Story of Courage: Pamela Rucker
“I never saw the Empire State Building or the Eifel Tower but I have viewed the Pacific coastline and been amazed at all of God's beauty, the greenest of mountains and the tallest of trees. I've seen the white caps of the ocean's waves as they pounded against California's rocky beaches and I've had a bird’s eye view of God's patchwork of landscape from a hot air balloon. I've traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway and have been left speechless at some of the sights seen along the way. I've boated in the Caribbean and stared into God's aquarium filled with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. God is an awesome sculptor and artist who has shaped and painted a beautiful world for us to enjoy.”
These eloquent and insightful words were written by ALS patient, Pamela Rucker, whose courage and strength permeated the hearts of everyone she encountered. Pamela not only blessed the world with two wonderful daughters, Kelli and Jodi, but after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in May of 2005, Pamela began to inspire the world through the written word of poetry. As her body weakened, Pamela’s gracious attitude and courageous spirit were strengthened. Her daughter Kelli explained that even though Pamela was the one dealing with a horrible disease, she seemed to possess more fearlessness than the loved ones surrounding her. Pamela recognized the need to make lasting memories with her friends and family, and grasped the sought after appreciation for the little blessings in life that are so often taken for granted.
On December 27th, 2007, Pamela Rucker passed away, but her passion, influence, and legacy will continue to live on through her family, friends, and beautiful words. Pamela faced her diagnosis with the utmost gumption and grace. She was unwilling to waste her final days with negativity or self-pity. Although Pamela had, as she put it, “days when the fog was so think that [she] couldn’t see beyond it,” she still chose to focus on the joys she held. Pamela said, “I was grateful that this disease would not affect my thought process, and therefore allowed me to still do a few things I enjoyed such as challenging myself with a daily crossword puzzle or being able to enjoy a good book.” Although this type of courage seems unattainable, Pamela’s daughter Kelli, expressed that it was faith that kept her mother so strong.
When asked what advice she had for others still affected by ALS, Kelli, had this to say: “When a person loses their footing, they naturally reach out for something to support them. ALS is difficult, and there will be times that you'll struggle physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But always reach out to those that love you when you feel you're about to stumble. They will be your greatest support, and will help carry you through the hard times. Remember, it's not your physical abilities that determine the happiness you will experience in your life ... it's the people that are in it.” There is no doubt that Pamela Rucker lived out a true story of courage.
GOD'S SUNBEAM
by Pamela T. Rucker
Have you ever had a day
when you were feeling low
The dark cloud above your head
won't ever seem to go
The fog hangs so thick
that you can hardly see
You look towards heaven
saying, God why me
A day in which you wonder
does God really care
Cause He's not suppose to give
more than you can bear
You get down on your knees
and you began to pray,
Please dear God
make the rain go away
Isn't it amazing
those dark clouds disappear
The fog that was so thick
is no longer hanging near
Your prayer has been answered
there's no more overcast
God sent you His sunbeam
the dreary storm has passed
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