A Simple Gift

There are a few girls in my freshman art class who have no mothers due to abandonment, neglect, mental illness, or disease. I am having to face my mother's abandonment, abuse, neglect, and disease reflected back in their eyes. It is amazing how they are nourished by me and I am nourished by them. I told the Principal about my passion for literacy as healer. I've always wanted to be granted a position in community work based on my life experience rather than to have to go get a degree. Now as artist-in-residence at this school I have been given this gift.