Your Impact on My Life

Dear Pam,

I have been putting off writing this letter because I am saddened that I cannot deliver these words in person. You have played a significant role in my life, both as a girl, then young woman, then young wife and mother. The hours we spent together at your home, in the church office, in the school hallways, on road trips, or just doing life together at church were filled with both tears and laughter, and have created such sweet memories for me. I fondly remember your pranks and how big your laughter was, filling so many spaces with joy. I also remember the ways you made space for me to share my pain and prayed with me as the Lord was healing me from the inside out. One of the most impactful seasons of my life was when my mom had her accident. She was the glue that held our busy household together and she couldn’t even take care of herself. For months, you came and tended to her. You organized food and care for us. My twelve-year-old self is forever impacted by your generosity and humble service to our family. Finally, I am beyond grateful for the ways in which you sowed into our family in different seasons, specifically, in helping us to bring our youngest home from Ethiopia. Your impact will have ripple effects both in this life and in eternity. I have and will continue to think of you every year on my birthday, remembering your homemade blackberry cobbler you would bake for me. Your gift of hospitality was evident in all of the beautiful ways you engaged with others, making them feel seen, tended to, comforted, celebrated, and at home. Thank you for the numerous ways you touched my life in those ways! I love you!

~Deedra