Whim of Tim–A caregiver’s perspective

I don’t know why I’m writing, this. When I asked Shannon who my audience would be, I was met with a dramatic silent pause (Very rare for Shannon. The silent part, I mean.) and a forehead crinkled “I really have no clue” look that I’ve only witnessed on her after making for myself and consuming a huge breakfast while preparing to take Shannon to a doctor’s appointment for which she was not allowed to eat anything beforehand. 

“That’s a really good question, Tim. I don’t know. But I want you to write something.”  I suggested writing Christmas lists, grocery lists, or lists of jobs I think Shannon should apply for. I was met with a totally different forehead crinkled look. 

So, here I am. Writing something. For you. Whoever you are. I assume you must either know us or you stumbled across Shannon’s website. 

I don’t quite understand all of the ins and outs of Home4Healing. I love the mission, for sure. I always want the short version of that story. Just the facts, mam. The CliffsNotes. If you know anything about Shannon, you fully understand that you’re never going to get that. It’s impossible. None of her experiences and stories are linear. I have ADD and hearing issues. I can’t pay attention or listen for as long as a Shannon story takes. Plus she doesn’t ever finish sentences and switches topics more frequently than “Home Alone” is aired on TV. 

“Your sixth grade class this year…Ice fishing!  I think for Christmas I’ll get Connor a…The driveway!  Should I watch the…We need candles for…Do we have…”  Honestly, I need a gps and a stenographer to follow.

Home4Healing. It’s needed. I fully subscribe to the small change theory.  We’re not going to solve homelessness or cancer. Instead, we’re going to help who we can help in a way we know how to help. As Shannon’s leukemia story goes (I read about it and lived it.) besides medical care, our biggest cost was housing in Rochester. We’re very fortunate to be surrounded by a throng of loving family, friends, and colleagues who organized and provided us with those housing opportunities. Now we’re in a position to be able to help organize and provide for others. 

So is this ok, Shannon?  I wrote something. For someone. Wait! Just nod yes or no.