Today would have been my dear friend Pam's 51st birthday. I still have a hard time coming to terms that she is truly gone. Pam and I have been friends since before we were confirmed. She is one of those rare finds in life called "life long friends". As our kids have grown and our lives have changed we didn't keep as close touch as we use to. We always "talked" about meeting for lunch or just "getting together" as we visited at a shower or when I stopped in the store for something. We thought we had "time" and would be able to spend more time catching up. Just knowing that she was there was enough. Now that she is gone I can hardly stand it sometimes. I can't believe how many times the thought comes in my head to "call Pam" before I remember I can't. Even on this recent trip to Florida I was fighting tears thinking how I would have love to call her and hash over the trip with her as they took a similar trip with their family a few years back. In fact the last conversation I had with her was when she called me after hearing about our plans to Disney World. She just called to share in my excitement and share tips they had learned on their trip.
One thing I am thankful for are my memories of Pam. When our kids were little we didn't pack them up much and go back and forth but we talked on the phone many times a week. We were always on the "same page" whether it was our faith, raising our kids, crafts, keeping house and cooking. We've shared so many recipes over the years. I remember one time when I was actually at her house visiting and she served me a piece of her cinnamon nisua with my coffee. It was the best I had ever had. She told me her tips.....leave the dough fairly sticky and use brown sugar instead of white sugar. To this day I make the best cinnamon bread thanks to Pam and I honestly think of her every time I make it.
It gives me comfort to know that although she has gone to her heavenly rest, she will never be forgotten. Her memories are cemented in all of our hearts. They come out lovingly and close often. Every time I make one of her recipes, use my Bosch mixer, (recommended by Pam), use a household tip she shared with me or just reflect on the years when our kids were young.
I miss her dearly but I thank God that she was spared so much earthly pain and trials in the fact she was taken so quickly with out having to hardly suffer from the effects of her cancer ridden body. She was also such an uplifting testimony not only to me but to so many other Christians. Many that didn't even know her. To hear how she so peacefully and calming accepted her fate that day she was told that her time had come to an end. All her earthly trials were taken from her. God gave her that strength and peace to know that He would take care of her husband and children when she was gone. She had no fears. If we all could be so blessed on our last day. May God especially comfort Gary and her children on this birthday day.
7 comments:
I love the memories that you've shared - I didn't know Pam well at all, but I get a much better picture of the special person she was thru your words.
And it's a good reminder to me to spend more time with those that I enjoy and love because we really do never know - each day we have together is a gift.
hugs!
What a nice post about Pam. And a reminder to let each other know, while we can, what they mean to us.
Thank you Anne for writing such nice memories of Pam. I have also been thinking of her daily. Her and Gary were our "fostor" parents (as she called it) after my family moved away. We miss her so much and I really wish Dominik would have been able to know her. But it is some comfort knowing that she does not have to suffer anymore. She will always be in our hearts and her family in our prayers. Pam was a very thoughful, giving, and kind person. And for that she will always be remembered!
I too think about Pam often…she was truly a special person. I can’t think of a time in my life when I didn’t know Pam. From the earliest days it was always “Gary and Pam”…may Gary and the kids find peace and reassurance with her passing.
Oh man mom, you had me crying and smiling over that...in the library. I think the guy next to me got freaked out, he just left.
We felt very thankful to have been able to attend Pam's farewell service. She really was a "mother" and friend to many. Her quiet manner I always admired; it's too bad our human nature doesn't always let us express what is in our hearts but I suppose there is a reason for that even. Most importantly we realize the bond we share w/ each other has to do with the keys to the kingdom of heaven that each of us keeps close to the heart ~ that precious forgiveness in our Lord and Savior's blood.
What a nice post. It brought tears to my eyes. *sniff* I didn't know Pam very well but she is one mom that I remember from when I was a very little kid. And I have always heard about what a special person she was.
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