Pearls In The Dirt Beginning the New Year, with the joyous discovery of new life, Jay and Meri Stryde thankfully look forward to expanding their family. Yet as the year progresses, difficulties and challenges pepper their lives as well. With each discomfort and distress, Meri learns to find something meaningful in it. Like Pearls in the Dirt of Life in accepting each struggle, she discovers an affirming treasure in the situation.