Shawn, I so wish I could have more conversations with you my friend...
I opened my State Farm office on 12/1/2004. Shawn became a client a short time later and he and Shirley remain clients to today. I am blessed to help a lot of folks, but with Shawn, he provided so much more to me in return.
We had many deep and memorable conversations over the years on some tough topics facing our nation. I wish many more could have the type of conversations we had together - it would do wonders for our country - I learned so much.
Our most recent conversation involved a discussion on the George Floyd tragedy. To understand the depth of our conversation, I am a white guy from a small town in SW Michigan - call it Mayberry. As many of you already know, Shawn grew up in Detroit. We came from very different backgrounds and were able to have raw and real conversations. He would challenge me to just say it - whatever it was and we would have a meaningful conversation from there. Our last conversation like that lasted almost two hours and taught me a lot. I will miss those conversations with my friend.
We also had some great conversations on lighter topics. We both grew up in the 80s and shared a love of basketball. We had a long conversation about Detroit High School basketball in the 80s. Shawn was a helluva player and played against great competition in the 80s for sure. He lamented about knee issues and wished the medical technology of today had been available back then.
Shawn had such a love for his family - his love would come through the phone every time we talked. His love for Shirley is something we all wish and strive for in our relationships. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids as well.
He ended every conversation we had the same way - "I appreciate you." Shawn, not nearly as much as I appreciate you. Thank you for being such a great friend. Our world lost a great man. You will missed by so many, but your impact on me and many others will stay strong.
Thank you my friend - Rest In Peace.
John