Sasee Magazine

This month’s “Woman of Character” was nominated by Courtney Howard, 12-years old and a 6th grader at Myrtle Beach Middle School. She nominated Shannon Hussey, who is her mentor in church and in life. The following is an excerpt from her nomination letter:

Shannon Hussey is a wonderful woman. She has helped me in the inside and in the outside [sic]… She is there when I need her even if it is 11 at night. She is my mentor at church, and she is like a second mom. If you ever had a problem then go to her…I never knew that a woman could be so strong…I love Miss Shannon [and she] has changed my life in a very good way. If you knew Shannon then you would know [that] if you are in the tightest pickle she will make you smile. She has the biggest and widest smile that I have ever seen. I just wish that other people saw that. Just meet her and you would never want to leave her! I just hope that you see that in her and choose her to be your next character of women [sic], I am only 12 and this may not be the best character of women paragraph, but to me this means the whole world! Please choose her!

Shannon Hussey is a nurse practitioner and divides her time between Myrtle Beach Manor, Covenant Towers and Myrtle Beach Family Medicine. We met this bubbly attractive woman at Myrtle Beach Manor and have to agree with Courtney that Shannon is very special. She is Courtney’s mentor and friend, leading her through her church confirmation and providing friendship and support for this budding teen.

Shannon, how did you and Courtney meet?

Courtney’s mom and I are friends, and I’ve known Courtney since she was a tiny baby. We’ve grown a lot closer over the past few years because we’ve been doing a lot together.

Courtney mentioned that you lost your dad at an early age. Does that help you with your ministry to young people?

Yes, I think it does. I can see a lot of things that I missed growing up not having a dad. I see a lot of needs that young people have; needs that I had growing up, and sometimes I can meet those needs.

Please tell us about your work at Myrtle Beach Manor.

I help take care of people who can’t take care of themselves anymore. They have a lot of needs – voiced and unvoiced. I am their advocate and health care provider all in one. I find a lot of joy in caring for my patients because I can see how much they appreciate it. You don’t always realize what older people go through, and they are very lovable and sweet. Life comes full circle here. It is a great joy for me to be here.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

It helps when people like Courtney say sweet things to me and tell me how much they appreciate it. There are several people here (at Myrtle Beach Manner) who say “Hey! I’m so glad to see you,” when I come in. You don’t always get that from your family. I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

I like simple things – spending time with my family (husband Richard and Ava, 5 and Rick, 2 1/2). I enjoy church and crafts – but down time is great! I’ve been blessed with so many things, and I try to give back some of what God has given me.

I really love my work and doing things for others. Here, (at Myrtle Beach Manor) just giving someone a hug is a great thing. I can be who I am with my patients. Every day is new here. In the end, I know that this is what God wants me to do.