PAM - Gilbert, AZ

Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, Pam, and Shiloh
 

What a treat tonight was!  We were able to stop by and visit a wonderful lady who is not only a donor, but over the past two years has become a treasured friend of our family.  Prior to the tragedy, we didn't know Pam.  She lives in Gilbert, AZ and our paths had never crossed.  When tragedy hit Yarnell on that fateful day, Pam was watching the aftermath on the news.  She immediately felt compelled to get involved in whatever way she could.  For Pam, this was more than just an event in the lives of perfect strangers, but rather...a catastrophe affecting the "brotherhood" of which she had long been a part.



Pam - Yellowstone1988

Pam - working with foam on a fire line

Pam was a firefighter for several years in her late teens and early 20s.  Albeit uncommon for females to fight wildfires, she proved that not only can woman do it, but they can keep up with the rest of the pack.  Strong, beautiful, talented, and driven, Pam fought some of the hottest and most active seasons in the history of Arizona wildland firefighting.  She was no stranger to the loss of a comrade.  During her employ as a firefighter, she was called on fires where fatalities occurred.  This affected Pam in a way that she later put into writing in a publication she wrote to honor those who lost their lives, the families they left behind, and the fires that overran them.  Pam explained to us that firefighting is in your blood and once you are a part of that group, you are a permanent member. 

Shortly after the June 30, 2013 incident, Pam felt inspired to make a trip to Prescott and be amongst those mourning the loss of the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots.  She made her way to the car show fundraiser where she was introduced to Tom Ashcraft (my father-in-law; father to Andrew Ashcraft).  She recollected that meeting as non-coincidental and very impactful.  She was now more compelled to find a way to be active in the healing process of those whose lives were upended by this blaze.  Pam made her way to Station 7 where the tribute fence was decorated with emblems signifying the love and support of all who had stopped to pay their respects to our loved ones.  She left her own token of appreciation alongside the others.  It was there that I was blessed to meet her for the first time.  She has a far better memory of that day than I do, as I was in a bit of a fog at that point; however, she feels it too was a meeting of divine intervention.  I couldn't agree more.

From that day forward, Pam has found countless ways to serve our family and the other families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.  She, along with her husband Todd, have delivered Christmas gifts to our house for our children and sent messages of encouragement on our darkest days.  She has used her skills as a photographer to bless our family and capture moments that I would've never remembered otherwise.  She encouraged the company she works for and those in her circle of influence to get involved and assist in any way they could.  Pam's kindness and compassion are in a league of their own.  It was evident in our visit tonight as well.  She allowed the kids to run and play in her house...causing complete chaos and their mother to have a nervous breakdown.  Nonetheless, this little gem was discovered on a room in Pam's house after we left...Ryder drew our bus and tagged his name on her wall so she would remember him.  May God bless Pam for her thoughtfulness and the way in which she inspires us all to Be Better.  Pam...just as Ryder wishes for you to remember him, you will always be remembered and appreciated by us.