From Craig (Brother in Law)

I think that the first time I met Shawna was at our wedding. I remember that Michele had left for Christmas break and went to Colorado (if I am wrong on this please insert the right place) to visit Shawna and Norm. Since Michele and I had only been on one real date up to that time, I am not sure that she even mentioned me to the Jacksons. A month later Michele and I were engaged and seven weeks later we were married. Since our engagement went so fast, I don’t think that there was any time to meet Shawna before our wedding day. (You know that when you get old your memory starts to fade, so if any of this is wrong, please chalk it up to old age!)

I remember that when I first met Shawna I noticed what a pleasant personality she had. She didn’t get all wound up over things she was pretty even keeled, in fact both Shawna and Norm seemed to be very mellow. I often wondered if I could be that laid back once I started to have kids. I later found out that I couldn’t! Not long after Michel and I were married, the Jacksons moved to Cottonwood. One Thanksgiving we drove up to their house to celebrate the holiday. I don’t remember who all was there but I do know that there was a houseful. This must have been my first Thanksgiving as part of the Romney clan because I was not used to all of the chaos with all of the little kids. Charlene was not yet born so kids were still foreign to me.

Since we were at the Jackson’s house, Shawna carried the burden of all of the preparations and food being cooked there and all of the little one running around destroying the house. However, through all of this, Shawna still seemed relaxed and able to cope with all of the chaos without getting all wound up. It must have been an art form that she had either learned or had been born with. I couldn’t imagine anybody being so cool under so much pressure. Now, as I have known Shawna for 37 years (in five days!) I realize that that is her personality – she was born a kind, sweet, loving person that was always able to keep her cool. It had to be a blessing from heaven because I know that if I had to put up with all of those Jackson kids I would have been in the loony bin by now! (just kidding!)

Shawna, I hope that you have a very happy birthday. I know that you are going through some heavy personal trials with your health. Stay the same kind, loving person that you are and the Lord will bless you in all that you do. As Elder Steven K. Randall of the Seventy said to Michele, “your days are numbered only to God. In the meantime, live your life as if you were going to live forever and the Lord will bless you.” I am grateful to know such a loving and kind person as Shawna.

Craig Garvin