Pammy Girl - Clarence has a message for you

Once in a while, a friend posts a remark on my blog that makes me realize I've got some reminding to do.

Reminding someone of their meaning in my life.

Ms. Pammy Girl made such a remark today. And so, Pammy Girl, this post is for you. Consider it your very own message from Clarence (Angel Second Class - It's a Wonderful Life).

A long time ago in a town called DC, some friends met up for a late morning breakfast at the famed Eastern Market. One friend invited another and yet another, all emerging from the metro depths. 

One of these girls was Pammy Girl. A girl already there was me, Rebecker.

I don't recollect much about that day, except that we had great food, checked out the artisans crafts, and had a generally good time. Somehow we had good conversation because she automatically became a fixture in my DC life in "Provo East."

The great thing about Pammy Girl is that she likes adventure (but not like a dare devil), thinks about how to make the best possible experience, and wants to have real conversation along the way.

Yes, real conversation. We laugh, we cry, we just sit and look ahead. And, it is all A-OK.

Oh, Pammy Girl, there are a lot of memories.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?



We traveled together to Kings Dominion for roller coasters and splashdown rides.

And, even wore matching shirts once in a while - by chance and not on purpose.

You probably are the person that got us all into kayaking on the Potomac River at Jack's Boathouse, which is something that I introduced to all of my brother's when they came to visit for the first time.

You convinced me to go for a long weekend to England. Yes, a long weekend. You found places to eat, stay, and visit. I just showed up. Now I look back and wonder why on earth we traveled across the ocean for a long weekend (OK, maybe four days).

It was fun, despite the English version of a BLT sandwich (yuck, it was like raw Spam). Despite your  love for England, it never rubbed off on me, but I'm grateful for the experience.

If only to watch ugly pigeon's land on your head.

You love Hawaii! I love Hawaii, but you made sure that I actually went to visit. I hadn't been since I was a little girl. I've been to the Bahamas and thought it was a beautiful and relaxing retreat, but it didn't do the same thing to my heart as Hawaii.

Sure, we did all the typical tourist stuff on Oahu - Polynesian Center, climbing Diamond Head, swimming in Waimea and that one snorkeling spot where half of the world decided to enter the coral infested waters all at once. But, it was the other moments that were most memorable.

You know, like hunting around "Fu Lion" to find tofu for our friend to cook us dinner. What was his name? Sun Tao?

Or, when you were a good sport and slept in our car near the beach when we couldn't find a hotel. It was uncomfortable and ...illegal. I don't think you liked how I said it "would be a funny story in a few years," but we both laugh now....I think.

Or, what about that seat on the side of the road that we just had to pull over for to be authentic?

Good times and good conversations.

Even in tough times.


But, we continue to make it through, aye?


I still remember when they gave me that institute responsibility. How did you get involved? Did you just volunteer and get started? It was amazing. We went from a small group to a huge program almost overnight (from a lot of prayers of those that lead before us), but you were a huge part of that success.

You took on the marketing efforts and using your graphic design skills to help make even the little things important - class signage, fliers, other communications, etc. You made it more than it was and were always there to help and support. You were a huge part of helping others make friends and want to participate.

The walks and talks about life, men, church, relationships, work, and travel - all are a part of me now.

(This is kind of cheesy as I look at it now - ha)

I can't think of the Race for the Cure without thinking that Pammy Girl needs to be there. Not just there for the fun, but to point out the famous people. Because, you know your famous people.

(Coach of the Utah Jazz?)

Pammy Girl, you were there to help Ann at her wedding. Who else could have taken on the task of doing a bride's make-up?

Or, ensuring the dress looks beautiful for the bride while also managing to take some great photographs? Multi-talented and multi-caring Pammy Girl.

And, smiling and hoping for a chance to hold special flowers.

And, ensuring a bride had just the right outfit to wear on her special day.

Through the pains of life, you've still reached out to others - even for the mundane things like helping a middle aged woman experience her first pedicure/manicure. And, sharing why it makes a difference for a woman to have nice looking feet. (OK, don't look. I know you are a "feet person" and mine are distorted.)

Or, the importance of checking out local demolition derby's every five or ten years - and win a prize and share it with one of the local hicks.

Pammy Girl, this post doesn't do justice to the part you've played in my life. You've been a great friend, even during times where we haven't talked for even a year! You thoughtfully share feelings and concerns and are willing to go through the tough stuff with people. You've toughed out your own tough stuff and have accomplished amazing things (you Johns Hopkins grad you!).

You've made a difference in my life, more so than I have in yours.

Often you've shared wonderful cards with messages that have made my day, my week or my heart just weep or be grateful. One Christmas card held what has become a favorite poem of mine, which is on one of my blogs - An Extra-ordinary Night.

Here's another favorite - just for you at this time:

"You are the piece to the puzzle of someone elses life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you."



Pammy Girl, you are one of those pieces in my life. I'm grateful for your friendship, your good heart, your love of adventure, and your persistence in the race of life. You are the piece of MANY other lives as well.

Never forget it.

Speaking of races....

Go! Fight! Win! ...that triathlon you've gotten all in shape for! We are cheering for you ...and hope you enjoy your trek to Burley, Idaho!

Thank you for your friendship Pammy Girl!