Shannon: Vicki Was Just Being Cruel

This is quite a finale. Outrageous at times. 

I am very proud of Tamra's decision to get baptized. Tamra and I each went through our own horrendous experiences last year and we both found our way to the Lord to help navigate us through. We both have come out of it stronger than ever, and I feel a special connection with her. Tamra's speech was incredible; she has an amazing heart.

I haven't seen Vicki since our lunch and I was not excited about it because I didn't know what to expect. In her interview, Vicki says that the one friend that hurts her the most is me. Why? For being the only one who has yet to question her about Brooks' illness? I have been there for Vicki and only told her at our lunch if she really wanted to stop the talk, she should have Brooks produce a medical record. Nothing that you haven't heard from anyone else. Except that I stop there. Others keep going. Vicki says, "How dare she do this to me?" How dare I do what? Give her advice to stop the rumors so she won't have the nervous breakdown she keeps talking about? Yes, Vicki, how dare I act like a good friend?

I was quite surprised to hear Terry Dubrow say that he never sent a colleague over to Vicki's home to administer an IV after Brooks had his first chemo treatment in October. I called Vicki to see how Brooks was feeling after his first chemo and she told me this story. And to hear that Brianna was told the same story is something else. She and I have never had a conversation. When Heather asks Vicki about it, she responds that she may have been out of town. She wasn't.

I would like to be very clear about this point. VICKI THOUGHT SHE WAS THE ONLY PERSON TO KNOW ABOUT DAVID'S AFFAIR AT THE BAPTISM. SHE DID NOT KNOW I TOLD TAMRA AND HEATHER DAYS BEFORE. She only found out I confided in Tamra and Heather days AFTER the baptism. Vicki betrayed my trust. Period. On the beach in Tahiti, Vicki said, "I would never, ever betray you." She did.

I talked about the affair on the show as we were filming and understand that everyone was about to hear our story as soon as the show started. I get it. But at this point, David and I had kept everything to ourselves. We knew the "reveal" was coming when the show aired months later, and we were slowly preparing ourselves emotionally for what was to come. We certainly weren't expecting for it to be discussed at a baptism party.

Meghan hit the nail on the head when she said that Vicki was deflecting. And that is the word she uses multiple times as she pulls away from the baptism, "Deflection."  She clearly thinks she has perfected that action after 10 seasons on the show. Vicki was concerned she would be confronted at the baptism with more speculation about Brooks and instructed Rhonda to bring up the affair to deflect—a person that I have only met once in my life.  

I appreciate Tamra and Heather defending me. Tamra knows how much I have supported Vicki and Brooks, even prior to filming. Heather points out that other people have supported me. Vicki was just being cruel. And then to insinuate that Heather, Meghan, and I are the "devil" is appalling.  

It is shocking to hear Vicki say, "Let's just say he's is faking cancer, what would that have to do with me? I don't understand why we are even talking about it." Are you serious??? Why are we talking about it, Vicki??? Because you have brought us all into this story and have accused me of being a disloyal friend as a result. The fact that she even made that statement is alarming.

It has been a very emotional season for me. Most of my relationships have drastically changed. The most important transformation has been that of my marriage. I am so happy that you get to see David and I smile in this episode because we do a lot of that together today. Through forgiveness, effort, and commitment, my marriage is in the best place it has ever been in the 15 years we have been married. Our children are flourishing and our family is strong and together.

I have formed a deep friendship with Tamra and Heather that I didn't think was possible. Meghan and I are moving forward and I think we are beginning to understand each other. My friendship with Vicki has fully destructed. I don't have much hope that it can be repaired.  

I have God, my husband, my family, my friends, and even the show to thank for the amazing place where I am today. I am so blessed and incredibly grateful.

I hope to blog after the reunion shows. It was wild to be a part of it and I am looking forward to seeing it. Until then...XO.

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