Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Shannon

For those of you who know me but perhaps do not know all of my family, this is a picture of my dad with my sister Shannon. You may have seen his picture on my blog before. It is never too surprising to see a bald man. In fact, we always thought my dad was extra cool with his shiny bald head. He is a black belt in karate and it just suits him, however, his baldness is not due to normal male pattern baldness, it is due to a disease called alopecia – an autoimmune disease which attacks your body’s hair follicles. Unfortunately this disease is hereditary and of all eleven of his children, it was my sister Shannon who inherited it. She is so brave and so beautiful – seriously, I don’t just mean inside (though she certainly is that), she is gorgeous and should be a model. This hasn’t been easy for her, and none of us have just decided that it is her fate. We all pray that her hair will grow back as it did once before. As you can imagine, a girl’s sense of identity and beauty is very much tied in with her hair. Shannon has become such an amazing person though and I know a huge part of that is due to how she’s had to push against the struggles that have come with this disease along with the accompanying illnesses she is prone to due to whatever affects this disease and the many medications she’s tried have had on her system. I really love her. I started thinking about her today and wanted to write this because she deserves some recognition for who she is. I love this picture so so much. Not just because it is touching and makes me cry, or just because I know and love the people in this photo and know how well they love each other, but there is something powerful in it, something I can’t explain exactly, but something that makes me want to be brave and strong and amazing.

P.S. To see Shan's cute family or check out her darling new wig, click here: Shannon Pearl

7 comments:

Lover of Sweets said...

Oh I love this picture as well. When I look at it I see a little girl being held by her father who adores her no matter what...she looks like she feels safe and at ease because she's right there with him. It's comforting to look at and also I feel like it is exactly how she would look if Heavenly father was standing next to her. It's a powerful statement and so are those individuals. I love them both so so much. Shannon is so very brave and giving of herself....always thinking of others.

Anonymous said...

I too love this picture of Shannon and your dad. Their is so much feeling captured you just can't help dwelling on their faces. Shannon is especially beautiful in it which is one reason it is so captivating. I have always been amazed by your family and the strength that you show. Most of us would never face them so gracefully. Liz

Perla said...

I was about to go up to bed after kind of a difficult day and then decided to check your blog. Thank you so much. You are such a good and kind sister. We are certainly lucky to have this dad of ours. Somehow all the love from our Dad, as P suggested, helps me to understand more how much our Heavenly Father loves us and it gives me so much more peace and confidence in who I am as a person. Thank you for writing such nice things about me, even on days when I don't feel deserving. But I will try again tomorrow. I love you.

Mugsy said...

Nancy so good...I love that you did this. I wish it was on my blog now. It is so neat to honor the ones we love. Maybe tell their story like you have here to reitterate that we to are thinking about their trials. I love this picture so much. I love our wonderful sister so much..And our amazing father too. Very heart felt post. Meg

Anonymous said...

Yes - tears well in my eyes, just looking at it. Thank you Shannon - for being such a brave, strong, and beautiful woman. You inspire me.

jami v. said...

what an great tribute -- and what an amazing picture. i wish there were words to say, but i think that picture does all the talking. thanks for sharing your amazing family. xoxo

The San Diego Mills said...

What a nice thing to write about your sister. She is very beautiful! I'm sure it must be so difficult to not have hair, but she can certainly pull it off with how gorefous her face is. What a cool picture! I

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