mom TOLD me to post this on my blog....

May 11, 2000

Hi Pamela:

I know you are surprised to be hearing from us on the occasion of your retreat. You thought you were getting away from us for a day. No way, I for one will always be there with you, seen or unseen. That is just the way it is with a mother and her child. You are deeply imbedded in my soul. That is why it is a pleasure for me to participate in this assignment.

From day one when dad and I found out that we were pregnant with you, I can truly say it was one of the happiest periods in my life. I was really looking forward to your birth. I knew you would be a busy child, which you are, (you know we just had that conversation the other day) because you were constantly kicking me in the womb. You remember when you were young, I would say that you had a contrary spirit, because you would always choose the opposite of me, and you still do for the most part. But that is okay, because the Lord showed me how that could be positive. I had to change my attitude. Well, Pam, it has been a joy, parenting you and witnessing your growth into the person that you are today. Yes, you are tall and beautiful on the outside, but more importantly, it is your spirit being that makes me so proud and happy. That loving, caring, friendly, kind, thoughtful and (sometime giving) part of you.

For the most part, you have always been an independent thinker, moving to your own beat, with the exception of a short time there in Junior High when you wanted to be a part of the clique. I am so glad your eyes were open and you saw the light. You have demonstrated to me that you have learned the gift of discernment. Thank God for your spiritual upbringing and your obedient desire to recognize it. In those social situations, that present a challenge to you, I can tell from our conversations that you strive to do the right thing. In those academic situations, where you could take the easy way out, I can tell from our conversations, that you value the hardwork and honesty that is required to be an achiever. It takes courage to say I am not going to cheat. It takes commitment to go to school on those days when your buddies are taking off to sleep, shop or whatever. Just continue to give your best, and as you can already see, the rewards and awards await you.

People enjoy being around you because you are comical, silly, and insightful. Also, remember in the beginning of Spring, you talked about how everybody was tritterpated or fritterpated and how you wanted to be. Trust me, the tritterer or fritterer will come in due time, don’t rush it. Patience is indeed a virtue.

I had hoped that dad would write you a separate paragraph, but in the event that he does not, I think he would say something like this, (although much more eloquent). Pam, I am proud of you and your development spiritually, academically, and emotionally. I believe you have a very bright future. We have tried in this house to instill in you from the very beginning those values that are necessary for success in this world. You know I have always told you that you must read the book and work the problems. You cannot just do surface work. Learning




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requires much hard work and perseverance. Let me pause here and say that I am very
impressed with your knowlege. While you may not know exactly what you want to do professionally in your life, remember it is important to have a plan. With a plan, you will always be working toward something good. Always move forward and keep God in your life.

Always keep your sense of humor, your desire to excel, the love of your faith, family and friends.


-wow