Palesa cake

Sue made a lovely cake and strawberry compote, and her son Shawn joined us for a joyful Palesa night: stories, laughter, and a video I made of her long ago. Last year I told about her at some length, so I won't tell it again. This morning I WhatsApped her sister, who sent me a photo of Kamohelo, now ten days short of five years old (extra, with her cousin). She seems happy, well cared for, is certainly well-dressed, in part thanks to the many people who contributed to the Go Fund Me that continues to support her family.

Palesa's work here is done. That is clear to me now. She did a great job of being herself and loving the world. She was a terrific mom, a fine nurse, a loving daughter to me and to  her biological mom. Now she's free. No more struggles, no worry about how she'll make enough money, pay the bills, be the best parent she can be. There was more she would have liked to do, love, accomplish, but she couldn't. 

Another extra, for those who want to see, a photo of the Good Trouble march arriving at the ICE Building last night. The building now looks like some rough outpost in some (to quote our President) "shithole country." Wonderful graffiti on it declares ICE agents "class traitors" and worse. "We pay your wages" is prominent, along with "Quit Your Job" and "You don't have to do this!"