Looking Forward and Backward at the same time

I woke up this morning thinking about my sweet friend Pam. She has been gone almost 16 years. The anniversary of her death is May 10th, so don’t remember why today would be significant, other than 16 years ago this day she was still living.

She drew Chemo Fairies, while she was getting chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. It helped her to cope and stay present. These fairies became in a book she published.

I can remember standing next to her during a voice lesson with Jesse Richards. Pam launched into her song “Simple Pleasures”. We had no idea she was writing songs. The words to this song haunt me “simple pleasures have new meaning to me, as I think about when I cease to be”. As we age, if are lucky, we learn to appreciate today. Somedays it may be easy to enjoy an vacation to someplace amazing, or the celebrations of births, weddings and graduation. Pam’s song reminds me that there can be joyful pleasure in the smallest things everyday

She was also a member of the Pinckney Players Theater Group, and for at least 10 years after her death there was a memorial scholarship in her name.

I had only known Pam for 10 years before she died. A group of us met in an Artist Way Class, and an instant bond was created. In our short time together she has left me with lasting memories and lessons.