Shannon

Shannon’s five words are generous, patient, positive, thoughtful, caring. She is a single mom of four, mostly grown, two sons and twin daughters, in a large Southern city, and her hobby right now is a seven-month-old puppy. She grew up in church, cheerleading and band: Keeping busy in a team atmosphere kept me out of trouble haha. Her own health is good, and she counts that as a gift to the man she is dating, who has a lung disease: it helps me take care of him when he cant.

Her defining moments are about seeing. The first: defining moment was definitely when the husband cheated. it woke me up. She had thought he was forever, and it made me realize how closed my eyes were. Then her twins, and going back to college thirteen years after high school, which taught me how to open my mind. Later, reconnecting with a high school flame showed her that We change as we grow up and he isnt the same person. Her summary: life has been a roller coaster but im enjoying the ride! One reading is that each moment moves her from closed eyes to open ones, and she tells it without bitterness.

She writes about food with a grin. Breakfast? haha youre funny (as if i had time?) Lunch is a drive-thru, dinner she cooks: spaghetti, or barbecue chicken with rice pilaf and green beans. sometimes i eat so much chicken i feel like im gonna lay eggs! The reason is practical: Chicken is cheaper haha and I can stretch it. Asked about her food heritage, she was first unsure, then found it: my food is my grandmothers sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top. delicious!! She tried a plant-based burger and it wasnt too bad! On animals she is torn: i can eat meat all day but the videos are heartbreaking. The question stayed with her: i even thought about it when i ate a slice of turkey.

Her hardest stretch came while raising four children, when she had to go on unemployment twice: i learned to coupon and we watched alot of the rush hour movies on repeat. The family also lost an apartment twice; she vowed to never let that happen again and be more proactive. Her superpower: i wear big girl panties! i learned that to get something done you have to get busy. nobody else will do it for you. Under stress she does not reach for food: i dont. i smoke.

Her 2 a.m. answer is tender. i used to call my grandmother. not at 2 am of course! but i miss being able to call her. Her father died years ago, yet i talk to him like hes right in front of me. Both of the people she would call are gone, and she keeps them near by imagining what they would say. Today she is grateful for my kids, my job, my car, my apartment, my dog.

On Day 5 she wants less sugar and bread, though she is a very picky eater. Her barrier is price: almond flour is about ten bucks. that's ridiculous. a low income parent with kids cant afford that. She is already trying small swaps, yogurt and granola instead of fries. Her letter is short and direct: Communicate. Dont be afraid of hurting people's feelings. Be honest but nice.