To Pearl: A Love Letter and a Thank You.
On Sunday, October 27th, 2025, I said goodbye to Pearl, my sweet, stubborn, resilient companion. She was more than a dog; she was a teacher, a source of inspiration, and a daily reminder of what it means to live with courage and grit.
Pearl’s life was never easy. Born deaf, she endured more than her fair share of hardships, including a broken leg as a puppy and the eventual and complete loss of her eyesight at six years old. When she went fully blind, people around me searched for silver linings—her keen sense of smell or her ability to adapt. But the truth was stark: her silent world had also become dark, and she was scared.
Nothing about her journey was fair or simple. And yet, Pearl rose to meet every challenge.
Pearl’s Lessons in Resilience
Pearl learned to map her world, step by careful step, finding her way through each bump and misstep, with the courage to trust others and the tenacity to keep learning. Even in her darkest moments, she leaned into her stubborn, joyful spirit. Whether chasing crows off her lawn or savoring a warm patch of sunlight, she showed me that joy is something we must choose and fiercely protect.
Her victories weren’t the result of dramatic gestures or lucky breaks. Pearl’s success came from showing up for her life every day. She taught me the value of persistence—the courage to keep going, even when you run into walls.
For anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, life the path ahead is unclear, or like they’re running into obstacle after obstacle, I want to share Pearl’s wisdom: it’s okay to stumble, fail, and try again. Sometimes, that’s the only way forward.
A Thank You to My Coach and Teacher
Pearl’s life was a masterclass in resilience, adaptation, and trust. I draw on her lessons so often when navigating uncertainty, change, or the fear of failure. Like Pearl, I’m not looking for shortcuts (well, sometimes I am, but I get it); I’m looking for a way to map my world, step by step, and create a life that feels meaningful and authentic.
To Pearl, my coach and my companion, thank you. Thank you for teaching me that success isn’t about a single dramatic win but about the small, daily choices to show up, try again, and celebrate small victories.
To You, the Reader
If you’re reading this and feeling stuck, uncertain, or defeated, take a page from Pearl’s story. Pause to rest in the sun. Celebrate every small win. Chase your crows with all the spirit you can muster.
And when life feels impossibly hard, remember: courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s finding a way forward, even when you’re afraid.
Pearl may no longer be by my side, but I believe she’s watching from the stars, cheering us on as we stumble, learn, and grow.
Thank you, Pearl, for everything. I miss you, Sweetheart.🐾