Shannon, you are the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

I knew when I first saw you on that soccer field during the springtime at school, I had to have you.  I hope I wasn't too crazy in trying to snare you as my boyfriend, but I had to have you in my life.  My last boyfriend was such a zombie: even the dead had more exciting lives than we did when he and I were an item!  Glad he's history!

You not only looked hot with your killer smile, big dark brown eyes, wavy black hair, and dark tanned skin: you proved yourself to be a gentleman, even in crisis situations, like when I had that nasty anaphylactic shock reaction to the peanut brittle that I accidentally ate during the church's bake sale!  You stayed right by my side and you insisted on riding with the EMT's as they put me into the ambulance.  You were so worried; I appreciate you caring so much!  All I can say is this: Thank you!

I really never knew about the Cajun people until you came into my world.  I find your culture fascinating and I love the food and especially the music!  The first time you played that song by BeauSoleil, I had no clue who they were, but man, that was some awesome music!  Now I can't seem to get enough of BeauSoleil (ANY Cajun band, really; they're ALL wonderful)!

Your parents are great, Shannon.  Your daddy is such a crack-up and your mamma, she makes the best cookies, not to mention, gumbo, jambalaya, and what was that third dish called?  I think it was called Eh too fee or something like that.  (Don't EVEN ask me to spell it! LOL)

And your brothers and sisters (all 10 of them!) are great too!  I've never seen such love and support for one another like I have in your family.  I wish my family was like yours!  My mom is okay, but she can be a pain when she goes off into her bi-polar world or is off her medication.  That is why whenever she acts so crazy I want to be with your family.  And I miss having a dad; my dad walked out of my life when my baby brother was born handicapped 12 years ago.  He couldn't handle the responsibiity, so he exited, stage right.  Still makes me cry.  What a moronic loser my dad is!

NOTHING at all like your dad!  Your dad is fun, and so is your mamma!  I love them both so much; heck, I love ALL your family!

I hope we can be together for a long time.  I personally think it was a "God thing" for Him to bring us together.  I have not been happier than now, since you came into my life earlier this year.  I am so glad I have you; you make my life fun and full of purpose!  I love you, Shannon, and I sincerely mean that with every fiber of my being!  Thanks for reading this; I just wanted to let you know how special you are to me.

~With all my love, Ashley-Karen.  :) X0X0X0