Pam
“I think the first few years of my life, during the war made me stronger, as young children we had to do a lot of things that children don’t have to do now...”
Pam is loving, gracious, generous and kind - even after experiencing a childhood defined by war. Growing up, she didn’t have the privilege of normalcy or security. In her life she has experienced fear, uncertainty and loss. But what she has faced has made her remarkably strong. She is someone who really appreciates the little things, like a good cup of tea, and devotes her time to giving back. She has a heart of gold. Meet Pam. This is her story.
Pam with her flowers (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
P: My name is Mrs. Pamela Mary Leonard.
P: Please describe or define yourself in your own words.
P: It is very difficult to define oneself, but anyway here it goes.
I was born just before the Second World War in London, England. I unfortunately had a difficult start to my life as my Mother passed away when I was 1 year old, consequently I had Aunts bringing me and my sister up (she was 11 months old). I was taken to live with my Father, my sister went down to South Wales where my Grandmother lived with all my Aunts, so we were not brought up together and only spent a few months together here and there. When I was 16 I was allowed to go on the train on my own and we spent a summer together. Before that I was always taken by someone.
Even with all the shuffling back and forth I turned out as quite a capable young lady.
My father remarried and I was then taken to live with him and my stepmother. This did not work out, so I went to live with an Aunt (my father’s sister) north of London. There I stayed, got myself a job, then married.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
P: I really don’t know if I have a favourite thing about myself, I live very quietly, on my own since my husband passed away. I belong to a Church and do voluntary work there, this is mostly my life.
I have a hobby and knit for Charity and churches and children.
If I can help anywhere I will. Give monetary donations where I can, food donations etc.
P: Tell us a story that has defined or made me stronger.
P: I think the first few years of my life, during the war made me stronger, as young children we had to do a lot of things that children don’t have to do now, I was shuffled from one family to another, getting up in the night to go to a shelter, then going to school the next day - often times not getting to bed. Anyway I think everything turned out alright, even me. Having gone through that at such a young age, did make me a stronger person and I do look back on those times, and wonder how I turned out like I did.
P: What is once piece of advice you'd give to your younger self?
P: Be patient, be helpful when younger, try and do what people are asking and set an example to others.
P: What does being a women mean to you?
P: I really haven’t thought about this question. As you know I was happily married, and had three boys, who are now grown up (two are in Toronto and one in the Phillipines), they all keep in touch which I am really happy about.
I am really happy, I have a lovely home, lots of friends and I am still able to drive and help other people. Our church has a wonderful organisation, one only has to ask and someone will come and assist you.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
P I think I would look up to my Aunt, she was a VAD nurse during the war and travelled to India, Egypt and other various places overseas She also won a Medal overseas and was presented at Buckingham Palace, she did a lot of volunteer work after the war, and was in choirs. She was always doing something and on the"GO" as it were and thats exactly what I am like.
This is the Aunt that I eventually lived with before I got married. She was a very big influence in my life.
I would say 'THANK YOU'.