EULOGY FOR SHANNON WATSON - BY HER LOVING HUSBAND

I am not going to try to summarize Shannon's life over the next

few minutes, because it would be an impossible task. She has

accomplished more in her 29 years on this Earth, than most people

could hope to accomplish in ten lifetimes.

Shannon's mission in life was to help others, who like her had

been diagnosed with cancer. Her other mission was to inspire

people to improve their health and live a life of love to the fullest.

Based on the outpouring of support we have been showered with

over the past few days, I can confidently say that she accomplished

both of her life's missions.

Shannon was a self-described - cat loving, tree hugging, outspoken,

healthy, happy survivor who was told that her life would be short...

but she was determined to take control of her situation and

completely ignore the timeline given to her by her doctors.

Her goal was to become completely healthy while helping

everyone she could on the way.

She was many things to many people. To me she was my wife,

my best friend, my soulmate and my hero! If you spent any

length of time with her I can guarantee you walked away a

better person. She had an infectious laugh, and a smile that

could warm your heart.

She touched countless lives, and inspired countless others to

live life to the fullest. She was not defined by her cancer diagnosis,

but did use her diagnosis as a vehicle to share her story with

thousands of people. As easy as it would have been, she never

felt sorry for herself and never adopted a "why me?" mindset.

She always said that she was glad that she was diagnosed. Being

diagnosed at the age of 25 gave her perspective. It allowed her

to focus her energy on what really matters in life. It also allowed

her to meet so many other inspirational and amazing people -

many of whom are in this church today.

Even until the very end, Shannon was more comfortable with the

thought of her passing than she was with the impact that it would

have on her family and friends. We can let her rest at ease, and

honor her memory by living our lives to the fullest...by finding

a silver lining in every situation. Don't let anything, or anybody

hold you back from chasing your dreams. Get outside of your

comfort zone. Challenge yourself, demand the best in life, and

don't let fear or self doubt stand in your way.

Lastly, at the end of each day ask yourself, "Did you do something

that makes you happy today?"...and make sure the answer is YES!

-KEVIN WATSON-