Today's picture is a tribute to a great man. Jose Fernandez was the father of two of my students, Carla and Jose. He was a dedicated father, a Renaissance man in every sense of the word, and one of the most interesting people I've ever known. When Jose asked a question, he wanted to know the answer. He would look me straight in the eye; I always knew Jose listened. One day he came to my class to find me after school. He had a big grin on his face. "Cindy," he said. "I was on a plane to New York, and I figured out an anagram for your name." I was curious. "You won't believe this," he continued. "It's STAY TEACHING!" Sure enough. Cynthia Gates=Stay teaching. Now, whenever I find myself exhausted from grading papers and prepping for class every single weekend and I'm on the cusp of retiring, Jose's words fill my head. I'll miss you, Jose. I didn't see you often, but you've always sat sweetly in my heart. Thank you for your kindness, for your two extraordinary children, and for keeping me in the game. Fly like the monarchs, my friend.
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