I am a lucky chick. That’s the first thing I want you to know, if you are reading this post. I have an awesome family, a nice place to live, and a job with very caring and concerned coworkers. I also have the opportunity to take a few trips now and again and share my experiences with my readers.
I really appreciate YOU, my readers. I also want to share a personal story, in hopes that you will think about all the things you want to do, but just keep putting off.
I’m sick. I’ve been sick for a really long time. Right before I left for a trip to San Juan last spring, I discovered a knot on my shoulder. This was scary, because my grandfather was at the end stages of his long battle with cancer, and I didn’t even want to think of what was wrong with me. I went to my doctor and he advised to watch and keep an eye on it.
So I watched it. I watched it get bigger and it began to hurt. I noticed a loss of strength in my left hand. I was tired all the time. Then I had all kinds of drama in my life, and I kept putting off that visit to my doctor.
Paw Paw's Empty Rocking Chair
During this time, I would visit my grandparents in “The Country” and help my Paw Paw move the dial on his radio, because he wanted to listen to Tiger Baseball as we both sat on the back porch in rocking chairs. He was so very weak and I knew that he was waiting for something. So I said to him, “Paw Paw. It’s okay. You know I’ll be here for Maw-Maw.”
And I wanted to cry, but knew I had to be strong when he said, “Sugar, I can’t leave her alone.”
And I promised to take care of my grandmother and be there for her when he passed. A few days later, my grandfather died. At that moment, any problem I had in my life seemed insignificant compared to the grief of my grandmother and the pain of my entire family.
My life got really crazy after this. My full-time work schedule seemed to consist of all nights. I was so tired and exhausted, but still managed to make every press trip that was scheduled. Heck, I even boarded a plane two hours after having an IV pulled out my arm. What was I thinking?
It was time for surgical removal. Apparently, my new friend, Tammy the Tumor, had grown to size of a golf ball. I cried and I was scared each time a pre-op nurse would come check on me, look at my chart, and then I would get a toe squeeze with a, “Baby I’m gonna pray fo you.”
I kept thinking about my kids and wondering why this happening to me. I kept thinking of that movie Mean Girls and all the great restaurants out there that I have yet to sample and write about. I thought about money, and how the heck would we be able to pay for yet another expense we couldn’t afford. I kept thinking of the promise I made to my grandfather.
Tammy was removed and she wasn’t malignant, but (oh yes, there’s a but) the surgeon wanted to send me to a neurologist for some other tests. All during this time I continued to make my life look hunky-dory and peachy-keen, using the magic of social media, pictures from previous trips uploaded to twitpic, and pre-scheduled blog posts. Amazing how technology can fool people into thinking you’re in California when you’re really sitting in a recliner in Louisiana.
So now, I have a brain tumor. It’s called a meningioma, and is only rarely malignant. It is located on my right brain (hence the left side weakness) and my husband swears up and down that it has to be located in the house-cleaning section of my brain. In other words, things are going to be okay. My brother has helped me name this one: Mr. Miyagi the Meningioma, in honor of The Karate Kid, because I’m going to start kicking some ass.
I’m going to do all those things I’ve been putting off and I want to encourage each of you to do the same. Don’t wait until you get a slap in the face from some gross thing growing in your head like something out of a Stephen King novel.
I’m going on my first cruise and I plan on kissing my man like crazy. I’ll probably drink a good bit also. In fact, my husband commented that our liquor bill just shot up another 25% thanks to Mr. Miyagi. But I also plan on laughing until I can’t breathe. I plan on dancing until my feet can’t take it anymore. And I am going to enjoy myself and forget about all the crappy things (and people) going on in my life and all over the world.
Do it now. Bungee jump. Take painting lessons. Call someone you care about and tell them you love them. Or apologize to them for some wrong you’ve done.
And here’s one thing I hope you’ll do when you finish reading this (if you’re still here) – Close your eyes and think of one place in the entire world that you’ve always wanted to see or experience. Leave it in the comment section. Now go look it up online (or in that super-cool new Lonely Planet Book) and start making plans to go someplace awesome. Do it soon. I mean like so soon you just go ahead and charge it to your credit card and worry about paying on it later.
Don’t wait.
Live.
Disclaimer: You can rest assured that while the author obtained these tumors free of charge, this in no way impacted her opinion.
Special note to my family and friends that have been there for me: I count myself fortunate to have you in my life. I would not have made it through the past few months without all of you. To my awesome and supportive bosses: You rock. And Mom, thanks for the pie. I would like another please 
Cajun Mama you are a treasure.
Thank you for sharing this important story. Regardless of where I am, I can stop and appreciate the magic of the moment.
And alcohol, heck, that’s available almost anywhere.
Travel might be important for some, but for me, I’ve got lots to explore and appreciate right here at home.
.-= @toddlucier´s last blog ..toddlucier: @Cajun_Mama Thank you for your story. It reminds me to see the sparkle in everything, everywhere. http://bit.ly/4DcDQK =-.
I am in awe of you, Shannon. So brave to get through all that garbage without complaint, then having the guts to share online. Thank you for the wake-up call. I greatly admire your attitude and hope you have a fantastic trip with your husband.
I love you to death, girl. Few people can take the adversity and turn it into something good. You’re my hero. And you know I’d do anything in the world for you, so I expect you to ask at some point.
I want to go to Belize. I don’t know why. But I’m talking with the wife tonight about scheduling it. Thank you.
.-= Jason Falls´s last blog ..The Dangerous Waters Ahead =-.
I love you my sweet daughter, I can’t wait till we have a walk in the woods and explore with my new camera. I’ll be be making us both many chocolate pies, because they make everything all right with the world even if it’s just for a few bites. Your bosses, family and friends all rock!
Mom
Sending you a big hug, because I’ve been there, too. 5 years ago, I was in hospital, wondering if I’d ever walk any distance again, let alone travel. As you know, I’m fine now; the CAA even said I could have my pilot’s licence back, if I wanted it.
Lessons learnt were a) Straighten up and fly right and b) If you want to do it, do it now!
Your symptoms reminded me of my friend Howie (by coincidence, also a firefighter) The doctors said, the tumour is benign; we;ll just let it be until it becomes a problem, then we’ll operate. Five years later, they operated … Howie was back at work in 2 months, and fully operational in 6.
Funny thing was … he used to have a slight speech defect; couldn’t sound his Rs. The operation cured it.
Good vibes coming your way; enjoy the cruise!
Keith
(just about to have a shower and shave before I leave for France)
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Tapas in Salisbury =-.
Hey, Kaye! Send one of those chocolate pies over here!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Tapas in Salisbury =-.
Wax on, wax off, kick some Meningioma ass! And know this, you my dear are in my thoughts and prayers. It takes courage to fight this battle and it takes equal courage to talk about it openly and publicly.
As to drinking, have one on me and make the toast, “Here’s to long life and many travels.” I love you like a sister…you are one of a kind.
Shannon,
Found this post through Jason Falls, and I sit here with toddlers scurrying around my legs, putting final touches on a presentation I’m giving to a Fortune 500 company today…in inspired tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I want to go to Thailand. I also want to take ballroom dancing lessons. Researching the Thailand trip, and booking dancing lessons today (somebody hold me to this-ok?)
Thanks so much for your post,
Amy
Shannon, I just heard about your condition yesterday. I called Bret today and he told me about your website and what you had written. I got 1/2 way and couldn’t see clearly for the tears, but I made it to the end. You are a real trooper. Your attitude and Bret’s quirkiness will be great during this trial. I told Bret that if you all needed anything, to call. He asked about a baby sitter, I said yes. Really though, my prayers go out to each and every one of you. Turn to Jesus during this time and he will carry you and your family through it. I miss you and the kids, give them my love.
Love ya Mrs. Marge
John Lennon said “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”. Now it’s time to be busy enjoying life. Do what you want to do. Dance naked in the rain. (Although if you’re me, I’d warn the neighbors first, so they don’t call the cops…or take pictures. Hell, they can take pics if they want). Go to a playground and swing and daydream, visit a national park (I suggest Yellowstone), call someone you’ve lost touch with over the years and tell them how much your memories of then matter to you. Kick cancer’s ass. I’m rooting for you.
Wow, profound Shannon. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us all to just get out there. I’ll tip one (or two) for you tonight!
Shannon,
You’ve always been a bright spot in the online-sphere. Those who have traveled with you say you’re a bright spot wherever you go. Thanks for bringing us up to speed where you are in your journey to wholeness. I sense the bones of a book beginning to rattle. Take good notes! Big hugs, Gal!
@hotspringer
Prayers have been lifted for you Shannon, and while I won’t say I know how you are feeling, I will say recent events in my own family led me to the same conclusion – that we shouldn’t put off anything we want to do if we can do it now.
Tomorrow I’ll be driving to New Orleans to visit my mother who is in rehab after a stroke that hit her less than a year after retiring. I’ll be trying to lift her spirits as she deals with the impact this has on her own plans for the coming years. She’d already had to adjust her plans when my father passed away three years ago just after his retirement.
Me, I’ve decided that I’ll never retire and I will not put off that trip to Greece that I’ve always wanted to take – although we’ll probably do a Disney cruise with the kiddo next summer. But soon, I promise, I will see Mediterranean shores!
You are obviously a strong woman and I’ll continue to pray that your recovery from Mr. Miyagi will be as complete as that of other friends I have who faced similar brain tumors.
~LPT
.-= Laura P Thomas´s last blog ..SlideShare Revisited – Slidecasting, LeadShare and AdShare, Oh My! =-.
Shannon – my eyes welled up as I read your tender story. Thank you for sharing it and for inspiring us to live life to the fullest.
I have and will be praying for healing!
.-= Sheila @GoVisitHawaii´s last blog ..2009 Waikiki & Oahu Thanksgiving Dinners & Events =-.
Shannon, this is the best post I’ve read in awhile. I’m lucky to have met you and talked with you in person. Enjoy the cruise and every day before and after it.
Wade
.-= Wade Kwon´s last blog ..The new toothbrush: Ribbed for my pleasure =-.
Thank you for the incredible reality check. Almost 2 years ago now, I had an “episode” related to Long QT syndrome (heart freaked out and stopped working right) – my husband found me staring into space on the bed, non-responsive for a few moments. His shaking and screaming brought me back and luckily I live blocks away from a top notch research center on Long QT. So I’m part bionic now, but HERE. I haven’t made a list and hubby’s school is currently keeping us at home, but just about every quiet moment I have I am GRATEFUL. So infinitely grateful for every little thing.
Enjoy the new lease on life. And thank you so much for sharing.
What a testament to your amazing spirit and humor that you’ve thought of the rest of us during this difficult time, and turned your struggle into a learning opportunity for us all. I love that you took it a step further and issued a call to action!
For me, I’ve always wanted to go back to Hawaii with my husband who’s never been. I also have always wanted to visit Prague. I will keep you posted on these plans, and I’ll be praying for your continued strength. Mr. Miyagi doesn’t stand a chance!!
.-= Kellye Crane´s last blog ..Mentors for Each Other – 10.28.09 #solopr Chat =-.
Wow – Thanks so much for the inspiring post Shannon, and thanks @JasonFalls for the tweet about it. It’s easy to get caught up in life’s tasks and forget about the really important things in life. We all need these reminders from time to time, so thanks so much for sharing your story.
And as for the place I’ve always wanted to visit – Australia. I have friends that live in Sydney, so it might be time to think about scheduling that trip.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’m speechless… all I can say is prayer’s to you and Australia. I was supposed to go after college as a graduation gift but it was the 1992 and advertising agency jobs were hard to come by. I got one and figured I could always go to Australia later. Have regretted the decision ever since.
Enjoy that cruise… drink a lot… they’ll pour more. Promise.
@TomMartin
Sending a big virtual hug, and a few thoughts and prayers, your way
.-= Dominique´s last blog ..Metro Detroit’s Woodward Avenue named All-American Road =-.
Thank you – - – Hawaii!!!
@cajun_mama — unfortunately, I AM someone who can truly empathize with what you’re going through. At the age of 40, I had three grand mal seizures and faced a frighteningly similar situation as you now face. Work had taken over way too much of my life. I had begun missing my kids’ activities, had begun to be late for dinner more than I care to admit. I had begun to use the night times at home to communicate with executives, because night time is really the only time they get their work done as they’re often in meetings all day long. But with the support of my loving wife, support and care and prayers of our extended family and friends, I had my surgery followed by many months of treatment. I have to tell you, though, my greatest fear as I was going through it was that my life would return to “normal.” I was terrified that I would forget just how precious life is and would make it back into a routine where I didn’t notice the bats flying out of the bridges in Austin. I wouldn’t notice the beautiful sunsets. I wouldn’t fully enjoy a quiet evening with my wife on our patio with a glass of wine. I didn’t return to normal. I continue to recognize each day as a gift from God and I am thankful for each and every aspect of my life. I’ll be praying for you as you go through this. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat.
@bruceeric
Shannon…I have no words. My soul sister from another mister – please know that I will be here for you should you need anything at all. I know we only met once, but I have no doubt that Mr. Miyagi is in for a serious ass-kicking. Drink some on that cruise for me, too, ok? There is more where it came from.
This is a great ‘bucket-list’ story, Shannan… and it is also such a reminder that we all need that extra pinch of ‘a sense of humor’ when trekking through our sometimes-hard-as-heck lives.
Good luck to you and thank you for the reminder to keep ‘the important things’ in perspective.
My best to you.
Joanne
.-= Joanne Maly´s last blog ..Ideas and Creativity – at the end of the day. =-.
Geez… quit naming the tumors nice things or all the tumors are going to want to come hang at your place and you’ve already had more than your fair share!! ((hug))
All humor aside – thanks Shannon, for putting a very real face on why putting all of your “good things” aside until tomorrow isn’t the best idea. Sometimes, we just need to say “yeah, I’m going to go ahead and do that now, because I’d really regret it if I don’t.”
(((hug)))
May Mr. Miyagi become as fleeting of a memory as Ralph Macchio’s career did!!
Bravo Shannon for taking what life threw at you and hitting it out of the park! Yes, don’t stop living and I hope that your man has face full of lipstick kisses! Your courage, tenacity, and humor will do some major ass kicking as well as being an inspiration for all of us viewers/readers.
Hugs & kisses to you, your are my hero!
I saw this from @ChillieFalls. Here’s hoping all goes well for you.
I’d like to go to Europe someday, but I really want to live all the time with my family in “the Mountains”. My Pap-Pap passed away this spring and I think my grandma needs me, too. Not to mention it’s the most beautiful, peaceful place I’ve ever seen.
As soon as my husband finishes school, I’m gonna make it happen. Don’t know exactly how yet, but I will.
What a beautiful post, thank you so much for swift kick in the ass. *huge hugs*
By the way, what part of Louisiana? We’re stationed at Fort Polk.
.-= Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting´s last blog ..How to Make a Super Hero Costume =-.
Wow. You are even more incredible than I already knew. Your enthusiasm is infectious and your support and participation in TC meant so much to me. You were always so positive, even when I was a neurotic mess. Thanks for sharing this story. You remain an inspiration as a mom, professional and genuine kick ass Southern gal!
Shannon,
I have no words. I also have absolutely no doubt that you will kick Mr. Miyagi’s ass and do it with your ever-present southern style! Go….cruise….drink… and dance, girl! You’ve earned it and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks for the reminder. My place… the Greek Islands. Thanks to you, I know Martin and I will get there sooner rather than later now.
Please stay in touch. I love you and will be thinking of you kicking up your heels on that cruise with a big ‘ole glass of the bubbles in hand!
A lot of things happened as I read this post. First my heart dropped into my stomach. Then I began to cry. Now I’m thinking of how positive you are and how your upbeat spirit has always been contagious. Here’s sending some positive vibes back your way, along with lots of prayers and virtual hugs.
P.S. Can’t really think of a dream destination I haven’t been to yet…. Maybe Mt. Kilimanjaro….
You always have been an inspiration for me, now I am just stunned and more convinced than ever that you are one of the most outstanding women I have ever met. What a ‘tude, girl! I love it. I am sorry you are faced with these physical maladies.
One dream of travel of mine is the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. Best get to planning (and working out…it’s a major backpack).
Thanks for sharing this, very touching
Hi Shannon! We haven’t met yet, but your very brave post is inspirational beyond words. I even cried. I found so much of myself in it: always doing stuff and putting off my dreams and desires until “tomorrow.” Sadly for so many people, tomorrow never comes. In life you usually have either time or money, but rarely both. So the natural temptation is to either wait until you have more money, or wait until you have more time. But you can end up waiting forever, and tomorrow may never come. Thank you for the inspiration and I admire you for turning a trying time into something positive! I want to be more like you, fight harder for life. And as far as a place I want to go: I want to go all over! Really want to go to Bora Bora, China, India, Australia and all over Africa!
.-= Maria Ogneva´s last blog ..Social Fashion Within 140 Characters =-.
Wow. I wish I could jump through the screen and hug you, or rather share a cocktail with you and clink glasses in honor of your inspirational outlook. I must say (as someone who has been surrounded by cancer and someone who now spends her life helping other people start living the life they want) your post resonated beyond belief. I have a feeling your words will pop into my head a hundred more times over the course of my life, so thank you for that.
As for the wandering…oddly enough when I think of the one place I want to go it would be to head home for the holidays and sure enough a few days ago I charged that flight… serendipitous to come across your post a few days later. Many thanks for the post…I look forward to reading more.
Shannon, my dear friend, only you would cope with this so graciously. Your story made me laugh, cry and then inspire me to be and do more with my life. But that’s no surprise, you inspire everyone you know — all the time.
Over the last seven years I’ve watched you go through some pretty rough patches, without complaining. Each episode made you stronger, just as this will. Kaye, Donna, Keith and the others who posted can attest to that. Thank you for writing this. I suspect you changed the lives of many people. I love you dearly and will continue to pray for you.
.-= Denise´s last blog ..Louisiana Chocolate Pie =-.
Shannon,
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I am proud of your ability to stay strong..
With Love,
Amanda Kehoe
.-= Amanda Kehoe´s last blog ..I Survived: I Have Never Seen Anything Like This! Will You Help? =-.
What a fantastic positive attitude – something I think contributes more than anything to beating life’s issues and challenges. Inspiring post.
.-= Mark H´s last blog ..Castle with a Hidden Secret (Elmina, Ghana) =-.
Wow! I really appreciate all the support, prayers, emails, good vibes and comments from everyone. I’m totally overwhelmed. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your thoughts and sharing my story with your friends. Social sweetness!
Y’all made me cry, but in a good way
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Smoke and Mirrors: How to Keep Your Blog Alive When You’re Not Traveling =-.
You kick ass.
Love,
Billy
Thank you, Shannon, for reminding me of how lucky I am and putting me in touch with my gratitude. Your story is very scary because I also have a lump in my left rear shoulder. I haven’t done anything about it – I think that’ because I don’t want to know. Somehow, not knowing gives me a certain freedom to live my life in a way that brings me joy, even if it means I am barely scraping by financially, rather than selling out and taking another high-stress corporate job that will make me sick all over again.
As for the one thing that I really want to do before I die? Well, that’s easy. I must see the Northern Lights. I’m hoping they will have huge displays this winter, so I can hop a plane to Alaska, or Canada, or Scandinavia, or wherever they are most showy.
Hang in there, sweetie! Everything will work out just fine and we are all here for you.
.-= Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels´s last blog ..Jammin’ at Pastry Art’s Open MIC Night =-.
I remember when my daughter, Hillary E., told us about meeting you in Maine and your diagnosing her pregnancy. She shared your positive attitude and this story tells it so well. May you keep up your positive feelings and do whatever it is that you want.
I may still join Hillary in that climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Shannon,
My mouth just fell open. Girl how much more can be thrown to you and I just love your attitude about it. That is the best way to tackle it too. Shannon, You know you have me for life. I will stand by your side and will do anything for you. I LOVE YOU and I know you will overcome this fighting with all your might.
You are inspiring and are always there for us, now its our turn to be there for YOU. I am always there for you and I know you know that… but seriously Shannon if I can do anything at all.. please let me know.
I will be praying with all my might too. Please keep me posted. You have my phone number and just look out because Jen will call you too
Muah!!!!
Jen
.-= Jen @ One Moms World´s last blog ..Day 4 Thankful For My Better Half =-.
I asked my husband this question just the other day, and he said New Zealand. But since we have four small children to feed and house on a working-class salary, “making plans” to go there is not in our present. Possibly not in our future.
.-= Veronica Mitchell´s last blog ..Long! With Drama! =-.
But I hope your tumor removal goes well and you have a long life of travel and family joy ahead of you.
.-= Veronica Mitchell´s last blog ..Long! With Drama! =-.
Shannon- I don’t even know what to say. You are a strong woman and you will overcome this. We are here for you. I am here for you. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I can’t wait until we see each other again.
- I’ve always wanted to go to Japan
Shannon, you’re remarkable. I can’t believe you’ve been going through all of this and still wearing such a delightful smile and sunny disposition in public. Mr. Miyagi clearly doesn’t know who he’s messing with.
Hugs to you, and have a WONDERFUL time on that cruise. Something tells me you won’t have any trouble finding those drinks you’re indulging in…
Ciao,
Jessica
I know what you mean, my alcohol bill went up with each of my son’s tumors too. On board the Crown Princess I’m pretty sure the Galavanting gals can help you with tipping back a few. We can laugh at crazy “Debbie Downer” and at tumors. Tumors can suck it.
.-= Kim@Galavanting´s last blog ..Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market =-.
Shannon,
So very sorry to read about your loss and health issues. Your great attitude & all the love around you will get you through it!
My mother had a similar brain tumor 10 years ago & we have 2 close family members with stage 4 cancer now, so I understand a little about what you are going through.Sending cyber hugs from Barcelona!
The good news with brain surgery is it is actually a much quicker recovery than most surgeries because of lack of muscle tissue etc, although the twitpic of the haircut they give you will make you laugh! My mom is healthy as a horse now & ever since surgery & you will be too!
Have a wonderful get away with your hubby and nurture yourself!
.-= Soultravelers3´s last blog ..Best Halloween! Europe or U.S.? =-.
Great, inspiring post Shannon. Your story really hit home for me, as I have been sick since I had Jack almost two years ago. I have been to seven specialists and two family doctors and had tons of tests done, including nerve studies, an MRI, an echo on my heart and thousands of dollars worth of blood tests. They still have no idea what’s wrong with me. Every test came back negative or inconclusive and I was paying tons of money every month for the past few years to try and feel better. I had physical therapy and acupuncture and was seeing a chiropractor.
This summer, I decided to give up on all of it and just live with the pain and fatigue, at least for a while. And by live, I mean LIVE. I was tired of spending money on medical bills and spending time in an MRI tube or getting needles stuck in me instead of with my baby. I decided we should spend the money we would have spent on doctors on traveling instead. Now, I travel somewhere at least once a month with my son. It has been amazing.
There are so many places on my list, but when I closed my eyes, the first thing that came to mind was Bora Bora, so I hope we can make that work sometime soon!
I’m so glad to have met you at BlogWorld and I hope we meet again sometime. You are going to have such an awesome time on that cruise and you deserve it!!
Holly
.-= Holly Chatelain´s last blog ..Denver Arts Week =-.
Wow — what a beautiful and moving post. Your strength and resolve is inspiring. Every day is a gift. Good on you for not letting Mr. Miyogi keep you from the things you want to do. Best wishes.
.-= TheWordWire´s last blog ..Photo Friday: Sedona Sun =-.
Shannon, I am speechless. Your strength and your family will lift you up. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your cruise!! You will love it!!
.-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..Experienced Disney On Ice Celebration =-.
Shannon,
Thank you for your honesty. For relating the fear in such a palpable way…along with the hunger for LIFE. What an amazing world we live in, whether we get to explore our home state or the greater planet. Thanks for encouraging us all outward, with the time we have, with the energy and resources we have at the moment. Life is so precious–we know this, but somehow, we don’t absorb it until we’re at risk of losing it. How come we let it whiz by us without counting the interest accumulating in every minute? On this Friday night, because of your post, I’m counting them, unmet friend, and I’m praying for healing, and LAUGHTER and fun and love and LIFE to infuse your coming days.
Traveling mercies and joy,
Lisa Bergren
Wow! Like Amy, I’m speechless. See you soon.
.-= Nancy D. Brown´s last blog ..Environmental Impact of Cruise Ships =-.
Cajun Mama. Thank you for the reminder and good luck with kicking ass. Remember “Hit First, hit fast, hit hard, hit often”
Antarctica is on my list and I WILL take my daughter.
.-= Peter West Carey´s last blog ..Photo Of The Day – Hawai’i Still On My Mind =-.
Dear @cajun_mama, big, strong virtual hug to you.
And I raise my glass to you for your strength and good humor through a very challenging experience.
And more hugs.
.-= wandermom´s last blog ..Family Weekend Getaways: Westport Washington =-.
Shannon, good psychological conditions are as important as doctors’ therapies, and you have them.
Thanks for sharing your story
Angela
Love you!
WOW. i am stunned. i am SO PROUD of you for kicking ass, no matter how hard it must hurt. i am also really glad you got to be there for your grampa, at the end. i’ll be thinking of you. hugs…
.-= jessiev´s last blog ..Mom Most Traveled – Exploring Family Life Abroad =-.
Dear Shannon, I am so very moved by your story, and your strength and sense of humor. You are an inspiration to all of us, and I thank you for sharing and inspiring us to live every day to the fullest. Especially to travel someplace special….now.
Your family and friends are very lucky to have you in their lives.
Thank you for coming into mine!
I will be praying for your quick and complete recovery. Sending you virtual hugs, my dear one. You CAN do this!
Shannon,
Bernadette and I are together at a scrapbook weekend and living it up as you suggested! We just heard your news and are so here for you for anything you may need. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Enjoy that cruise and kissing your man and go kick some tumor ass!
Jenna and Bernadette
Shannon,
sending good thoughts your way. thanks for writing about such difficult times so well, and for the good reminder, too.
.-= Kerry Dexter´s last blog ..harvest time: Native American music =-.
Shannon, thanks for having the courage to share your story. I sure hope you enjoy that cruise – you deserve it.
When I was in my 20s I used to plan endlessly for the future, but not I guess the future is here and so I try and plan to be happy, today, this week, this month, this year.
.-= Heather on her travels´s last blog ..Going Downtown in Beirut – in Lebanon =-.
Shannon–
Incredible and indeed, inspiring story. A strong woman you are not just in physical strength, but appears to be in emotional and mental stamina as well. It is stories like yours that remind all of us to take a good look at our own lives to do what matters the most and not to wait a moment longer in doing there.
I should have some inclination from having a set of parents with life-threatening illnesses which got me to volunteering at MD Anderson, then a volunteer coordinator, into a Master in Geriatric Social Work, landed my first job at M D Anderson Cancer Center as a Bone Marrow Transplant Social Worker where I had the privilege to learn and experience so much for over 5 yrs– most lessons learned from my patients like you.
Thank you for sharing your story with your readers. I’ve not read any of your posts until today. I am glad that I did thanks to Twitter lists through which I found @Chris2x and one of his tweets happened to be this very post. Amazing how these things happen. YES– My eyes welled up quite quickly!!
.-= GotPassport´s last blog ..Our Beloved New Orleans Series Part 2 – Rebuilding =-.
My dearest Shannon,
SHIT
I’m just now finding this out.
You have been through your share of trial and tribulations this year from Paw Paw to Life’s Plain Ol’ Orneriness. I’ve watched you talk yourself through each bump in the road and then glide on past secure in your decisions. Meningioma just picked the wrong person to mess with. Ass kicking — it has no clue what it is in for!!!! If you get a little down come on over – Rog will whip you up a margarita to lift you up then tell you some tall tale to make you laugh.
We love you and plan on taking your advice.
Yvonne
Thanks for sharing your story, Shannon. That’s a brave thing to do. You are strong and will overcome this obstacle. A few years after moving to Arizona, Alan and I had a wake up call. That’s why now we have “itchy travel feet.” I hope you’ll keep on scratching yours.
.-= Donna Hull´s last blog ..What’s a Travel Blogger To Do? =-.
Wow. Hate that you’re sick. Love that you have the sense of humor to name the tumors and wage war on them.
Am sending through some virtual hugs all the way over from New Zealand.
Be brave. Be strong. And live life to the fullest.
.-= Liz Lewis´s last blog ..Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers…. =-.
Heart wrenching & inspirational. Thank you for sharing your experience. It serves as jolting reminder in soul touching fashion. Many happy travels…cheers!
.-= Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist´s last blog ..Apple of My Eye Cocktails =-.
Thanks for the story and Bonne Chance to you!!!
Last year I said adieu to corp. america for good & am now pursuing my travel passion 100%, it has somehow parleyed into a small business. I’m at my happiest & my children love their new unstressed mom.
The other day while listening to French music & daydreaming of the last time I was in Paris (my favorite city), I got a rush (maybe it was the wine) and marched straight to the computer and purchased a ticket for May.
Life is not a dress rehearsal and tomorrow is never promised…. each minute should be lived like the gift it truly is!
Just found your blog. I have the Caribbean travel bug, but any travel is pretty darn cool.
Cheers!
Shannon,
Thank you for sharing your story! You are a very strong woman and I know you will continue to do great things in the world!
The one place I wanted to share on here is the Maldives. I think it is such a beautiful place and everybody deserves to go there!
I’m going on my first international trip Saturday. I needed to see this today. Stuff just keeps going wrong and I’m struggling not to be worried, etc… Thank you! I’ll get my head out of my nether regions now and just get on with it. You’re my inspiration.
Awesome blogggg!! Love your theme too. I hope you’ll continue to update as I will definitely be back to read up on more of your pages ^^