Monday, February 12, 2024
Jay was a substitute teacher in our school district for many years. In that time, I was fortunate enough to have Jay cover my Earth Science and/or Physics classes many times. It was always a great relief to know Jay was there, and that some real science was being done in my absence (typically not the case as a science teacher when you're absent).
More significantly for me though, and therefore, where I am feeling such a deep loss, were the times when Jay was in for a fellow colleague. Over the many years, Jay and I spent many hours in great conversation on a wide variety of topics, including science and nature of course, but mostly the focus of the conversation was on our children. My kids are 4 and 7 years old as I write this, so Jay would often provide great wisdom from his experience, to this new father. We always shared such wonderful conversations on our shared trials and tribulations, and the pure joy of Fatherhood. The conversation was always initiated by Jay, and always started the same way, "How are your little ones?", and always with the same big, genuine grin, that conveyed true interest, concern, and our shared deep love of our children. I was always genuinely happy to see Jay in the building, because I knew at some point in the day we would find, even for just a few minutes, time to have a chat and share in our sacred, common bond as Fathers. I will profoundly miss those now, precious moments. Whatever the topic of conversation, what impressed me most was the unwavering positivity that shone through Jay. Even when discussing a tough moment, like trying to get a complex science concept across to a resistant tennager, or the unenviable challenges of homeownership, Jay always delivered it with a genuine, heartfelt smile. Without any exaggeration, Jay was one of the nicest people I ever knew.
You are deeply missed, old friend.
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