No Regrets: Life is a Luxury
I used to live my life haunted by regrets, wishing I’d made different choices, taken the other road, and seized opportunities that were right in front of my face.
I regretted not reaching out to people that needed it the most, I regretted wasting my time in unhealthy relationships, I regretted not truly investing myself in college the first time around, I regretted growing up too fast, and I regretted blocking family members out of my life at times.
But as I sit today, on the anniversary of 9/11, and reflect upon how the life I’ve enjoyed is a luxury, I clearly see that regrets are unnecessary. Continue reading
Writing From the Grave
Death is so taboo. People fear it, avoid discussing it, and shudder at the thought of it. In reality, though, death opens up someone’s life story.
When a person dies, his or her life’s story unfolds and then becomes newsworthy. To counteract feelings of despair, family, friends, and co-workers reflect on the deceased, tell stories of the past, and ingrain this person’s image and likeness with memories. Continue reading
Hospice of Southern Illinois Comforts Entire Family at the End of Life
Published November 2003 in The Messenger,
The Newspaper of the Belleville Catholic Diocese
Margaret Hettenhausen is not afraid to die. Lying comfortably in a chair in her own home, she strokes her beloved cat, Missy, and says, “I’m not afraid; I’m ready.”
Two months ago, Hettenhausen was driving a car; today she is unable to walk without support. The 92-year old is suffering from ovarian cancer. She may live two more days – two more years. Continue reading
A Family’s Journey of Life and Death Tests, Strengthens Faith
Published December 2004 in The Messenger,
The Newspaper of the Belleville Catholic Diocese
Every night, Jamie Detmer clutches a teddy bear as she sleeps. A recorder inside the bear allows her to hear the heartbeat of her baby who died suddenly this summer.
The crib is packed away in the basement and the baby clothes are no longer hanging in the closet – yet the teddy bear remains. Continue reading
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 