I have to tell you that I was completely in shock this past Thursday as I learned of Pam Shelton’s passing. Pam has been the mission’s office manager for the last 7 years or so. If you’ve ever called the office or had questions about your contribution/donation – I’m sure you’ve talked to Pam.
Pam found out last fall that her leukemia was back. She had a bone marrow transplant last week. It went well. In fact she was walking around the hospital courtyard with her daughter the day she passed. She had some internal bleeding in her brain. Her daughter took her from the courtyard of the hospital right to the nurse and she was put in the ICU. She passed away that evening.
It’s a little hard for me to imagine that she’s gone. This isn’t someone dying of cancer. This was someone who was recovering. I would have been less surprised if she had been in a car wreck. I was in the hospital for 92 days last year when I was pregnant. She visited me no less than 15 times. I remember the first time she came she brought me toilet paper! I laughed! She told me the hospital paper isn’t soft enough! Whether it was hand soap, journals, magazines, or candy – she always brought a little gift and would sit and talk to me for an hour or so.
She took the girls often and would watch them at her house. I’ll never forget when she invited the girls over for a pool party. This included Gigi. She had all these inflatable pools outside her house. When we pulled into the drive to pick up the girls we noticed that the pools were empty. She said Gigi pooped in them and the girls refused to go in them after that. She cleaned them and cleaned Gigi! It was an eventful day!
Please pray for Pam’s family as they deal with this sudden loss. Pam loved Haiti so much. I emailed her right before I blogged about moving to the Mole. This is the email she sent me in response (the last email I got):
Ooh Jody! You won’t believe this but when I was praying this morning you came into my thoughts. And the thought was that u were moving! How awesome that you are excited to open this new area for the mission. May God bless you and your family. I guess I”ll see you next year in the Mole. Love on the girls for me. Love always, Pam
*****
We truly never know when it will be our time. Pam didn’t really get to say good-bye to her family. Whatever you do – don’t leave anything left unsaid.
It’s so cliche but it’s true – live every day like it’s your last. You just never know when the earth will shake or when God will call you home.
Pam – you never got to see our home in the Mole – but I know we’ll be neighbors in heaven! Love you and thanks for all you did for our family.
One response to “Our Precious Friend, Pam Shelton…”
I had not heard about Northwest’s loss. I am truly sorry to hear this news for many sakes but know the saints have added her to their heavenly number. Your entry was a loving memorial to a life well lived and a woman who loved well and was loved.