This is the creative narrative of two mature social justice-oriented educators' stories to live by, stories to leave by, and stories to return by as we attempt to navigate the newly hooded academic's life in the midst of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter. The purpose of sharing our stories is not just for our own narrative therapy. When stories inform us of the struggle, persistence, and resilience of others, we not only gain knowledge but also strength and resolve to move forward through our own adversities. Thus, our hope is that this creative nonfiction will encourage others with similar personal and professional experiences to press on. As lovers of poetry and all things creative, we share our stories in alternating sestinas that describe our trials, triumphs, and trepidations of the now.