In the Land of... Erin: Sister, Sister

Shannon in the door to the Scottish Rites Temple,
TANGO August 2010

And I am not talking about the show with Tia and Tamera Mowry from the 90s. I'm talking about my SeaStar, my other half, my true bff, my ovary-twin. My third Greatest Love, my sister Shannon.

Baby Shannon's 1st Birthday, 1985
Nathan, 2 yrs, Shannon, 1 yr, Erin, 5 yrs

The earliest memory I have of my sister Shannon is March or April of 1984, Corpus Christi, Texas. She was less than 8 weeks old. I was 4 years old. Nathan was 15 months old. My Grandma, Aunt and Uncle had come done to visit the new baby. And they were taking me back to Iowa with them. I was convinced that my parents didn’t want me anymore, that I was too old. So they were giving me away. I remember little Nathan and Baby Shannon sitting on the couch, or laying on it. I remember whispering to them that I loved them, and that I was sorry that I had to go. That it wasn’t my choice. I begged them not to forget me (how could they even remember me at that age?) And I kissed them goodbye. I never once asked my parents what was going on. They would have told me that I’d see them soon. Anyway, away we went. And I am convinced that I made myself sick because sometime around Oklahoma I got a fever and a sore throat. By the time we reached Iowa, I was so sick they had to admit me to the hospital for 5 days. I had a Peritonsular Abscess. My tonsils were swollen to the point of touching. They were not removed, just IV antibiotics and fluids. So… that memory is a little traumatizing. My parents came to Iowa with the little kids in May. I was fine by then, and when they left, I went home with them to Texas.

Mayport Beach, FL, Navy housing 1986
Shannon -2, Erin - 6, Nathan -3

Shannon was the best baby doll on the planet. My friend Laura and I used to dress her up and play with her. She used to do anything we asked, which was a great game at 6 years old. She was my shadow, and by the time she was six herself, she was my best playmate.

Around middle school, I was tired of my shadow - In public anyway. When you’re 13, the last thing you want is your 9 yr old sister hanging around. I don’t remember much about that time, but knowing me, I’m petty sure I hurt her feelings. A lot.

I remember the day Shannon became my friend. And to be honest, it was by force and guilt. Picture this: July 4^th, 1996, it’s dark and warm, and we’re getting ready for the fireworks. My girlfriends and I were finally 16 years old, and we planned to watch the fireworks down on the river (the river is the Mississippi River for those of you asking.) Shannon was 12 years old and wanted to tag along. I put my foot down and said No. And then Shannon cried. She cried to our mom and Aunt Linda who both cornered me, and got mad at me. They talked to my friends who all said it was ok that Shannon could come (mainly because they just wanted to leave, and because she wasn’t their sister, so they loved her.) So, Shannon came along. And I sulked. I wouldn’t talk to her, and she didn’t seem to notice. Because she was having a great time! She was being funny and friendly while I was sitting there by myself. I let my feelings of anger ruin what was a great night for everyone else around me.

Chin Chin - New York New York, Las Vegas, March 2011

After that, Shannon fit seamlessly into my group of friends. When she had time, she hung out with us, and it was never uncomfortable. My bff Anousha’s sister Erika is a year younger than Shannon and they became good friends, making it easier to hang out. And we had a pretty good time, especially my last year in high school.

When I went to college, I missed my family terribly. I was so homesick that I didn’t think I would make it. And Shannon was on of the reasons why. I missed her. More than I ever thought possible. I called home a lot. My sorority helped me to stay in school (read previous post.) But Shannon spent her Spring Break in the dorms with me. In fact, she spent almost part of every Spring Break with me during her years in High School.

Shannon's love - Jerry Orbach;
Carnegie Deli @ the Mirage, Las Vegas 2011

Shannon started her college career at Drake in 2002. We overlapped for one semester and actually arranged to share one class. History. And it was fun. Though Shannon wouldn’t agree with me on that one. I moved to Sioux City April 2, 2003. To be with Scott, and I thought it would be ok because Shannon was transferring to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Those 18 months were some of the longest in my life. I had to have surgery in April 2004. Shannon came to be with me. She was just 20 years old. And she took care of me.

Shannon was my Maid of Honor at our wedding October 30, 2004. I couldn’t imagine anyone else standing right beside me. Scott knew that by marrying me, he was also getting a sister. He just never knew how much. Shannon’s engagement was broken in the spring of 2005. Having her hurt so badly was one the lowest points of my life. Not knowing how to fix it, how to make her feel better, it was almost more than I could handle. But Shannon handled it. And if she could be so graceful and classy, the least I could do was stand by her side and hold her hand. Shannon moved to Des Moines after she graduated college. And I’ve rarely been happier. For the last six years, Shannon and I have spent Tuesdays and Thursdays together when possible. As well as some weekends. Scott essentially has two wives, and most of the time he is ok with that.

Auntie Shannon with newborn Weston, 8/1/08

Shannon has been with me through all the important points of my life. Getting married, infertility, pregnancy – I found out I was pregnant in Shannon’s bathroom! She was with us when we found out Weston was a boy and not the girl I thought he was. She is probably the only person who knows every emotion I am feeling and every thought going through my head without thinking. I trust my life with her, but more importantly, I trust my child with her. She is his Godmother after all.

Today is Shannon’s 28^th birthday. I can’t think of a better day to pay tribute to one of the Greatest Loves of my life. We joke that we are Ovary Twins, separated as eggs by 4 years and Nathan, while waiting to be conceived. If you ask her, we look very little alike. If you ask anyone else, we’re almost the same, though a lot of that is mannerisms and speech. Shannon is one of the strongest, kindest, and most intuitive people I have ever met. I don’t think I could survive in a world where Shannon isn’t in it. She’s my best friend; My other half. And even if I don’t say it, I am thankful every single day to be in a world with my SeaStar!