To the Woman Who Saved My Life

You were everything I needed in my life at the time. Su casa, felt like mi casa— a place that let me escape. I felt safe and protected to be me, where I felt comfortable exploring unfamiliar mediums. Your classroom was my refuge.

You were the greatest cheerleader, when I didn’t feel seen or like I was being heard — you heard me through expression. You taught me my greatest joy and gently pushed me to keep working at it. You gave me something to hold onto when I felt like letting go. You’ve brought so much purpose to my life and molded the greatest gift I now share with the world.

I never realized the impact you had on my life until now, that I’m fully committing to my purpose and following in your footsteps, so that one day, 15 years later, someone could write about how I changed their life. Wherever you might be, I want to say thank you Mrs. Barber for teaching me how to use art to heal myself and others.

15 years ago I had no idea that the time I spent in your classroom, the skills you taught me, would translate to changing my life and the world around me. Back then, you didn’t know it but I was in a dark place. I didn’t show it. And I didn’t dare to share that I was robbed of my innocence — that I hated to be in this body. Or that at home, I had to be a rock for my older suicidal brother.

I couldn’t express myself verbally but you taught me other healthy ways to deal with life. With little knowledge of my personal life, you showed up for me. You’ve taught me how to show up for myself, but more importantly how to show up for others. You taught me that I’m apart of something way bigger than myself and my problems. You taught me compassion for myself and others.

I hope this letter finds you so that you can know that I went to school to follow in your footsteps. To reshape the reality we live in, to teach people how to create, and to add beauty to this Earth.

I hope this letter finds you so that you know I’ve carried you in my heart all these years. So that you can understand the impact that you’ve had in this world.

I hope this letter finds you —That you’d be able to look at my life, and call it your greatest mater piece.

You saved my life, and I’ll spend the rest of my days following your example.