Shannon McCrimmon's Blog

So often I’ll hear people complain about various things. And, coming from my perspective, it’s sometimes hard to be empathetic because so much of what “we” (the human race) complain about is small stuff. We spend our days worrying about things that just aren’t significant if you look at the big picture. Let me preface and say I am not a Yoda filled with wisdom, but when you know your days are numbered you really start to look at life from a completely different perspective: one who thinks only o...

For almost a year, I’ve been battling appendix cancer. “Battling” is an apt verb to use when referring to cancer. It is a physical and mental fight, and really, if you ask me, it’s more of a mental struggle than anything else. Some say it’s the lonliest battle; it doesn’t have to be, though. That’s up to each individual and how they choose to share their diagnosis. I respect each person’s decision to choose what is right for them. For me, going public and garnering support has helped me immensle...

Everyone has advice. We’re all full of it. When people find out I have cancer, they’re apt to offer me their sage recommendation. “My Aunt Sallie ate peanut butter every day and beat cancer.” Or, “If you drink National Park water blessed by sacred buffalo, you’re gonna beat this.” Sarcasm here. The point is, I’ve heard it all – not to the extent I used as examples – but plenty of people have offered me their advice on how I can beat cancer. I’m here to tell you, if there was a cure, the secret w...

Having cancer is a lonely experience. The diagnosis is a battle, both mental and physical. I equate it to a boxing match. You’ve got Mickey, Apollo Creed and Rocky cheering you on, telling you to chase the chickens and punch the punching bag, but once you’re in the ring, you’ve got to win this fight on your own.

Winning anything involves having confidence, a sense of knowing you can do it and that “you’re the best around, nothing is gonna keep you down!” (Karate Kid song). And that confidence n...

Ever met a positive person who seems to find the silver lining in all situations, despite the adversity facing them? If you have, I bet you cling to them. I know I do. Why wouldn’t we, right?

I’m currently reading The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, which focuses on (in case you haven’t already guessed) happiness. In The Happiness Advantage, Achor discusses a great many things about how we can be happier individuals, but one tidbit that stood out for me was our mindset and facing adversit...

My husband and I recently purchased a record player. We’re feeling nostalgic these days; middle-age will do that to a person. It’ll make you crave some things from the past, remembering with rose-colored glasses. That’s the beauty of nostalgia – it’s always seen in a pleasant way. Owning a record player again has changed our lives. Okay, that sounds a bit dramatic, but it definitely has caused us to cut down on watching television, and instead, just chill and listen to music. There are so man...

From taking selfies to posting every single second of our lives, we feel an inherent need to document (on our phones) what we’re doing and then wait with anticipation for people to comment/like, etc, so we can connect. We obsessively follow what others are doing; it’s become a pastime for many of us. But are we truly connecting, and what are we missing out on while we stay glued to our screens? Our phones, like any other vice, can be an addiction. Go out sometime and see how many people can’t...

It’s been over a year since I lost my mom and eight months since I lost my dad. Days pass and that longing ache of missing them never fades. They are with me forever.

I can tell you that the past year was a blur and that it took a very long time to truly come to terms with this significant loss in my life. I can only tell you that grief is a process and that each person handles it differently and at their own speed. Mine was dial-up. It took the understanding that I am not the only one in thi...

It’s release day for Confessions Of An Organ Donor! I’m so excited for you to read this and hope you enjoy it!

Here’s the buy link: goo.gl/EkfboR

Synopsis: The last time Trip Wentworth saw the inside of a public school he was six-years-old. Sadly, he’s spent the last twelve years with a private tutor, living the life of a recluse. He wants to fit in, but it’s not easy being the only guy in school who has problems standing on two feet.

On his first day, he meets BB and Millicent, who help guid...

Sneak Peek from Confessions Of An Organ Donor, releasing June 21st.

Prologue

“Irregardless”: it’s not a word, even though Webster says it is, and this guy who’s rambling like a derailed train has said it three times now. He’s also said “supposedbly,” which we all know isn’t a word, either. Strange that people say these kinds of things. In this day and age, it’s not hard to Google something on the internet to guarantee you don’t sound like an idiot.

You can call me Ishmael. Not really. I just...