Losing Lola: A Memoir of Reckless Behavior in a Time of Tragedy

Set in a rural town in Texas, Losing Lola is a memoir of losing a mother to brain cancer. While Lola was dying, her daughter Shannon struggled with the reality at hand while battling mental illness and a drug addiction. As Shannon tried to cope with Lola's impending death she was also dealing with a marriage in shambles. Shannon was suicidal and her husband was not supportive, but pushed her over the edge. Lola's mother also died of brain cancer which influenced Lola's decision to not treat the cancer in any way. Lola's mother fought her brain cancer and lived in a nursing home mute and unable to walk. Lola did not want to die like her mother. Suffering for three years. After Lola died Shannon's drug use increased. She used LSD, crack, marijuana and cocaine. Marijuana was used daily during her mother's illness and after her death. Divorce came next as Shannon retreated to Germany to be with her high school sweetheart. A passionate love affair began and Shannon married Roger at a quiet ceremony at the Austin courthouse. Shannon continued to live with mental illness and drug abuse. Roger demanded that Shannon go to rehab. After six months in rehab Shannon relapsed many times until Roger had hired a divorce attorney and had found an apartment to move into. Devastated, Shannon stopped using drugs and learned how to be a good wife and mother. Ten years after her mother's death, Shannon and Roger have a happy life with two wonderful boys. A story of sadness and illegal behavior ends in joy and a new understanding of life.