This narrative study examines one thriving career long urban teacher. Three salient themes influenced the teacher's career thrival. "Hope springs eternal" is the idea that sustaining hope supported her thrival. The "extended education family" is the notion that familial-like relationships at school nourished her longevity. Finally, "creative autonomy" ascertains that autonomous curriculum development sustained her passion. Implications for fostering teacher career longevity for the sake of marginalized youth, urban educators and school systems are discussed.