Pumpkin becomes a 'sister mom' to Honey Boo Boo on her birthday as they deal with life after Mama June's arrest
Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson recently celebrated her 14th birthday and even though her mother, Mama June Shannon was recently arrested, her sister, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon is ensuring that her little sister celebrates her birthday with a big smile on her face.
On Monday, August 26, Pumpkin, 19, took to Instagram to share a sweet message for her sister on her birthday.
“Happy birthday to my not so little sister. Today you’re 14 and I’m so happy I get to spend it with you,” she wrote along with a picture of Alana in which she can be seen sticking her tongue out. The post further shed light on how the family was having a difficult time ever since Mama June was arrested in March and Pumpkin was declared Alana's legal guardian.
Despite the tension in the family, Pumpkin noted how she had taken up the role of Alana's "sister mom" and how she would always be there for her whenever she needed her. “Things haven’t been the easiest lately but I promise we will get through it,” Pumpkin wrote. “I love being there for you when you need me most. And I enjoy being your sister mom. I hope today is all you wish for and more ❤️❤️ @honeybooboo.”
Mama June was arrested in March over possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia charges after it was alleged she had crack cocaine and a crack smoking pipe on her, as reported by People.
Shje was arrested along with her boyfriend, Eugene “Geno” Edward Doak. Eugene was charged with third-degree domestic violence, possession of a controlled substance, as well as, possession of drug paraphernalia. The spokesperson for the Macon County District Attorney’s Office told the outlet that Eugene too had suspected crack cocaine and a crack pipe on him.
Following the incident, Pumpkin decided to break her silence and speak about it. "Hey guys, as you know, you’ve seen the stuff out in the media and our family is going through a rough patch," she said. Pumpkin added that Mama June's arrest was an incident that shocked the family.
Pumpkin noted that the family was doing good at the beginning of the year but hit a rough patch a couple of months into the year.
“But this year alone we have had a lot of happiness. And when my mom and Alana were out in California and everything seemed good. Then the next couple months rolled around and things took a turn,” she said. “We’re sharing our story in hopes that it helps another family and I sincerely want to thank our fans for always being there and loving and supporting us.”
Ever since Mama June's arrest, Alana has been staying with her sister. Mama June's issue with addiction was also aired as an episode in her reality show 'Mama June: From Not to Hot' as her family staged an intervention for her. During the episode, the viewers got to see how Alana was upset about her mother's life choices and noted that her decision to stay with Pumpkin was not by choice.
“I would love to come home and stay with you, tell you about my day, but I can’t do that because I’m scared,” she said. “I’m scared to stay at your house. I just want mama back".