Dec 8, 2023 — I’ve written before of Pamela Salem O’Hagan, who is loved by me and many here in our little beach town, as well as friends and film buffs around the world. Among many other notable roles, the now semi-retired English actress played Miss Moneypenny to Sean Connery’s James Bond in Never Say Never Again. She’s always taken exceptionally good care of herself, written three popular Meanings of Life cards, and these days has as her constant companion, Misty, a dear rescue about the size of the strong dog pictured.
Pam took a mysterious tumble this past Tuesday night and was rushed to the ER. She’ll remain in the hospital through the weekend for tests and to gain strength. Back in July, I wrote you about how this marvel somehow manages to be her joyful, indomitable self despite a challenging decade of broken elbow, double-mastectomy, incurable cancerous tumors in her tummy, and Parkinson’s that has painfully bended and twisted her like a still-pretty pretzel.
In case you missed it, in that story I described how, a year ago — from the car on her way home from a doctor’s appointment where they’d discussed what to do about the tumors — Pam had called. “Hello there, darling. I want to share some great, great news!” she’d said in her 0h-so-distinguished English accent. She explained that a team of world-class specialists had lined up all kinds of experimental treatments for her. “Poor things,” she said, “they were so kind and it was clearly hard for them to have to tell me that the treatments would likely be of no use to me, and then warn that the drugs and chemo and radiation and whatever else they can throw at this will not be at all pleasant either.
“They were so apologetic that I had to tell them not to worry … I assured them it was a privilege to be their guinea pig and, hopefully, what they learn from treating me will help them beat it in someone else down the line.” She laughed, “I finally had to put the discussion to rest by telling them the Parkinson’s is surely going to kill me long before these blasted tummy tumors anyway!” When I asked how she managed to stay so relentlessly positive and forward-moving, she was quick to say, “Each day, I reach out and take the hand of God to lead the way.”
After reading that Cardie Newsletter, kind Cardie Jo-Ann Saunders wrote, “Thinking about your beautiful friend, Pam, the word ‘warrior’ comes to mind because of her unbelievable attitude as she faces such daunting health issues. I can honestly say that would not be me, so I admire her beyond any words that I could ever express! I am a grief educator,” Jo-Ann explained, “and Pam speaks to my spirit. Please tell her what an inspiration she is to me — a complete stranger! — both personally and professionally, and that I am praying for her.”
To gracious Jo-Ann and all the other Pam Fans in this Cardie Community, prayers will be appreciated indeed. I’ll share with you that, having been with Pam those long hours in the ER, three of us were about to head out so she could rest. We stood to leave and her thoughtfulness somehow gave her the strength to say, “Please tell all my friends …”
I leaned over her with my phone and said, “How about we record you and send it to everyone who is anxiously awaiting an update?” Even while flat on her back, eyes tight in pain, strung like a Christmas tree with IVs, and serenaded by woman in labor wailing away down the hall, her stage voice was strikingly strong and elegant. With a smile, she said into the mic, “Dear Friends. My group of Guardian Angels! With the sound of a little baby being born in the background, I say thank you, and hallelujah to a new life. I think that’s probably all I can say because, at the moment, words fail me for a thank you.”
If you click below, you can listen for yourself, and hear how Pam keeps on, keeping on!
Dec 8, 2023 — I’ve written before of Pamela Salem O’Hagan, who is loved by me and many here in our little beach town, as well as friends and film buffs around the world. Among many other notable roles, the now semi-retired English actress played Miss Moneypenny to Sean Connery’s James Bond in Never Say Never Again. She’s always taken exceptionally good care of herself, written three popular Meanings of Life cards, and these days has as her constant companion, Misty, a dear rescue about the size of the strong dog pictured.
Pam took a mysterious tumble this past Tuesday night and was rushed to the ER. She’ll remain in the hospital through the weekend for tests and to gain strength. Back in July, I wrote you about how this marvel somehow manages to be her joyful, indomitable self despite a challenging decade of broken elbow, double-mastectomy, incurable cancerous tumors in her tummy, and Parkinson’s that has painfully bended and twisted her like a still-pretty pretzel.
In case you missed it, in that story I described how, a year ago — from the car on her way home from a doctor’s appointment where they’d discussed what to do about the tumors — Pam had called. “Hello there, darling. I want to share some great, great news!” she’d said in her 0h-so-distinguished English accent. She explained that a team of world-class specialists had lined up all kinds of experimental treatments for her. “Poor things,” she said, “they were so kind and it was clearly hard for them to have to tell me that the treatments would likely be of no use to me, and then warn that the drugs and chemo and radiation and whatever else they can throw at this will not be at all pleasant either.
“They were so apologetic that I had to tell them not to worry … I assured them it was a privilege to be their guinea pig and, hopefully, what they learn from treating me will help them beat it in someone else down the line.” She laughed, “I finally had to put the discussion to rest by telling them the Parkinson’s is surely going to kill me long before these blasted tummy tumors anyway!” When I asked how she managed to stay so relentlessly positive and forward-moving, she was quick to say, “Each day, I reach out and take the hand of God to lead the way.”
After reading that Cardie Newsletter, kind Cardie Jo-Ann Saunders wrote, “Thinking about your beautiful friend, Pam, the word ‘warrior’ comes to mind because of her unbelievable attitude as she faces such daunting health issues. I can honestly say that would not be me, so I admire her beyond any words that I could ever express! I am a grief educator,” Jo-Ann explained, “and Pam speaks to my spirit. Please tell her what an inspiration she is to me — a complete stranger! — both personally and professionally, and that I am praying for her.”
To gracious Jo-Ann and all the other Pam Fans in this Cardie Community, prayers will be appreciated indeed. I’ll share with you that, having been with Pam those long hours in the ER, three of us were about to head out so she could rest. We stood to leave and her thoughtfulness somehow gave her the strength to say, “Please tell all my friends …”
I leaned over her with my phone and said, “How about we record you and send it to everyone who is anxiously awaiting an update?” Even while flat on her back, eyes tight in pain, strung like a Christmas tree with IVs, and serenaded by woman in labor wailing away down the hall, her stage voice was strikingly strong and elegant. With a smile, she said into the mic, “Dear Friends. My group of Guardian Angels! With the sound of a little baby being born in the background, I say thank you, and hallelujah to a new life. I think that’s probably all I can say because, at the moment, words fail me for a thank you.”
If you click below, you can listen for yourself, and hear how Pam keeps on, keeping on!
Caring Cardies, if you’d like to send Pam your own well-wishes, we’ll see that Pam receives all cards and notes sent to:
Pamela Salem O’Hagan
℅ Jodee Stevens
9241 Collins Ave, #14
Miami Beach, FL 33154
Let’s do take a moment this weekend to count our blessings, darlings. The beautiful Pamela Salem O’Hagan is decidedly one of them.
Caring Cardies, if you’d like to send Pam your own well-wishes, we’ll see that Pam receives all cards and notes sent to:
Pamela Salem O’Hagan
℅ Jodee Stevens
9241 Collins Ave, #14
Miami Beach, FL 33154
Let’s do take a moment this weekend to count our blessings, darlings. The beautiful Pamela Salem O’Hagan is decidedly one of them.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers for Pamela! And holding close this reminder to be grateful as much for the things that I don’t have…as for the things I do. Much love to you, Jodee and to Pamela. <3
I wish you a complete recovery very soon. Please be very careful and walk slowly. I’m known for constantly falling, and it really is not funny. Get well soon. Wish you a very happy holiday and a safe new year.
Beautiful in every way…. Thank you for sharing Pam’s journey and strength. God bless her.
You are an inspiration to so many. So many have shared great moments with you. Hearts are all with you. Thank you. A special lady.
Simply giving thanks. I am so blessed.
Prayers and wishing her all God’s blessings..,
I’m so glad Pam has you & the other guardian angels watching over her. Pam’s attitude has been remarkable through all her challenges. Prayers surround Pam & all of you Jodee.
Dearest Pam,
It sounds as though you’ve had an extraordinary life just far. May you continue to feel better& may angels continue to surround you.
Just what I needed to hear today! Stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with life!
Dear Pam,
I thought of borrowing a verse from one of my cards, instead, I focused on your gift to others.
You remind us to keep the glass half-full.
I have had the privilege to call Pamela & her husband, Michael, my friends from the moment they moved to Florida & were my neighbors.
For many years when I would go visit family in NJ for the holidays, they would hold starting their beautiful Christmas dinner for my husband & I until I returned from the airport on Christmas day. Pamela is truly beautiful inside and outside.
Her treatment through these extremely trying health issues shows how she lives her life by the English expression “KEEP CALM and CARRY ON”.
Dear Pam,
It is great to hear your voice! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Marianne
Sending love and good vibes to Pamela and her loved ones. Never give in! Always keep your focus on recuperating. Good Luck. Prayers and healing thoughts🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻☘️☘️❤️❤️❤️❤️
OMG, Pam! Even as you are going through such an incredibly difficult and painful health journey, you are expressing joy for that newborn life down the hall! How selfless can a person be?! I don’t even know you, but I love and admire you beyond belief! How lovely that we are all privy to your beautiful British voice! Thank you for taking the time and for making such an enormous effort to thank US. We are the ones who want to thank YOU for showing us what true grace is. On this last night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, you shine even brighter than all of these candles in my living room! Prayers, hugs and love coming your way, every minute of everyday!