A Touching Unexpected Gift
Yesterday, I again mentioned trying to figure out how to pay for the leaded-glass window which goes above the big west window of the Carriage House.
In June, David made a generous donation to my GoFundMe to help with the window and I have been holding that money until I could come up with the rest.
Yesterday, Steve asked how much was needed to pay for the window restoration.
This morning, Pam contacted me directly and asked the same question. She added: “I have been reading your blog with so much enjoyment for many years and I would like to give you a gift in the name of my dear wife and best friend of 30 years, Clara, who died in December of 2021.”
I replied that I was quite touched by her offer and wrote: “Wow. Thirty years together! How blessed you are to have had such a relationship.” I also let her know how much was needed (less than I thought).
A few hours later I received a GoFundMe notice. Oh. Wow. Pam was quite generous and wrote: “I added some more in case you needed other things right now.”
Her gift, in the name of Clara, will not only fund the west leaded-glass window (which I will pick up next week), but the north leaded-glass window (which I will drop off next week), and realize a long-held fantasy of mine: removing the plain glass of the two small windows to each side of the mantle and have matching leaded-glass installed.
I asked Pam if she would be comfortable sending a photo I could use.
Pam (L) and Clara. About 2003.
Pam wrote: “Clara was born in Harlem. She figured out early that her path to escaping her mother’s household was education. She graduated from high school at 16 and got herself into a private college. She eventually became a P. A. and her most fulfilling years were spent treating the beautiful young men at the beginning of the AIDS crisis and later teaching medicine in several Universities. She was wise and she was artistic. I will always miss her.”
I teared up.
I am going to order a plaque from Kansas Graphics detailing this story, and screw it to a wall in the living room of the Carriage House. Long after I am gone people will learn about Clara and Pam and they will look to the lovey leaded-glass windows, sparkling in the sun, and…no doubt…smile.
Thank you, Pam. Thank you, David.
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I’m adding my thanks, too, to Pam and David. I love being part of the community you’ve created here. The Cross House touches many people and many lives, as do you, Ross.
Pam and Clara are a beautiful couple……their photo made me smile.
Wow. Great couple.. And great contributors Pam and David.
How wonderful to know friends such as Pam and David. Barb is right about this community you created through your blog about Cross House. I was so touched by the beautiful story of Pam and Clara: Their life together was so lovely. Clara sounds like a wonderful person and the idea of a plaque in Clara’s memory and honoring her blessed memory and her life with Pam.
Thank you, Sandra. While writing the post I kept thinking of you and your generosity over the years, particularly when I was so sick. BIG hug, my lovely. BIG hug!
Hurray, there are still good people out there!! Ross, if I had the money I’d send it to you for sure. You are very deserving.
That is a truly touching remembrance of someone dear. A forever tribute of love and friendship that will live on. The plaque is a great addition, Ross, as she will be remembered after we are all gone, for as long as the Carriage House will stand. Which will be for many years beyond us.
Thank you for sharing Pam. What a great love story. I have a feeling Clara would have loved this beautiful tribute. Rest in peace beautiful soul.
What a beautiful tribute to Clara from the love of her life, Pam. My wife and I have been together for almost 26 years. Thanks to you and Pam for sharing their story. I still have it on my list to visit The Carriage House, maybe this next spring. Ross, I hope you know how much enjoyment many of us have following your dream and seeing it come to life. Thank you. Tell Kenny I said hi and I miss him.
Love story all the way around.
I love this story so much. Thanks Pam and Clara, and David.
Lovely!
What a beautiful tribute to Clara.
So much love shared, so much kindness and a great tribute all around, the property just abounds with it all!
Oh, goodness. Clara was so beautiful. Her humanity and joie de vivre shine from her face.
Thank you to Pam and you, Ross, for sharing Clara with us. I feel richer for knowing just this little bit about her.
Pam, you’ll be in my thoughts all the way up in Nova Scotia.
This is so touching and wonderful. Thank you, Pam, for sharing Clara’s memory.
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful couple and what a touching gesture! Getting all teary eyed over here in Denver 🙂
Thank you David and Pam. Clara’s memory will live on.