5-26-2010 Plans have been finalized to take Pam to Massachusetts. We have a committal service scheduled for June 22nd at a cemetery in Agawam, just outside of Springfield.

As it turns out, a number of my relatives from other states will be in the vicinity because of another celebration in Maine on June 26th. That celebration involves dedication of a historical marker for one of our ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War. It will a grand opportunity to see family and friends as I drive around New England before returning home.

My immediate family and I send our love to all our friends who remembered Pam through countless cards, calls and prayers. God bless you all!

5/12/2010 We had a celebration of Pam's life on May 8th. Pam had prepared a list of 30 of her favorite hymns and anthems in planning her memorial service dominated by music. Our normal choir of 50 members was augmented by another singers who knew Pam through other church choirs and the Treasure Coast Community Singers, a group that Pam thoroughly enjoyed. A total of 111 singers sang 11 selections and the handbell choir performed 3 selections. Our soloists and instrumentalists were inspired and wonderful. All of our children and 7 of 8 grandchildren attended. Friends and family traveled from distant locations to celebrate her life. It was an uplifting experience for us.

We are making plans for Pam's final resting place in Massachusetts.

Our two years of struggle with the effects of cancer are over. Our faith in the Lord and the support of our friends kept us going. Psalm 100 says in the last verse. "For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Pam is at peace, now.

5/4/2010 The obituary will be published in the Stuart News on May 5th. Here is a link to the newspaper: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tcpalm. The funeral home has also published the notice at its website at www.heavencalled.com. There also is a link to a guest book and information on donations to the Music Ministry at the North Stuart Baptist Church. The music ministry involved handbells for adults and children, choirs for all ages, and special programs and provided spirit-filled joy to Pam. This was her passion and her gift to the church.

Our family has been comforted by your calls, cards, prayers and continuous support. May God bless you all.

4/29/2010

Pam passed away this afternoon, following a nearly two year battle with cancer. This past week, Hospice has been with her around the clock and they were professional and committed in caring for Pam. Although Pam was asleep all week from the effects of morphine and other drugs, she looked radiant and comfortable. She was strong to the end in her valiant battle with this insidious disease.

Peace came to Pam at about 6:00 p.m. She was surrounded by her family, two grandchildren and extended family who sang hymns, prayed, and reminisced for nearly six hours. Pam was aware of our presence and heard everything that was said.

We will have a celebration of life on May 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the North Stuart Baptist Church, 1950 NW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994. Pam's sister, our family and our friends at the church are planning a service dominated by Pam's favorite hymns. Music was Pam's passion that shaped her contributions to the ministry of all the churches she ever attended.

We thank you all for your prayers for Pam's peace and comfort during this ordeal. We all have been strengthened by your continuous support.

4/29/2010

There has been no change in Pam's condition for a couple of days. She looks comfortable and in no pain. She seems to hear us when we speak to her and I even noticed a slight acknowledgment of our presence by a toe twitch. She has round the clock care by concerned nurses and frequent visits from our family.

May God bless you all for your prayers and support.

4/28/10

There has been no change in Pam's condition for more than a day. She looks to be comfortable and certainly has the full attention of the Hospice nurses. We all agree that Pam is a strong woman. At this point in time, however, there is little, if any, hope that she will wake up.

We thank you all for your prayers, cards, and calls.

4/27/10 Pam's condition rapidly deteriorated during the day yesterday. The Hospice nurse indicated this was part of of the natural process of Pam's system shutting down. Pam looked comfortable and relaxed and she responded to the family with a slight smile or glow. Pam definitely knows where she is going.

This morning brought no further noticeable decline in her condition. In fact, she looked more comfortable than she did yesterday. Maybe the fact that our dog Sadie was on the bed with her was more comforting than the pain relievers.

Hospice has been a real blessing and responsive to Pam's needs. We will monitor Pam's condition and update this blog regularly.