life I will accept that you are really gone.
We should have thrown this party years ago. An, "I Love Shannon" party. You could've tackled all of us, busted out the worm a few times until you hurt yourself, and then hugged each and every one of us with your world class hug.
No one compares to you my love. Not even close, Thank you for being my person. Thank you for loving me with your whole heart and then making room for my family in said heart. There is nothing you wouldn't do for us. Our lives look completely different now without you, but our home will forever be filled with your laughter, stupid jokes that only we think are funny, and the tools you left us to be strong and soft at the same time. I will think about you every day.

I'm listening to our song. 
Kate Bush - Rubberband Girl…
See those trees
Bend in the wind
I feel they've got a lot more sense than me
You see I try to resist
A rubberband bouncing back to life
A rubberband bend the beat
If I could learn to give like a rubberband
I'd be back on my feet
A rubberband hold me trousers up
A rubberband ponytails
If I could learn to twang like a rubberband
I'd be a rubberband girl
A rubberband girl me
John Allen Sims

I think it was 1998. I know it was the house at 9th and Connecticut Street. Outside the living room window, I saw a figure creep around the front of the house, a stocking cap and coat were all I could make out in the dark. I grabbed a baseball bat, and peeked through the front door. When my eyes focused, I saw the girl from the house across the street lying down in the yard making snow angels.
“Oh,” you said. “Is it cool that I'm in your yard? I mean, I know your brother, so I say it's fine.”
I'm so thankful you were trespassing in my yard twenty years ago. I am not sure how to navigate without you, since I haven't really had to for most of my adult life, so if you feel like sneaking over some night and scaring the shit out of me, it would be greatly appreciated. Love you. I miss you like hell.

Shannon always came to visit me after my accident. I always looked forward to her visits. Her smiley face made everything a little bit better. I am heartbroken that no one will get to see that smile again.

There are no words to describe the hole I feel in my heart now that you are gone. Each day I put one foot in front of the other and I think about the years I had with you. The boundless laughter, the countless tears, and the days spent just simply sitting in front of the television watching one of our shows and eating too much food not saying a word. You are so intertwined into the fabric of my every day life, and you will continue to be. I love you.

Shannon, you were a bright spot for me and many at Old Chicago. There was no such thing as a routine day when you were there; I never knew what to expect. You left your mark on many of our hearts and you will be missed by all of your Old Chicago, and many other friends. May you rest in Peace.

Oh Shannon, your inner and outer beauty endure, your laughter was contagious, your wit, silliness and humor--the best ever, your kindness--effortless, and your smile was like sunshine. I miss you so much and I am so grateful to have called you friend. Friend, I'll see you on the other side.