Every once in awhile you meet someone who just loves what they do.  It shines in their eyes and puts a spring in their step.  I didn’t expect to encounter such a Mom deep down in the earth in a dark dark cave, but that’s where you’ll find Shaundy.  It’s what she loves best - unexplored worlds.  She’s a serious caver (not a spelunker or “flashlight caver”) and site manager of Black Chasm Cavern in Volcano, California.

Not only does Shaundy know her stuff about caves, how they’re formed and what’s in them, she’s enthusiastic and it’s contagious.  You find yourself suddenly caring about ribbon, angel’s wings and cave bacon.  You’re searching the cavern walls and ceiling for formations and color.

How did such a lively woman end up 6+ feet under?  When I asked, I was amazed by the response.  Caving and her 2 boys are a few in a long line of passions that Shaundy’s thrown her life into, but the common theme is her love of nature.

On her honeymoon she and her new husband drove east from California trying to decide between Maryland and Florida.  When they hit the “T” in the road, turned right, headed south and stayed for 5 years.  Shaundy loved Florida and spent time diving and working in a dive shop.

Over the years she worked as a professional ski patroller in the winter and as a wilderness ranger in the summer.  Her love of the outdoors, animal life and water has been at the center of her life.  Shaundy is energized by her position at Black Chasm Cavern where she’s been for 10 years.  A new visitor’s center opened in 2004 and her business degree is put to good use.  It’s the perfect marriage of her skills and passions.  Shaundy even gets to rappel down into the cavern to explore the uncharted areas of the cave, mapping the way for others to follow.  In her spare time she’s involved in community theatre and is trying her hand at line drawing.

When asked for advice for other moms following their passions Shaundy said she does believe people remain unfilled in life if they let their passions languish and never follow their heart's desire.  First and foremost, if you feel a desire to do something, even if it is completely out of the normal for you, follow your desire. Don't ignore it or rationalize it away, really do it. That may mean getting basic supplies for sports or art, or taking up lessons on something you'd love to learn. It may mean getting in contact with those who can put you on the path to start your new adventure, like working or volunteering for an inspiring organization.  Whatever your passion, whether lifelong or just discovered, it is much easier to start than you may think. As the Nike commercials say, "Just do it!"