I cannot begin the post without stating how remarkable the last few days have been. When I wrote a post about my friend from high school, I never anticipated a response like I’ve witnessed. This isn’t about my blog. It’s not about my writing. It’s a direct response to the magnitude of what my friend Shawn means to people. He is well loved. Yet something tells me he has no idea just how much.
We’ve got to get to him.
I also need to put out a blanket “thank you” for every single person that has offered to help. We’ve gotten closer to details and for that, I’m thankful. With that, here’s what we know….
Shawn was arrested and released back in November. Several people have been reaching out to local contacts trying to see if we could find him in shelters and halfway houses with little to no success. We did find out that he has a court date on January 16th at 9am. Assuming this court date doesn’t change, this might have been the only chance I had to meet with him.
Yet the story has taken another turn….
I just found out this morning that Shawn has again been arrested (January 2nd to be specific). Out of respect for him, I am not posting the latest mugshot. He is currently being held at the Miami-Dade County Correctional Facility. While we now know where he is, the reality is that he could be released again. Particularly if there is overcrowding of the facility. As of this morning, that is the most recent information.
I know some wonder why go to all the lengths to get to him? I known I’m a dreamer, but I firmly believe that one need we all have is the need for hope. My best guess is that Shawn is in a pattern right now and doesn’t know the remarkable amount of people that still believe in him. He needs to know the hope we all have for him. He’s a fighter. I leave you with two quotes from Bob Goff –
You don’t need a plan; you just need to be present.
I used to want to fix people but now I just want to be with them.
Love it.
Love what you’re doing for your friend too. May both of our letters be received and read with the intent which they were sent.
I read about your friend and have and will continue to pray for him! The world needs more friends like you! 🙂
Thank you Lorie. You give me far too much credit. I am really only trying to do what I would hope someone would do for me. I still believe in him. I still believe in miracles. I still believe in a miracle for him.
Once Again I Am So AMAZED At The Goodness Of Our Great God!! I Will Definitely Be Praying That Shawn Does NOT Get Released Before His Court Date. By Keeping Shawn In Lock-Up That Will At Least Guarantee Him The Ability To Get Somewhat Clean And Sober. I For One Know Personally How Hard It It Is To Get Clean And Sober…But I KNOW IT IS POSSIBLE!! I Have Been Clean Sober For 27 1/2 Yrs Now Since June 6, 1985. I Know God Can Do Work Miracles In Shawn…But He Has To Be Willing To Go To ANY LENGTHS To Get Clean And Sober, And Stay That Way. I Know Too That The Longest Journey Begins With A Single Step. Being Willing To Admit Defeat…To Say That I Am An Addict/Alcoholic Takes A Willingness And Admitting To the Problem Is 1/2 The Battle. The Really Good thing About All This Is…It Doesn’t Have To Be Done Alone. I Learned A Long Time Through A 12 Step Program, that It Is A WE, US, And OURS Program. There Is Help Out There…But Shawn Has To Want It For Himself…And Nobody Can Will It For Him To Get Clean And Sober.
When I Came To The Place Of Getting Clean And Sober, I Had To TRULY HIT MY BOTTOM…I Had To Come To That Place Where All I Could Do Was LOOK UP. When I Totally Surrendered My Will, And Gave God His Rightful Place Back In My Life..Then And Only Then Did Things Begin To Become OK Within My Heart And Life….But that Was Just The Beginning. I Had To Go to Meetings, Get A Sponsor, And Make Sure That I Had A Support Group That I Could Turn to To Help Me Become Accountable.
I Know That If Shawn Is Willing…He too Can Have That Journey That Is Happy, Joyous, And Free. Aaron, I Know He Has You In his Corner, And So Many Others..And That Is Such An Awesome Thing. I Don’t Think It Is Any Coincidence That All These People Were Touched By Shawn So Many Years Ago..I Believe This Is A GOD THING!! Miracles Can And DO Happen, And They Can Happen For Shawn!! We Will Be Praying For Him In Our House 🙂