*FOR FUNSTON*

"THIS WORLD IS BUT A CANVAS TO OUR IMAGINATIONS."

The first time I heard these words were in her classroom. Cheryl Funston was my english teacher junior year of high school and in general a remarkable human being. To my dismay, I found out she passed away on the 3rd due to ovarian cancer. A woman who was made to face her own mortality not once, but three times. She was one teacher I will never forget, she supported me in a dark time of my life and even pulled me out of it. It's so hard to think I will never see her again.

I remember the last time I saw her; I stopped by my old high school to visit some people and I dropped in to say hi. She listened and smiled intently as I told her about college and my aspirations of majoring in theater; she had always showed great support to our drama department and was always telling me I could do whatever I wanted to do. She was like a second mother at times when I needed it most. She was so proud of where I had started to take my life's journey. Our conversation lasted an hour and a half, of which she spent the time laughing and smiling.

There was rare a time I can recall when she wasn't smiling, that is one thing that will stay with me; her sweet disposition. The care she took with her students, that is something else I remember. We all could've just nameless faces sitting in desks, but no. Not to Mrs. Funston, she knew us all individually. Even three years after being in her class, she would still recognize students.

Her care inspired me to work hard, every project I turned in took a lot of time on my part because I wanted to make sure it was well done. My favorite lesson was the one of Henry David Thoreau; he is a great inspiration in my life now as to how I live and view the world. I didn't understand his words at first, but that is where Funston came in. One day, we went outside to read a chapter of Walden which spoke about the simplicity of life among nature. After she would explain, I absorbed everything easier. My mind always had a traffic of thoughts, but somehow was brought to quiet clarity with her teachings.

She wasn't just a teacher, but a friend. A pillar of strength and intelligence, unwavering hope. I can't help but be reminded how unfair life is when people like Cheryl Funston have to fight to keep their health for years only to end up on the losing end. But only regret is that I will never get to say goodbye. I have had several dealings with death before, but it still hits me this hard. It hurts my heart to think of her having to struggle the last four years of her life, it hurts to think how many students will never learn from her, it hurts to know she will never play pacman again.

Cheryl Funston, you were too good for this world. But that's why it needed you for the time you were here, to fill it with optimism and sunshine. I will never forget you.

Rest in peace.

*SONG OF THE MONTH*

"Long May You Run" by Neil Young

I dedicate this to you Mrs. Funston.