For Shannon

I was recently “Meme‘d” by Gia-Gina about things I’m thankful for. Now, a Meme is kind of like a chain-letter for blogs but usually there are no repercussions like the email kind (you’ll have bad luck, never find love, etc.).

Normally, I would hit delete if it was an email (I have broken something like 635 chain letters since 1995). But something recently made me remember how thankful I am.

I went to MBA school with Shannon – a tall, beautiful redhead with a great smile, who you couldn’t help but notice when she walked in a room; an intelligent, energetic woman who worked full-time at IBM in Sales while going to school; a savvy, stylish person who barely put any effort into looking that good.

Someone who I really admired, someone you knew would make things happen, and always having new adventures. I remember the graduation party five of us threw at a local restaurant, meeting all of her family, a few short weeks before I left for Italy. How excited we were to have accomplished something, to have shared something.

Unfortunately, cancer didn’t care about what a good person she was, how she might have really made some difference in the world, been a good mother, continued being a good wife, helped others reach goals and learn about themselves.

Yesterday, at 2am, we lost her. I almost didn’t believe the email. What really struck me is what her husband wrote, and how much pain he must have been in to write those words, and how he sounded positive of it all.

“Our lovely Shannon was given her crown of life this morning about 2 AM. She could not have picked a more beautiful evening. Arrangements will be made regarding her memorial service. We have received overwhelming support from her friends and family and she wanted to make sure that everyone knew how much it was appreciated.

Thank you for all your continued support and prayers…”

Shannon Graham

10 Shallow Things I’m Thankful for:
1. My hands that type on this computer. They’re still moving.
2. My little laptop, which helps me communicate.
3. The Internet, which keeps me close to everyone I care about.
4. My bicycle. Even though I hate it, I am thankful that I can use it, while many others can’t.
5. EDI-Card phone cards. 2cents/minute to America can’t be beat.
6. Cinnamon gum. It’s an addiction.
7. My new job.
8. Books, books, books, books.
9. The monthly train pass. No ticket-check paranoia for me.
10.Did I mention the Internet?

10 Things I am Genuinely Thankful for:
1. Organizations like Hospice, which help terminally-ill patients and their families
2. Small acts of Kindness. I believe in karma.
3. Access to a Medical System. Regular checks, paying attention to yourself and your health is so important in life. We all have little scares sometimes.
4. Babies. Keep having them. They continue the joy when we have reason for sorrow.
5. Opportunity. Literally every day can go in so many directions.
6. My Friends. From Texas to California, Seattle to Denver, Arezzo to Roma, new, old, single, married…I am a lucky person. We thank each other through our continued friendship.
7. My Mom & Dad, who 30 years after being married, and 27 after being divorced, are still able to share holidays and family events together with us
8. My over-extended family – being the youngest of 7 steps, halves & full siblings has taught me a lot. We’re now getting the chance to enjoy each other.
9. My step-father. How many people have a chance to have two dads?
10. S who knows to hold me when something like this happens, when we both know saying “it’s not fair” isn’t enough.