EXTRA MILER: Big Sisters make a difference for children

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August 1, 2008

By CAROL DAWSON The News and Tribune Fri Aug 01, 2008, 11:23 PM EDT

Pam Strong-Frymire is quick to pass credit elsewhere for her work as a Southern Indiana Extra Miler.

She gets her inspiration from her faith. “I have a call to serve the Lord and all that I do is done in an attempt to be obedient,” Pam said. “The path chosen for me has certainly been exciting!”

Pam has been the communication director and a leader for Christian Academy in New Albany since the doors were originally opened as Northside Christian Academy. Pam’s recent “retirement” from the school coincided with the need to make time to pursue other interests. After many years working for the school and enjoying the environment she states, “This is just one of those times when you know it is time to move on.” Pam quickly adds, “I have absolutely no doubt the future of the school is in excellent hands.”

Optimistic and upbeat, Pam survived some difficult years in the past — her husband passed away 13 years ago and she was left to raise their two young sons, Morgan and Evan. She is quick to note that she didn’t raise and nurture the boys on her own. They had a community of positive role models for which she is sincerely grateful.

Pam has also survived breast cancer and much of her decision to retire stems from her desire to focus some of her extra time and energy to study health and wellness. It is remarkable that Pam could even have excess energy or time, as she keeps busy with multiple activities, including church ministries, her family, and most recently, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BB/BS).

Pam’s involvement with BB/BS started with a ministry visit to a prison where she met an incarcerated woman who showed her a photo of her two young daughters. She asked that her daughters, Cheyene and Sydney, receive prayers for their happiness and well being. Pam began praying for the girls and thinking of how she could help. She knew of a new BB/BS program started for the children of women in prison and hoped to get the girls enrolled.

Initially Pam didn’t anticipate being a Big Sister; however, that changed when her son’s girlfriend, Becky Boman, asked if she could assist Pam in her ministries. The timing of Becky’s request was a significant sign to Pam and she knew life would once again be taking her on another exciting journey. She and Becky have been Big Sisters to Cheyene and Sydney for nearly two years.

When the duo met their little sisters they became mentors and quick friends. The foursome have attended a concert, birthday parties, scrap booking events, Waterfront Park, the backside of Churchill Downs, and more. Pam and Becky have also attended school activities in support of the girls.

At a recent party in Pam’s home to celebrate a family birthday, 8-year-old Sydney stated, “This is so exciting ... it is the first birthday party I’ve ever been to ... ” As she tells the story, Pam hesitated, seemingly lost in the memory. She then added, “These girls are thrilled to be experiencing things many of us take for granted.”

It didn’t take a long conversation with Pam to realize there was another Extra Miler to be recognized this month. When asked what motivates her to work with the BB/BS program, Becky responded, “I came from a troubled family and I’m determined to do all I can to help children who may be experiencing a similar situation.”

Becky, a bright eyed and charming young woman, attends Ivy Tech Community College and aspires to be a pediatric nurse. Her busy schedule leaves no time for television or acting as a couch cover as she works part time and volunteers for Kosair Hospital, Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services, BB/BS and her church, Northside Christian.

Becky spoke of her future with the Strong-Frymire family with a face-hugging smile, and commented, “Whatever I do, it will include helping children ... it breaks my heart to see them suffer.” For Becky, sharing is one of the best remedies for poverty and she has especially enjoyed sharing her life with Cheyene and Sydney.

Both Pam and Becky are human power-packs, looking for signs of how they can continue passing along on their joy for life. Pam ended our interview with one of her favorite quotes, “Little boys and girls learn to be big men and women in the presence of big men and women who care about little boys and girls.” Because these two women have made a significant difference in the lives of the people in our community, we honor them as our Extra Milers.

Thank you, Becky and Pam, for being our August Southern Indiana Extra Milers.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO Guidance, Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, please let her know about it. To submit an Extra Miler, a story, or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130-3340.

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