The gift at my front door…

Have you ever been so tired, emotionally and physically, that even writing an email felt like too much? That’s where I am right now.

I almost didn’t write you today because I’m not “I need a nap” tired. I’m the deeper kind of tired, where I’m just overwhelmed.

I’ve been away at my godchild’s wedding, surrounded by family, lots of emotions, memories, and all the complicated feelings that come when the family is together, and someone you love is missing from the room.

I still can’t believe my mom died a month ago.

The last family wedding was my other niece’s wedding last year in Princeton, and my mom was still with us then. It was also the trip where she broke her wrist, which started her decline.

While we were away, I got a text from a friend and coaching client, Gage. She was visiting her mom in CA, about two hours from where we live in Redding, and she wanted to come visit and bring me a gift. I figured it was some flowers or a card. Gage and I had never met in person, though she’s the partner of one of my dearest friends, David, who lives in Ireland and whom I hadn’t seen in two years.

He was one of the first people I called when mom died in March of this year, and I remember crying and saying I wished he were here…

So, Alice and I got home late Sunday night, and Gage was coming the next day and would spend the night at our home.

When the doorbell rang at 1:30 pm, it was so wonderful to meet her in real life and get a terrific hug. As we got inside the house, she said, “Wait, I need to go get your present.” As I opened the front door for her, I looked down to the right of the walkway to our house, and there was David, standing there, smiling.

I was so shocked and floored that he was here at my front door in the flesh! I screamed the kind of expletives you can only scream with an Irish friend, “Holy sh#t, David, what the f#ck are you doing here?” I was shocked and overjoyed to have him and Gage here in our home. I got a big bear hug from him, and Alice was just as surprised to see him.

Having him and Gage here for two days was one of the biggest gifts I could have ever received. The not-so-surprising way the Universe works: he was here one month to the day that my mom died. My best friend showed up at my doorstep with his person, Gage. He also came bearing gifts of homemade scones and Irish soda bread!

Even though I was spent after our trip, having my best friend and his partner here in my little city was so wonderfully energizing. I showed them the quirky Redding highlights: Shasta Dam, the Sundial Bridge, Lake Shasta, and even the Shasta Caverns, which I forgot were so much fun.

Sometimes the thing already on your doorstep, the thing you forgot about or stopped seeing, can bring you back to yourself in the smallest, sweetest way.

Start with what’s the simplest thing you can do. What will help you feel better and breathe easier? Start there first.

And what surprised me was this: I didn’t need some grand reset.

I needed connection, love, and laughter.

It was a terrific reminder of all I have in my life to be grateful for.

So, if you’re finding yourself in a time of transition, overwhelm, or stuck in your life or your work, let‘s look at it together.

I’d love to help you find the next best step.

Simply hit reply and say, “Hi Shannon, let’s connect.” 🙂

Hands at Your Back.

Always,
Shannon

Weekly Photos

There’s Gage, David, and I at my front door for the big surprise. Love these two special people!
We needed one more pic for good measure. 🙂
This is the view of Shasta Lake from the top of Shasta Caverns. When you exit the cavern, you have to walk down these rickety boards all the way down to the road, where the bus takes you back to the bus. It was an incredibly beautiful day.
While on the boat to the caverns, I saw this interesting cloud – Wow, what letter do you think this looks like? I’m thinking it’s a big “S” for Shannon. 🙂 xox
David and I were goofing off with the stuffed bear while waiting for our tour to start. Yeah, you can’t take us anymore. 😉
Here’s a pic from my godchild Melanie’s wedding. That’s my sister, Melanie, and then me. This was her bridal shower, and the theme was bright and many colors. I think we did ok.
Took David and Gage up to Bailey’s Cove and got this pic of Lake Shasta,love all the colors from the trees, the water, the sky. Yep, a perfect day.

NEW 4/16/26 P.S.S. Personal Invitation – I’m shifting my business a bit this year. I’m gonna send out a special email about it in the next few days. I’m creating something that’s affordable and where I can help more people like you. Look out for it. 🙂

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