More Thoughts

January 6, 2012. Etched in our family's memory forever. Is it possible to be preparing and wishing for something and still be surprised and shocked when it happens? That's how I feel about the events of today. We wanted mercy for our dear Shannon, but still, it was a quick end to a short life.

Dan drove Erin to basketball practice last night and they took in a beautiful sunset on their way. This morning, I drove Erin to school and we saw the brightest pink sky as the sun rose. Omens, perhaps.

We cannot begin to delve into the emotions we are feeling tonight - relief, sadness, anger, grief fatigue - they are all wound together and we are not yet ready to peel away the layers. We will continue to write in the coming days and sort through our thoughts in due time.

For now, we are preparing to honor Shannon's life and celebrate her spirit. For all of you sharing this journey, plan to do the same. There will be a visitation on Monday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Macken Funeral Home's River Park Chapel. The funeral will take place Tuesday at 4:30pm at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Chris Conte, the reporter who first met Shannon back in May, put together a tribute video for us today. He no longer works here in Rochester, but he felt a connection and has continued to follow Shannon's journey.  Today, on his own time, he made this for us.  For Shannon.  It's beautiful.