Pam and Nick: Two cultures in a comedy of love

Pam and Nick Watson never stopped laughing during the entire interview. Well maybe once or twice but the whole thing seemed like a comedy show.
Pam had a dream to go live in England in her early 20s. There her American teacher's accreditation was in question for a British school, but she weaseled her way into the Nicholas Comprehensive School teaching 11-year-old kids. Her amazing residence in London was on Baker Street, a neighborhood of some note as it was there Mr. Sherlock Holmes held consultations.
There was a fellow who taught physical education at the school and they, along with the other teachers, would go to the local Rugby Club for a pint after school. His name was Nick, and he told her he would never go to America - too many guns, too much violence, and worst of all, people chewed gum. (It is considered bad manners in England.)
Still they got along and found themselves six months later placed together by a friend on a date to the annual teachers dance. Too many pints at the celebration loosened things up a bit and Pam and Nick were suddenly in each other's arms doing more kissing than dancing.
Soon the school kids even realized that within a few weeks "love was in the air" as the song goes.
"They teased us unmercifully," laughed Pam.
American chewing gum didn't seem to matter and within two months Nick slipped an engagement ring on the American teacher's finger.
Nick recalled his uncle was appalled that he was going to marry a "yank," and wanted to know if she chewed gum! But Pam stole her way into Nick's family just as she did into the British school system and they flew to America to meet Pam's parents in Tampa. Her mother wasn't sure, but her daddy asked Nick if he knew any other friends as he had more to marry off.
While the backyard Florida wedding was wonderful, the best part was when Nick ate his way into his mother-in-law's heart - he all but consumed the Thanksgiving dinner by himself.
Nick's famous quote that he would never move to America dissolved.
"It was such a land of opportunity," he said. "I loved the place. The people were happy."
With his elegant British accent and English good manners, Nicholas swiftly found he could easily mix in proper American society and he entered the country club business. His first club was Tops'l and later Sandestin, where he ended up part of the management team. He even helped construct one of the golf courses! 
After leaving Destin in 1990, Pam and Nick followed the country club circuit to South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, and back to North Carolina, then arrived back in Destin. During this time while roving the country, Pam had babies. A lot of them, too. One girl, then later twin girls. Her love of writing led her into the freelance profession and she worked for various newspapers ad magazines. Later she authored travel guidebooks.
Fate has been good to Pam and Nick. Their only tragedies have been the loss of her parents and Nick's dad.
"I guess the most difficult period of our marriage was the early Destin years. The intensity of the jobs was rough and Pam took the wrath when I came home," said Nick.
"Yea, but I gave it back to him twofold, and sometimes three," Pam said. Laughter burst out across the table. She was not to be denied.
"Oh she's hard on me, Chick, a real firecracker all right. She gave no quarter, no pity at all," Nick said.
"And what has kept y'all together all these years?" I questioned.
In unison they blurted out, "Nobody else would have us! That's our motto!"
Again a full blast of mirth and I happily joined in disturbing the lunch table diners next to us.
What a couple. It seems hilarity was their glue, it held their marriage together for 34 years. They survived the bumps, the failures, and the triumphs, because they were so much alike in personalities. It was certainly clear that she loved Nick, and Nick's appreciation of her following him on his career pilgrimage was more than evident.
"This is it now. Santa Rosa Beach is where we have set the anchor," Nick reflected.
"We love it here...the nature, plus the people are remarkable. It truly is a small paradise on earth," added Pam.
Nick the Brit and Pam the yank both discovered that their travels made no difference. Their love had spanned an ocean and beyond. This couple showed me that love was definitely "in the air." It was fathoms deep and filled with the contentment of wonderful years past and anticipation of those ahead. They were marriage survivors in a time it seems easier to walk away than keep trying.
They have a foundation that life is a happy gift and that we have to be thankful for this marvelous present. You can catch Nick at the Santa Rosa Beach Club where he is the manager. Once you meet him you have to smile, there is no choice in the matter.
These two lovers, now with a grandchild and many years of marriage, were just simply delightful to be with, and as I walked away they were chuckling at the table.
Hmmm...were they laughing at me? As I looked down I knew why. It was the redcoat curse. I had stepped in some chewing gum.
 
Chick Huettel is a long-time Walton County resident and former owner of Bayou Antiques. He is a member of a number of local organizations including the Emerald Coast Archeological Society.