After all the fun and frivolity from the night before, Pam and I were much later walking Clarabel this morning than usual. The sun was completely up and the school kids were all standing outside waiting for the bus—much more activity at 7 a.m. than at 5:30 a.m. when Pam and Clara usually walk.
This morning’s sustenance was provided by Cappuccino’s Café. Lattes (which I thought were better than Starbucks—yes, that’s what I said), blueberry muffin, blueberry scone, and French toast with bacon were our choices. We have so enjoyed our morning coffees, pastries, and visiting. The fond memories of laughter and conversation while breaking our fast around Pam’s kitchen table will sustain us for some time to come.
We left Pam’s about noon today for Maryville University. Pam was so excited to introduce her mom and sister to her co-workers. What mom and I discovered, however, was the people we met today are so much more than co-workers—they are Pam’s extended family. Mom and I loved getting to see the building where Pam works—her office, her desk, her 5-star restroom—but, we could never have imagined the genuine kindness which we would receive from each person we met. It is so easy now to see why Pam has been with Maryville all these years, and such a proud feeling to see that Pam means so very much to each and every one of the lives she touches. We take home with us not only a visual of where Pam works every day, but a better understanding of her loyalty to the area and the work she does at Maryville University.
Olive Garden was our stop for lunch today. Pam shared her birthday gift card with us, and we savored each bite of salad, breadsticks, and pasta. Next on our agenda was more shoes shopping for Mom. At Chesterfield Mall, we found what we hope will be the answer to Mom’s shoe dilemma at The Walking Company. Two pairs of shoes have been ordered and will be shipped to moms next week. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they will fit.
I cannot recall the last time Pam and Mom and I were all in a shopping mall together. We talked to mannequins, sampled expensive perfumes from the tester bottles in Macy’s, helped Mom purchase her first pair of silver hoop earrings, and watched mom overindulge in her selections at the Nestle Toll House Café. Mom had an overwhelming urge to purchase expensive cocktail dresses for Pam and me—talk about your impulse shopping!!
On the way back to Pam’s, we stopped at Kaldi’s Coffeehouse and Oberweis Dairy for coffee and ice cream treats. Pam showed us the Westinn Kennels where Clarabel goes on Thursdays.
Mom and I will leave for Marshalltown tomorrow morning. What we take with us is far more than the surprise we brought to Pam. I think I speak for mom when I say we certainly have a better appreciation of where Pam and Matt live, laugh, and love their life. We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit and so glad we got to share in some of their daily activities. Love you Pam!
This morning’s sustenance was provided by Cappuccino’s Café. Lattes (which I thought were better than Starbucks—yes, that’s what I said), blueberry muffin, blueberry scone, and French toast with bacon were our choices. We have so enjoyed our morning coffees, pastries, and visiting. The fond memories of laughter and conversation while breaking our fast around Pam’s kitchen table will sustain us for some time to come.
We left Pam’s about noon today for Maryville University. Pam was so excited to introduce her mom and sister to her co-workers. What mom and I discovered, however, was the people we met today are so much more than co-workers—they are Pam’s extended family. Mom and I loved getting to see the building where Pam works—her office, her desk, her 5-star restroom—but, we could never have imagined the genuine kindness which we would receive from each person we met. It is so easy now to see why Pam has been with Maryville all these years, and such a proud feeling to see that Pam means so very much to each and every one of the lives she touches. We take home with us not only a visual of where Pam works every day, but a better understanding of her loyalty to the area and the work she does at Maryville University.
Olive Garden was our stop for lunch today. Pam shared her birthday gift card with us, and we savored each bite of salad, breadsticks, and pasta. Next on our agenda was more shoes shopping for Mom. At Chesterfield Mall, we found what we hope will be the answer to Mom’s shoe dilemma at The Walking Company. Two pairs of shoes have been ordered and will be shipped to moms next week. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they will fit.
I cannot recall the last time Pam and Mom and I were all in a shopping mall together. We talked to mannequins, sampled expensive perfumes from the tester bottles in Macy’s, helped Mom purchase her first pair of silver hoop earrings, and watched mom overindulge in her selections at the Nestle Toll House Café. Mom had an overwhelming urge to purchase expensive cocktail dresses for Pam and me—talk about your impulse shopping!!
On the way back to Pam’s, we stopped at Kaldi’s Coffeehouse and Oberweis Dairy for coffee and ice cream treats. Pam showed us the Westinn Kennels where Clarabel goes on Thursdays.
Mom and I will leave for Marshalltown tomorrow morning. What we take with us is far more than the surprise we brought to Pam. I think I speak for mom when I say we certainly have a better appreciation of where Pam and Matt live, laugh, and love their life. We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit and so glad we got to share in some of their daily activities. Love you Pam!
What a wonderful blog. It was like being there. And you are a wonderful person to do this for your Mom and Sister.
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