Shawn was born with congenital cataracts which left him legally blind.
As a result his school years were spent attending special education classes.
He had several awesome teachers that worked hard with him, encouraging him
to reach his potential. His lessons did not come easy as he was also diagnosed
with hyperactivity and was receiving medication. His accomplishments were slow
and Shawn began to lose confidence in himself. In 1985 his father and I divorced,
adding more confusion to his low self-esteen. I continued to encourage him
to work hard and go on to graduate and Shawn expressed an interest in the food industry
as his choice for a career. I was so proud of Shawn as I watched him walk across the stage
to receive his diploma on that beautiful afternoon, the 13th of June 1995.
When his name was announced by his principal I jumped to my feet with tears in my eyes,
I clapped my hands, loudly whistled and then shouted "Way to go Shawn!"
This was the beginning of many outstanding achievements and awards that Shawn
was to recieve over the next six years. I have each of them proudly displayed
in my curio cabinet along with all of his other momentos.


My son the graduate


Just prior to graduation Shawn received an award for his outstanding achievement
and performance in Marketing Education and Hospitality Management.
In 1999 Shawn received an Achievement of the Year Award. Certificates were presented
to him from the Attorney General's Office, The Ohio House of Representatives,
The Ohio Senate, The Auditor of the State of Ohio, The Governor of Ohio,
and President and Mrs. George W. Bush. He also received a beautiful plaque
with his name on it. Shawn was a very hard-working young man. His dedication,
degree of determination and perseverance showed by Shawn receiving these awards.
I was so proud of my son when representatives from Bennett Enterprises
came to his visitation and presented Shawn with his final and most treasured award,
his CEO pin. This pin was placed on his leather jacket for all to admire
but I removed it after the services and will treasure it always.




My Son And I


We are connected my son and I
By an invisible cord, not seen by the eye.
It's not like the cord that binds us at birth
This cord can't be seen by any on earth.

This cord does its work right from the start
It binds us together attached at the heart.
I know that it's there, though no one can see
The invisible cord from my son to me.

The strength of this cord is hard to describe
It can't be destroyed, it can't be denied.
It's stronger than any man can create
Withstands and test, can hold any weight.

And though you are gone and not here with me
The cord is still there, though no one can see.
It pulls at my heart, I an bruised, I am sore
But this cord is my lifeline like never before.

I am thankful that God connects us this way
Mother and son, death can't take away.


"Shawn, you will always be my son and I am your mother forever"





Music is "It's No Sacrifice"