My Friend Shannon

My soul-twin is an impish blonde pixie by the name of Shannon - that's her real name, because she's one of only a handful of real-life friends that knows this URL.  I gave it to her partially because I know she'd never, ever judge me - and partially because I knew she'd totally find it on her own, anyway.

Shannon and I met at a Gigantic Buttoned Up Computer Company when I was fresh out of University.  We connected immediately: she had a contagious laugh and a mischievous spirit that often bordered on gleeful nefariousness.  She dated younger men, completely without apology, and from the get-go, we trusted each other with each other's most mortifying and sordid secrets - we were like teenaged boys dressed in corporate attire, totally attuned to the debauchery of one another because we could see mirror images of ourselves in each other's eyes.

We worked out together, snuck out of the office together, scrambled irritatingly on the nerves of our older, more distinguished workmates. Mostly, we laughed together uncontrollably: one summer night after a walk with her I remember hunching down under a tree, unable to breathe, convulsing with heaving laughter over a ridiculous scenario we'd concocted.  We both had tears streaming down our faces, one of those awesome life moments that happen uncontrollably: jesus this life is hysterical.

Shannon was my first friend to visit me in the hospital when my son was born.  Her eyes were wide: she had so many questions, and I could read her silent thoughts: This could have been me, K. Dear god, you birthed a baby! You're a Mom!

That's why it's so incredible to me, what Shannon is doing now: knowing that our passions and stubbornness and insanity are so similar, it astounds me that she did something I never could have done.

At the age of 33, my soul friend decided something was missing.  Or more apt: that she was capable of more than her otherwise normal life.  She had a doting boyfriend, a nice house, a blazing career in high tech software development, and she gave it all up for a cause she had always held dear: saving the animals.

I couldn't be more proud of her. For the last two years, she's been risking her life to save whales and seals on a threadbare, dangerous ship. She's given up salary, comfort, and security to make a difference on this planet. I admire that more than I can express, I know no one else who has ever had the guts to do what she is doing everyday. The Sea Shepherd is controversial, it's true, and I was pretty astounded to read through some of the negative comments on The Animal Planet website about the show, demeaning the intelligence of the crew. Shannon is one of the most whip smart women I've met in my life. And she would never hurt a flea, literally.

(Shannon's bio can be found here. I actually wrote it for her a few months ago without knowing what it was for. Has anyone seen this show? I'd love to hear your thoughts.)

I'm tempted to get cable just to be able to watch her series. But if I don't, I'll be cheering wildly from the sidelines, in awe of the my friend Shannon, who had the gumption and spirit to make the decision to live an extraordinary life.

(If you're reading, Shan, I'm ridiculously proud and even if this makes you famous and shit I won't tell any of your secrets.  Unless someone pays me really big money.)

Comments

[Kris]

I have seen the show and love it. I think what the Sea Shepard and crew do is totally amazing, wonderful and damn well needed! I love animals (I cry in pet stores) and knowing there are people out there willing to stand up for them makes me damn proud to be on this planet. Go Shannon! K.

[doug]

The Sea Shepherd is quite the vessel, and it's captain is an amazing man. I'm sure your dear friend must be equally amazing to be crewing on it.

If you really want to see how dedicated they are, watch Sharkwater. A disturbing movie (millions of sharks are killed every year just for their fins, for SOUP), but the determination and bravery of the crew is inspiring.

[doug]

arrrgh! I can't believe I put an apostrophe in that "its" in the firt sentence

/AR

[Gabriella]

It would be an honour to have a friend like that! What an inspiration she is!

[Shannon]

My husband and I love that show. If we were kidless, we'd totally be up for doing something like that. What friend to be proud of!

[Keri]

I read about the Sea Shepard a few years ago in a magazine. What they do is so inspiring that I wanted to join up immediately! However, I was 8 months pregnant at the time. =P I'm so glad they have their own show so that the public is aware of what they are doing and also they can earn some money to cover costs. Kudos to your friend, Shannon, for joining up!

[Kimberly]

I admire the courage if takes to make that kind of decision with one's life. It's respectable and unusual.

That said, I don't respect some of the actions the Sea Shepherd's crew has taken over the years. Their mission is absolutely a worthy one, it's their tactics I sometimes cannot support.

[beatnikchik]

I'd never heard of this before. But I looked at the website and am watching the show right now. They climbed onto a Japanese ship who is currently trying to throw them overboard.

[laura]

The show and Shannon both sound amazing!
We get animal planet so if you need someone to tape it for you just let me know, mind you it will be on vhs and not dvd (yeah, i know, i'm lame!)

[nomi]

ummmm... why is your name the new header of your page?

you are freaking me out.

shannon is coolio.

[Kristy]

My husband is addicted to this show because the crew is insane. While they have a good cause they often leave their crew members to die in efforts to save the whales. He agrees with their cause, however their methods are akin to kindergarten children making a plan of attack. They come across as stupid on this show. Of course, it's wonderful to say anyone gave up a career for a good cause, and perhaps she did...but I imagine that Animal Planet is paying them to be on this show.

[Kristin]

Hi Kristy,

Nope, they don't get paid. And I'm sure the show spins them in whatever light is most interesting, but I can tell you for sure that Shannon is pretty far from insane.