I FAILED ART CLASS, AND MEMORIALIZED A TOMATO PLANT

In middle school, I was a train-wreck in art class. My art teacher could have failed me, easily. Instead, she painted a bird, and told the class that I was the artist. I have always thought of her, of her kindness and generosity in giving me unearned self-confidence and respect. I wish I could remember her name. I have always felt guilty for going along with the farce. The painting won the school art show. My father assumed I didn’t paint it, which tells a lot about his belief in me. He eventually threw it away.