Meet Your Neighbors: Charles and Shannon Holiday

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I first met Shannon Holiday while she was volunteering at Joy’s Kitchen. She was sorting and packing grocery items while carrying her little daughter on her hip. I picked up on the idea that Shannon and her husband Charles were serious about getting involved with the community. Over the course of a few conversations it became clear that this delightful young family is a perfect example of the kind of neighbors we love to have with us here in Southern Gables. Interview by Bruce McDonald.

Bruce: The first thing I always want to know when we have these little interviews is how long you have lived in Southern Gables, and what brought you here to our little gem of a neighborhood here in Lakewood. 

Charles: Coming to Colorado and finding this neighborhood took a lot of steps, all in the right direction. We both came here from out of state. I grew up in Roswell, on a cattle ranch with my grandfather. Shannon: And i grew up in Phoenix. I came to Colorado about 19 years ago, with a girlfriend, to get out of the heat. I love the seasons, the preparation for each change, the anticipation, the different things to do. Charles: It was 20 years ago for me. I came out to start up a skateboard shop. Shannon and I lived not far from each other in downtown Denver, and we met through skateboarding. 

I don’t get to hear a skateboard “how we met” story very often… Well of course it wasn’t just skateboarding. We were skateboard friends for three years, then dated for six years before getting married. That was ten years ago. After we were married we still lived downtown – in several different neighborhoods over the years. Then three years ago we decided we wanted to plan for starting a family so we looked for a starter home away from downtown. So then, that’s the answer to your first question: three years in Southern Gables. Now that we’re here, we are pretty sure that our starter home will be our forever home. We were so happy to find this house, and this neighborhood, for raising Charley Grace and maybe someday another baby.  

Shannon: Yes, that’s right. It was just so perfect, from the first time we drove through. Where I grew up in Phoenix it seemed all the houses were the same. Here the houses have character. And the neighbors! What a contrast! I honestly wasn’t used to people even being nice. When we arrived here and started moving in, it was shocking how welcoming everyone was. The neighbors put on a baby shower for us. They had just met us! We were deeply moved by the support everyone just offered, in so many ways. Charles: There’s a lot of interaction with neighbors on all kinds of  day-to-day things that make good relationships. Like Ben Franklin’s advice, to make a good neighbor, go and borrow a little salt. 

Shannon: The Westwoods Community Church is the same way, always helpful and the community outreach they have is phenomenal. They support Joy’s Kitchen, and the Children’s World School is so great for young children with its play-based learning about different countries. Another thing we love about the neighborhood is having such easy access to the parks that are close by. Our favorite is what we think of as the Cloud Park with its wide-open sky views – Peak View Park. Each one has its unique appeal. Belmar Park, Kendrick Lake, Green Gables Park. 

I’m intrigued by the skateboarding connection since that’s how you met. Charles, it seems kind of far removed from life on a cattle ranch… were you a city boy at heart?  Charles: Far from it. Working on the ranch was a tough job, and my grandfather had me doing the hardest physical work as soon as I could handle it. He taught me how to ride a horse, roping and handling the cattle. You can’t slack off or lose focus, and skateboarding is the same in that regard. And Shannon, how did you take to the sport?  Shannon: It’s very physical, like Charles said, and I love the challenging aspect of it. I’m a dancer at heart. I was raised with ballet and I danced pre-professionally in a ballet company, and I’ve also danced Samba, jazz, modern, and contemporary styles. 

How about other interests, hobbies, sports?  Charles: We like camping, and Colorado is so great for that. And my very best activity is being a father. Every day as a father has been the best day of my life. Shannon: And don’t forget Jiu-Jitsu. Charles: Yes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And MMA – mixed martial arts. Shannon: You can say cooking too, for me. I’m a chemist, always discovering how things go together and what makes them work.

I asked whether skateboarding is still a thing they do, and it’s yes for Charles and no for Shannon since some serious injuries. Then, about work. Charles is a representative for “more than a few” international companies that make safety equipment, clothing, and shoes. He gets their products placed with outlets all over the Rocky Mountain and South Central region. Shannon is a mental health counselor for children and families. 

Winding up our conversation, I asked Shannon and Charles for any closing thoughts or a favorite quote to pass on along the lines of advice. Shannon answered right away, “Keep your head up and your heart open.”

From Charles, after a moment’s thought, “Try to live a life that justifies the tragedy of existence.” Whew.

Charley Grace added, “Doggie.”

I said at the outset that Shannon and Charles are serious about getting involved with the community. Putting ideals into action, they have joined the Southern Gables Neighborhood Association Board. We are so excited to have them with us, contributing to our goal of making our great neighborhood even better. 

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