Summary of Lynda Barry

               Lynda Barry had an unhappy home life as a child. Her parents frequently fought, and the house was often crowded with visiting relatives. She and her brother slept on the couch when their room was occupied. They spent these nights watching television with the sound off. When she was seven years old, a particularly bad night drove her out of the house. Gripped by an unexplained panic, she made her way to her school in the pre-dawn darkness. The chaotic atmosphere of her home allowed her to slip away completely unnoticed. Her fears were eased when she was found by Mr. Gunderson, the school’s friendly janitor. He walked with her to her classroom. Oh the way, she was surprised to encounter members of the faculty preparing to begin their day at work. Every one of them greeted her with warmth and acceptance. Mr. Gunderson left her with her teacher, Mrs. LeSane, who welcomed her into her classroom. Mrs. LeSane invited Lynda to go to the back of the room and paint. Troubled students were often invited to make art for Mrs. LeSane, who would post them on a special board. Barry recognizes in retrospect that this opportunity to be creative provided a vital emotional outlet for her. School was a sanctuary, a place where she received the love and support she desperately needed. By using this personal anecdote, Barry states that the cutting of arts programs from the public school roster can hurt children in situations like hers. She makes an impassioned plea to her audience to understand and help these children.