Mrs V Turns... A year older! :-)

For those who know me well, you either know Mrs V or you know about Mrs V.

So how do I begin to put into words what this amazing lady means to me? I honestly don’t know if words can do justice.

Our friendship started off in a unique way – She hired me to clean her house when I was in 7th grade. Once a week, she would pick me up from school and I would go and clean her house. The amazing thing was it only took me 2 hours to clean the house, but I would spend at least 3+ hours there. She would always say “Pam Dear, take a break and have a cold drink with me.” We often sat around her kitchen table or in the den and she would ask me details about my (very simple Jr High/Sr High) life. She cared to know what was going on with me and from an early age became someone I could talk to regardless of our age difference.

I have tons of wonderful memories… Like the time my sister picked me up and, on the way, out of the driveway she hit the basketball pole and bent it! How about the never-ending teasing I got from George and his friends or the famous (George says) I broke his arrowhead! I have such fond memories of that house in Fairfield, Mrs V’s mom as well as Charcoal, the dog.

Mrs V was and is so much more than a former employer. She isn’t a second mother figure (my mom is pretty much perfect!) and she is deeper than a friend. She is my faithful mentor and spiritual advisor. I can be honest and transparent with her, and she doesn’t judge me but always points me to Christ. For example, not too long ago I shared with her a situation - she listened and understood my feelings but, in the end, she said, “Pam Dear, be a woman of your word.” I am often teased that I do not call her by her first name, but she is not my buddy or pal. She goes far deeper than that… She is Mrs V and I love her deeply!

Over the past (maybe) 10 years, our relationship has grown to include Mr V. I just think he is an amazing guy. He is the somewhat quiet, strong and steady type and I love what he adds to our relationship. They are a gift from God, and I am grateful to the One who knew a somewhat awkward 13-year-old kid would need this influence in her life.

When vacuuming Mrs V’s house, I would vacuum myself out of the rooms leaving no footprints to be seen. I cannot say the same thing about her and the “rooms” of my life – Mrs V has left permanent footprints all over the place – footprints I am so thankful for!

If you by chance read this Mrs V – know I love you dearly and that I thank my God for you!