The Long Goodbye

By Shannon Hayes

This book "The Long Goodbye" shows an up close and personal account of Hayes' experience of her father's diagnosis. Dealing with grief is personal and unique. There is no right way to do it. The key is that you do allow yourself to grieve so you can work towards healing. This intimate insight into the author's journey is shared with the hope that it can help at least one person on their own grief journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jun 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350944006

Book preview

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© 2024 Shannon Hayes All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. ISBN: 979-8-35094-399-3 eBook: 979-8-35094-400-6

This book is lovingly dedicated to my father,

Abel Alexander Hayes

Love,

Your Favorite Middle Daughter, aka Pete

About The Author

Shannon spent a lot of time moving as a child because her dad got transferred for his job. However, she spent most of her childhood in the suburbs of the Midwest, Overland Park, KS. Her parents were professional middle-class working individuals. They provided a comfortable life for their family. Her father was an engineer who retired after a 40-year career with the railroad. It was shortly after his retirement that he passed. Her mother had a 20+ year career in nursing and is now enjoying retirement. She has two sisters and many nephews and nieces. Her parents divorced when she was 14 and that event was traumatic for Shannon. As a result, after her father’s diagnosis her world was turned upside down. Journaling and blogging became a healthy outlet for her to deal with her grief and subsequently caused her to write this book.

Shannon is an accomplished human resources executive with 20+ years’ experience. She currently serves on the board of directors with the Texas Restaurant Association. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix and her graduate degree from Colorado Christian University.

Shannon has two adult children, Alex and Vincent. She currently resides in Dallas, TX. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her mini goldendoodle, Daisy!

Prelude

In 2017 I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. His diagnosis was sudden, and his fight seemed short. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer. My hope is that by sharing my story I can help others who are experiencing grief navigate the process with love, comfort, and hope.

A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. They are a 501©(3) organization. The Lustgarten Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of the world’s preeminent pancreatic cancer researchers.

Their Charity Navigator rating is 100%.

Contents

About The Author

Prelude

Cancer Sucks

Life Goes On

Spirituality

Therapy

CANT.MAKE.A.DECISION

Ugly Girl Cry Alert

Make-Up vs. No Make-Up

Going to School

Depression

Asking for Help

Success

My Boulder

Fear

Lost

It’s Not About Me

Anxiety

Anger

Finding my Center

Longest.Day.Ever

Diggin’ For Butts

Don’t Stop Believing

Driving with My Grandmother

Genetic Testing

Lemonade Out of Lemons

Feeling Helpless

Big Girl Pants

Holding Grudges

Think Shrink!

Skinny & Sad vs. Fat & Happy

Finding Happiness Amid the Darkness

My Daddy’s Humor

Labor of Love

Father’s Day

Waiting

The Waiting Continues

Gratitude

Good News

Steak & Lobster

Nightmares

Social Responsibility

To Drive or Not to Drive

Why?

Dazed & Confused

Baby Girl

Music

Love

Father / Daughter Love

The Circle of Life

Humor

A Monster Calls

The Power of Forgiveness

Collateral Beauty

Life Lessons

Middle Aged Realization

Keep It Simple

Pete & Repeat

Feeling Helpless

Worst Day of My Life

Red Cardinal

Bad Mama Jama

Alone

Early Father’s Day

Acknowledgements

Cancer Sucks

Well, I got the dreaded call that my dad has cancer. Pancreatic cancer. I decided to start a blog so I can get my thoughts and feelings out and not bombard him with such nonsense. After all his job is to get better so he can be my dad, right?

I can’t describe how I feel. I don’t have the ugly cry, simply a constant stream of water from my eyes. I