Campaign updates:  we received some offline generous donations in Pearl’s honor recently, so thank you to those who contributed.  We have been reimbursed through 2016 now (yeah, getting closer).

So, like all high school seniors, this was quite the end of their school career!  No awards ceremonies, no banquets, no prom.  Virtual ceremonies and graduations.  Promises of in person graduations late summer/early fall – if it’s safe.  For Pearl, who had decided before the pandemic on a gap year, there was a bit less panic at not being in school to finish FAFSA, admissions, get recommendation letters, etc.  But there was a lot more stress over what needed to be done, especially since online learning is a challenge for her.  But she’s done.  Unfortunately, the craziness and uncertainty mean she can’t start looking for a “regular” job.  Never fear, Pearls Cups has been born!  You can see more info on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/4006948492711346

Basically, she is creating designs and drawing/painting them onto mugs and selling them.  It’s a way for her to use artistic talent and make some money until it’s safe to start a more public job.  

None of us ever knows what the future will bring.  One of the speeches at the virtual graduation talked about resilience.  It reminded me of what Sam said the night he got first place in the Mr Whaler contest (one year after Pearl’s transplant), “the most important thing I’ve learned is perseverence… I have to say it, I learned it from my sister.”  Thank you Pearl for being resilient, for persevering, and for being an example to the rest of us!