Tonight as I reflect on my day, it feels like an odd kind of day. You see I had a friend at work who died this past weekend. Pam was the office manager of the East Building and her and I had a great relationship. Some of the sweetness of that friendship is that we had to learn to understand one another in order to get there. Neither her nor I were very fond of each other in the early days of our friendship. I was a new tenant and had a fair number of requests/demands. Pam felt elusive to me and she has admitted she was not used to nor comfortable with my direct communication style. I didn’t know Pam at all, but after Visiting Angels moved into the East Building and Pam and I began talking and I began to know more of Pam’s story, my heart grew in fondness for Pam. Over time, Pam and I shared honest laughs about our first impressions and our growing friendship. Now in the last years we could talk about anything from every day business items, changing weather, building improvements, animals, family, weight loss and wellness, health struggles, hospice, new tenets and our faith. Pam loved Dutch and would often stop by just to say hello.
Pam struggled with her health for many years and yet her death still came as a shock. She bounced back so many times, I fully believed she would from this surgery as well. She lived life fully. Pam answered her phone to address questions or building concerns even when she was in ICU or recovering from Pneumonia. Pam never thought that was nuts, she had a heart to serve and wanted to ensure she served well. Pam went from being healthy to appearing more frail. She struggled with Diabetes and other complicated issues with her heart and Kidneys. Pam didn’t let that stop her. She came to work every day she was able and she was happy to be there. Pam had a very gentle presence, a generous spirit and was full of kindness.
Last fall we began to talk about ways we might surprise Pam and celebrate her. We discussed it but we never did it. Today I regret that. I know Pam knows I was thankful and appreciated her, but I wanted to really celebrate her. I encourage you today to remove hesitation when you are faced with a decision of celebrating those you appreciate and love. I am reminded tonight that life is fragile. I know she entered into a celebration in Heaven that can match no other, but I missed out on the delight of loving her in this way!
Thank you Pam for offering so much to all of us who reside in The East Building day in and day out. We shared many stories today of your generous heart full of love….you will be missed!
