I just got my advance copies of my book today. Of course, it was extremely exciting, but it also brought to the forefront a worry that’s been lingering in my mind ever since i finished the first draft: my aunt’s reaction. I love and respect my aunt very much, so i was concerned over her possible reaction to some of the content of my book, i.e. one of the fights we had shortly after i moved in with her, my views on religion, etc.

So tonight i was hanging out with my friends and when i came home, my aunt told me she’d read my whole book, so i was immediately anxious to hear her reaction. She told me she cried and really liked it, that at first she reacted negatively to the passages i’d been worried about, but then realized that was just how things were at the time—like how everything was more difficult when i first moved in—and that i was just being honest and sharing my experience. She also said i was an excellent writer, which made me beam, especially coming from her. We talked a little about the book and the times i wrote about, then, it being late, i got up to say goodnight to her.

Pulling her into a hug, i said, “I love you very much.”

“I love you too, sweetie,” she said, which made me tear up, since we so infrequently exchange such terms of endearment.

“Thank you for all you’ve done.”

She laughed. “It’s not over quite yet!”

She’s right. I still have another year of high school to go through—and, more immediately, more initial reactions to my book to experience. I hope hers will be the first of many positive reactions i’ll hear, but hers will definitely remain one of the most rewarding. When writing a memoir, it’s hard to strike a balance between honesty and prudence, acknowledging people who have been important in your life, but also portraying them in a realistic way. Since my aunt is one of the primary “characters” in my book, i’m glad she found it to be a fair, considerate, and truthful account.

Admittedly, i’m not much of a blogger, but i’ve had the topic for my first post in mind for a while: gratitude.  I wasn’t allowed enough space on the dedication page of my book to acknowledge the sheer amount of people who have enriched my life, so i’ll do so here.

First and foremost, to my parents, Amy and Blair Shannon, whose combined influence is so strong and positive even in death that it continues to shape who i am and what i do today.

To my Aunt Chris, for taking care of me when i thought i was alone in the world; to my Aunt Trish, for always listening to me with compassion and understanding; to my Aunt Erin, for taking my aspirations seriously and expanding my interests; to my Aunt Kerry, for sharing many memories of my mother that i otherwise wouldn’t have known and providing a logical outlook on most any problem; and to my Aunt Pam, for always generously supporting my endeavors.

To my grandparents, for loving me unconditionally and offering me their home as a place of comfort and rest whenever i need it.

To my Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Charles, Uncle Lester, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Myron, for loving my dad in a way only family can and always being available to me.

To Shaunda, for being a unique combination of big sister, aunt, and cousin.

To Monique, for making my father’s last days on earth truly special and filled with love, and reminding me of my fond memories with him each time we speak.

To my cousins, Nick, Andrew, Arryan, and Armmon, for lighting up my life and being the brothers i never thought i’d have.

To Roger, for treating me fairly and lovingly, from now to when we first met.

To Avery, for being the best companion to navigate these treacherous teenage years that i ever could have asked for.

To Amy, for having been my friend since we were six years old and never drifting away.

To Lily, for treating me as one of her own daughters.

To Kelsie, for being both my fierce advocate and dear friend.

To Sandrina, for broadening my horizons and helping me see the fun of life.

To Alex, Kiera, Emily, Ashley, Diamond, Autumn, Alexa, Gillis, Brianna, Heather, Caprice, Chelsea, Naomi, Ian, Brody, Keloni, and all of my other dear writing friends, for accepting me into such a loving, creative community.

To Abby, for having stayed by my side in a time when my life was the hardest and never wavering in the face of all the uncertainty.

To Bridget, for maintaining the bridge of friendship between us and always being in my life.

To Kelsey, for always treating me with kindness, especially in times when i needed it most.

To Jessica, for being one of my best friends for much of our childhoods and a young woman who i will always admire.

To Jenn, Sami, Sarah, Marissa, Megan, Karen, Gabi, Jaime, Janela, Maeve, Alicia, Jenny, Julia, and Stephanie, for being my writing sisters and teaching me the true meanings of acceptance and trust.

To KJ, for teaching me countless things about life and myself.

To Holly, for being my very first best friend, and to Mike and Peri, for graciously accepting me into their home week after week.

To Dr. Joy and Ms. Lenning, for always encouraging my writing and providing insight on how i can improve.

To Jennifer, for first alerting me of the Louder Than Words project.

To all my other relatives, classmates, acquaintances, and teachers who have ever supported me.

And finally, to Debbie, for making this wonderful opportunity possible!