To her own family and members of the ever-increasing First Step Inc. family, Pam Bland was a passionate and compassionate guardian angel.
To this community and many others throughout her native state, she represented the best of humanity, tirelessly building coalitions and marshaling her dedicated troops to meet the growing needs of the developmentally disabled.
Hers was not an easy cause, but then Pam Bland was not easily dissuaded when it came to speaking out for her heartfelt beliefs and even more importantly, for standing strong with those who could not always express their views.
As executive director of First Step for 34 years, this teacher, leader and mentor personified the phrase, "human resources." From the beginning, she envisioned what could and should be done for the children and families who would come to rely on life-changing therapies and educational programs, and come to realize some of their personal dreams for the future.
No matter the early obstacles and regardless of the insensitivity and biases against individuals who might be developmentally disadvantaged, it was Pam Bland's grit and sense of fairness that inspired her teams to press ahead with their important work. It was her drive, her energy, her indomitable activism that won the day for so many Arkansans who now enjoy purposeful pursuits.
In its June 13, 1984, editorial entitled, "Thy brother's keeper," The Sentinel-Record lauded Bland and Paul Obert, who made powerful presentations before the Hot Springs Planning Commission in support of On Our Own Inc.'s proposal to provide residential housing for adults who were developmentally challenged. The newspaper commended the two "for having the courage of their convictions and for putting their character on line to improve the lot of those placed in their charge."
We who were witness to First Step's progress and privileged to have shared the journey with Pam Bland and her associates feel honored to have been part of their conversations and we are exceedingly thankful for those exchanges down through time.
What she and First Step accomplished was something of a miracle. What they gave to us was a gift beyond any measure.
When I think of this life so well lived, I am reminded of the words in a homily a dear friend wrote and delivered on Aug. 27 to the congregants of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Maryland. I have permission to quote some of them here.
"Have you seen 'Dunkirk?' I haven't, but I've been reading about it. A miracle? Maybe. But, it doesn't matter what you call it, what matters is that a lot of people saw a need and they did what they could with what they had.
" ... Who you think Jesus is does matter -- if it affects how you live, because that's what really matters. That's the whole point.
"Jesus is not asking us to save the world single-handedly, he is asking us to do what we can; he's not asking us to like everyone, he's asking us to treat everyone with love -- and compassion. A very different thing.
" ... We have our marching orders. Do whatever you can, for whomever you can, wherever you are. ... "
That was surely Pam Bland's lesson and legacy to us.
Editorial on 09/19/2017