Pamela is the mother to 6 children ranging from 32 to 11. One of her sons, now age 19, was born with tuberous sclerosis and a severe form of autism. He cannot speak but a few words, is unable to care for himself in any way, and is labeled as being mentally retarded.
Throughout the years, she has sacrificed in order to make sure he received the best care. Her constant care of him forced her to miss a lot of her children's special moments, because no one would babysit him. The strain of caring for a disabled child took a toll on her finances and ended her marriage when her son was only 3.
Later, Pamela met a wonderful man, who was a veteran, disabled from the Gulf War. He accepted her entire family as his own and married her.
Years later, at the age of 16, her son became increasingly aggressive that it became impossible for her to physically care for him. So she made the heart wrenching decision to put her son in a nursing home facility. This caused Pamela to live in a state of unbelievable grief. Till this day Pamela struggles with forgiving herself and dealing with the guilt of putting her son in a home.
While juggling her life, Pamela continues to be an active mother to her youngest son, age 11, by making sure he doesn't miss anything in his childhood like football games and outings.
Along the way Pamela's graciousness and enduring love for her family has never failed. She has never turned down a cry for help from any of her children. At one time her daughter fell on hard times, so Pamela opened up her home to her daughter and her family. In a house built for 4-5 Pamela had 14 people living with her. While they lived with her she continued to care for everyone's needs, all the while never asking for anything herself.
One of Pamela's son's is currently in active duty. But no matter how hectic her life is she has never neglected to send the care packages he needs to make it through.
Even though Pamela has seemed resilient in giving endlessly, her body and health has failed her on many occasions. Currently, she struggles with rheumatoid arthritis which leaves her in constant pain and on a chemotherapy regimen to manage the disease. Because of the toll it has taken on her, she can no longer walk without the aide of cane. This has added to her stress and burden as a caretaker. However, Pamela refuses to let her own health problems interfere with caring for her family.
Pamela's devotion, enduring love, and commitment to her family has taken a lot out of her, but somehow she finds the strength inside to give of herself at a moment's notice, no matter the need.
Her family is incredibly grateful for her constant sacrifice and feel overwhelmed with love for their wife, mother, and grandmother.
Pamela's Words of Encouragement:
"Realize you can't do it all.
Some things you can't change no matter
how hard you try.
Do your best and understand that's all you can do.
Take time for yourself because you are who they depend on."
Click here to view Pamela's transformational photo session,
courtesy of Hanna Lorraine Photography
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