In the Fall of 2019 I Began working with the young students of Saint Lawrence and also the elderly in San Jose-- Teaching Art, and planning special events such as celebrating our veterans. I enjoyed watching football games with my and new old friends, working my first Christmas Eve And New Years’ Eve with them. January 2020 brought the final semester working on a Masters and began writing my final projects on the importance of Art education in empowering young people to reach their purpose and become strong emotionally and socially, as they face their life challenges in this world. In February we watched the Super Bowl with friends. In March we enjoyed the beautifully Imagined and performed musicals : the glorious live presentation of Mary Poppins, by the TKA Theatre department, & wonderful virtual performances of the Pinewood middle school students by my fellow St. Lawrence Teacher, Mr. Fischer. As the schools closed down, many had work hours reduced for a time. Many stayed home to slow the spread, giving us all more time to slow down and focus on studies and relationships. Also in the spring, We lost a cousin to an unexpected seizure. May, revealed our compassionate friends, professors and business people who understood the struggles, ill treatment & unrest that led to senseless violence and danger all over the world, willing to join the fight and stand up for others.. These wise leaders bravely spoke into and helped the forward motion of dialogue and healing we need, knowing we have miles to go to full resolution, It was uplifting in the midst of the extreme pain to return to work, to see the creative celebrations of the 2020 graduates all over the world, in a way we normally would not have. This summer we celebrated virtually our graduation from Concordia Univ with my family and friends. In August we began to increase activities, so I was added to the crew to support our culinary team as well, to meet the changing needs of our community. In September, my cousin Terry lost his battle to cancer , my cousin Jonathan lost his battle with heart disease, and then my cousin Twamenia lost her valiant fight with cancer. We also marked the one year anniversary of the passing of my cousin, Brandon. This Fall I submitted art to virtual fundraisers and on behalf of dog adoptions and community encouragement. Several friends moved out of the area, some beloved businesses closed their doors. For encouragement,  We had thanksgiving via zoom with family and weekly prayer for those who were battling the virus as it moved into different spheres of life & friendships of those we know & love all over the country. It was a joy to see some recover and as in other months, yet heartbreaking to see many be overcome by the disease. Since early spring, all over the world and personally, we have lost mentors and family, community members. This Christmas, we celebrate Christ’s coming, the visit of the wiseman, the epiphany, celebrated in January, we  reflect that God has been and will continue to be with us in our sorrows and our joys, in the moments we grieve and are despondent, and in our moments of exhilaration & relief and everything in between.