Dearest Buddy Pam,
Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane together, Sweetie.
You and Brad were our teachers for membership class when we first arrived on the east side in 1989. I wanted to go to church where little Melanie went to school and Steve wanted the tuition discount for members. I was pregnant with Jerod. You teased me, Pam, that I had winked at Steve during class and you could see how I got into this position. Then I knew I was in the right place.
My memory is not serving me well as I can’t remember a number of years in this story. But I know there was a lot of raising of kids and working and all that stuff.
Then in 2010, we went to Orlando with Amsden’s and DiFonzo’s. I remember a sail boat show, Christmas displays at Disney, Ice at the Gaylord Palms, and two cuties horsing around at the restaurant.
I especially remember having a lot of laughs.
Then in February 2011, we had a dinner at our house where the couples did the cooking for Valentine’s Day. I remember that you did so much work planning all the courses, doing all the shopping and then being head chef in the kitchen. I also remember that you remembered I loved the Napoleon’s at Epcot France and that is what you chose for dessert. The way to my heart is definitely through my stomach – I felt very loved. I have a picture of the table.
We cruised to Alaska in August, 2013. I guess you were taking this picture, Pam. It seems like that’s what you would be doing – serving others!
I remember a fantastic whale watching tour and you coining the phrase “Papa Vamsi.”
Next came the marvelous BVI trip in 2014. Steve and I made it to the catamaran, but my luggage took an extra day to get there. So you loaned me a swimsuit (it is true that you would give someone the shirt off your back). You and Brad got there early to do all of the work planning and shopping. I am again noticing a constant theme: You working hard for others! I remember so much laughing, teasing each other about carrying our eggs in a large, non-traditional “basket,” you trolling me around the water on a mat so I could snorkel and see the fish because I was afraid. What a wonderful trip and what great memories!
We went to Lake of the Ozarks in October 2015 with Geiler’s. You bought me a giant cupcake for my birthday (there you were snatching my heart again), Steve was horsing around this time and, of course, we had a lot of laughs once more.
We cruised to the Caribbean in April, 2016 on the Oasis of the Seas. I don’t have photos of us but you might get a smile out of this one.
Then came the girl trips at your condo which were complete with animal masks and our bellies aching from laughing so hard.
There was a myriad of other times that we were together going out to lunch, you helping me pick out a new wardrobe, trips to your condos, dinners out. Too many to recount.
These last years, you were fighting health battles (fluid on your heart and then lymphoma and some stuff before that but I don’t know the names.) I watched bravery and faith and trust and humility in action. I also watched an amazing witness displaying Jesus to the world resulting in the medical staff all falling in love with you too.
Pammie, you have been a tremendous friend to me.
I don’t remember each and every instance, but I remember there were countless times you called to let me know you were praying for me. You have been a shoulder for me to cry on and a comforter for my sorrows, especially this year losing Steve. You taught me so much about faith and trust and love. You are indeed a “friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I’ll love you forever! ❤️❤️
All my love,
Kathy