“I don’t want to say goodbye…”

There is a 100% guarantee that when Pam Dellos reads this headline, she will sing “for the summer.”  The line is from the Brian Hyland song “Sealed with a kiss.” It came out in the 1960s. The first line of the song is “I don’t want to say goodbye for the summer.” 

Songs, laughter and a scary elf on the shelf are just a part of the fun Pam has brought to this office. She is retiring after 40 years at the newspaper. 

Music has been a huge part of our relationship.  Whenever someone says something that is a lyric in a song, we sing those words and more. For example, the word “Stop” was followed by us singing “In the name of love.”  “Hang on” translated to us singing “Hang on Sloopy. Sloopy hang on.” “I heard” was followed by singing “it through the grapevine.” Most recently I said, “Goodness gracious” Pam sung “Great balls of fire.” The list goes on and on. It happened nearly every day. 

Often when the song “Horse with No Name” played she would do a dance routine she learned when she was in grade school. I will never hear that song again without picturing her dancing.  

She has been an amazing sport on pranks and scares.  Like a bunch of fake spiders in the umbrella that fell on her when she opened it. Or the snake tied to her purse with fishing line, so it chased her when she ran from it. Jumping out from behind a door. Sometimes yelling boo. Sometimes the act of jumping out led to a scream and her saying she hopes I wet myself as I bent over in laughter. 

Our office elf was often hidden around the office. His scary face could be staring at us when we opened a drawer, fridge, microwave or sat on the toilet. One never knew where he would appear. He even took a trip to Pam’s daughter’s house in another state and was waiting for Pam when she arrived. He is a tricky one.  She is also a fierce competitor when it comes to Words with Friends. Holy heck, she could play it professionally. 

While Pam made work fun, she also demonstrated amazing customer service to our subscribers. She knew who were the snowbirds that had to have their addresses changed twice a year. When a parent passed away, she would check with the children to see if they wanted to keep the subscription. She gave a grace period when subscriptions had expired and often made a phone call to follow up the reminder sent in the mail. 

She was the best work wife ever!  From bringing treats and/or healthy remedies, to wiping down keyboards, figuring out computer issues or fixing things with a tiny screwdriver. We finish each other’s sentences. 

Pam has been an amazing spiritual friend too. Sharing scripture, praying and reminding me of God’s great love. The office will not be the same. Pam, thanks for being a friend (cue to sing) “Thank you for being a friend. Traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.”