There is a picture of us when we were little. You were positioning my head for the picture because Mom wanted a cute picture of our heads together for a photo. I was the worst kid to pose for pictures because I never knew what to do with my body or how to position myself, but you were always there to help me to do what I needed to do.

Not only am I thankful for all the cute pictures we have now because you step in to adjust my head for the picture, but I am also thankful for positioning me to go through life.

Katie and AlexKatie Shannon

I was a small girl that was terrified of myself.
I knew I had it in me, but I never allowed myself to have the mic. I always felt it was better for another voice to be heard rather than my own.

You were always the one to stop me and hand me the mic to speak up. You gave me the tough love advice I didn't want to always hear, but that I needed to know. You showed me what it means to obtain strength and hold on to my own sense of character.

You showed me how to stand strong alone. That being alone didn't always mean you are lonely, but rather you know how to be independent. I didn't obtain superficial friendships because of popularity, because you showed me that people's value is through their actions and treatment towards you, not because of "high school status."

You showed me strength that I didn't know I had. You helped me look at another perspective of myself in the mirror.

You lead with such ambition, determination, and pure kindness and love in your bones. I know you are very critical of yourself, but you do not see the person that we all see in front of us.

You showed me what it means to be determined. Whenever I hear all of your stories, I sit in awe of all of the amazing talents that pour out of you and how much you have to show the world. You don't realize the overwhelming effect of awe and amazement you have on people, and I cannot wait for the time that you really show them what you're made of.

Because the world doesn't know what they have coming, Alex. Continue to be the force to be reckoned with.