Chet, I hope there comes a time when you don't feel you have to turn away so they can't see your eyes filling up. Those are tears of joy and gratitude and I hope you can learn to share that with your students (especially your students). There is too much in our society that says "No" to manly tears and I stand against the words that "men don't cry."

I work with the drug users in Baltimore City and they are predominately African American and a group with some horrible records of deeds against society from rape, to robbery, to murder. It all comes with the drugs. They were raised to believe men don't cry. But as they recover from their addictions and make the broad lifestyle changes necessary to maintain that recovery, most find it essential to learn to cry. They also proudly see the ability to cry as an important part of living life on life's terms.

Last year I received a plague from a group of patients for care beyond the job description. I felt very honored and very grateful for the recognition and I cried like a baby. Couldn't of hid it if I wanted to, and I wouldn't have wanted to.

I wish the same to you, Chet, for I know your heart is full when you get blessings from your students.

Roger in Baltimore