Shawn James Dugan

Brother, it's been a while since I wrote and another summer has come and gone and our birthdays passed. It was always fun celebrating together and this year, the last of my 40s, really made me think a lot. Your star still shines so bright in this world, thank you for all you gave us. Love, Shy

Dugan,
Yesterday I was meeting with my new accountant David Baldwin who is a guy who lives in Hickory and is branching out to Charlotte. We were going over the normal boring topics like LLC, S-Coprs, standard deductions, blah, blah when I told him that I used to have the best financial adviser who ever lived. I was shocked to find out that he knew you very well and you two had worked professionally together for years. We immediately fell into a deep discussion about how amazing you are...

Happy Father's Day, Sean. You'd be so proud of Patrick. He's smart, funny, a gentlemen, and has a heart of gold. Cathy is doing such a great job with him. But you already know this, because I believe you're right by his side every step of the way. You are missed, Sean. I love you, brother.

I watched as he bit into what looked like a banana, chewing intently while staring up at MTV's Downtown Julie Brown. His big blue eyes grew even bigger, mesmerized by this new world of music videos. The 80s were looking good.

Another bite. More chewing.

What're you eating? I asked, sitting down next to him on the couch.

Butter, he said, peeling back the foil and taking another bite, those big blue eyes of his glued to the ZZ Top video now playing on TV.

So there...

Dugan,
So much has changed since you were here and I wish so badly you were here to be part of it. Life can be so unfair and thinking of the light that was removed from this earth when you left us I'm reminded of just how true that statement is. I miss you dearly brother. Shy

Still trying to put it all together in our minds...we were on our yearly shopping trip at THE MALL...particularly at JC Penney...and we got the call...I always thank God we were all together Easter shopping...we literally sat on displays after hearing the news...shopping was over for us...with broken hearts we made our way to Applebee's on the other side of the mall...we never got up from our seats for at least three ..hours...we prayed and drank to you too...now thinking back JC...

Now I know why I was talking about him again yesterday! Buddy, I am so happy that you are still watching over your family & friends! God is great!!! Miss & love you. Heather (mouse) Thanks Shy

I think about Shawn often. One simple way- is every time I leave a tip at a restaurant. I know how Shawn gave huge tips- he knew how much work went into the restaurant business. This was a great example for me and I've many times talked about this to Kate and Elliott - mentioning Shawn's views on this subject. There are other times when I use Shawn as an example- how he worked so hard!! How he loved his family!! When I think of the beach I always think of him!! Missing him !

Another year has passed without you, little brother.

It's honestly no easier today than it was when it happened. One day we're talking on the phone, then ... nothing. You're somewhere else now. And I'm here. Living with your loss every day. We all are. And life's moving way too fast.

The twins are almost six now. They never got to meet you, but I promise you they know who you are. The good, the funny, the loving, the brilliant, the crazy ... even the silly. Like how you'd...