Shawn’s 50th Birthday

Last night was extraordinary. I had the immense joy of celebrating my 50th birthday surrounded by amazing friends and family. 

Turning 50 feels like a significant milestone—not just because of the number, but because of the experiences and people that have shaped my life thus far. This celebration was a perfect representation of that journey.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who attended and to those who sent their well-wishes from afar. Your love and support mean the world to me!

This was my speech:

“Good evening everyone. 

50 years old. Wow.   I'm thrilled to have all of you here to celebrate this milestone with me.

First off, to my incredible parents— John and Sherry Helms - Thank you for 50 years of love and support.  I could not have asked for better parents or role models. 

Misty - thank you for putting up with me for so many years.  You are a wonderful partner in all things both adventurous and mundane.  Thank you for always supporting my dreams and putting up with all the long hours of work.  You make my days brighter and every burden a bit lighter.

A special thank you to Brittany and my other children that works so hard to pull all this together.  You all are the thing I am truly most proud of in my life.  

To the rest of my amazing family and friends, your presence makes this milestone truly special. 

A special shout-out to those who traveled from California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Colorado just for this two-hour party. You might be a bit crazy—or maybe  just really love free alcohol —but I'm so happy you're here!

As I look back on half a century, I'm reminded that life's true wealth is measured not in years, but in the relationships we build and the moments we share. Thank you all for contributing to the richness of my journey.

So let's raise a glass—to the past that brought us here, the present that binds us together, and the future that's full of possibilities.