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Was It Worth It?
My eldest just finished his 3rd year of University. He is studying to be a Mechanical Engineer - three years down, one to go! It seems like just yesterday I was trying to decide whether or not I should homeschool him. He was so smart -- I wasn't sure I was up to the challenge having never taught anything before. Furthermore, the grief from family members was off the scale. It was the turn of the century -- 2000! What kind of weirdo was I to consider homeschooling? And of course, the usual questions: ''What about socialization?!'' (My husband always had his token humorous response ready: ''We don't want our kids to be socialists.'') Despite the frowns, back-stabs, and disdained looks, I jumped in with both feet. It was hard! I had no idea what I was doing, no idea if what I did ''was enough'', and no idea where we would end. Fast-forward 13 years: The Day arrived -- my son was graduating...with honors! Furthermore, he received about 80% toward his college in scholarships (a value of approximately $30K per year.) For certain, the family would come around and praise my efforts now, yes?! Uh...no. I was offered not a single word of affirmation or apology! Now, I'm certain had he academically failed in one way or another, *I* never would have heard the end of it; *I* would have been the cause, and *I* would never have seen the end of their pointing fingers. But on this day, pure silence dripped from the lips of my accusers. They said nothing. Absolutely nothing. Was it worth it to endure their disapproval for so many years; the long, hard days; the frustration of never having my house pristine; the years of racing off to co-ops and planning curriculum? In addition to soon starting his Senior year of college, he got married a month ago - to his homeschooled high-school sweetheart! She, also, has one year of college left. I just need to look at the blessing of my son enjoying his last year of college with his new bride to know that every second and every minute of every day homeschooling him was worth it, regardless of whether or not people believed in me. So, don't give up, and don't listen to what they say, because it is worth it. | | mamma_mia |
| | Humor
8th Grade Mom
My husband and I were settling on the couch to watch our favorite DVR'd news program after the kids were sent to bed...our usual evening routine.
I casually reminded him, ''We only have 5 more years of homeschooling (our son).'' My husband sucked in his breath quickly -- caught off guard by the realization that we were on the ''back end'' of our our journey as a homeschooling family.
''Wow,'' he replied, ''Can we fail them a few years and keep them with us a little longer?'' We both laughed heartily. ''No! I am pretty sure they would not agree to that,'' I told him.
I switched on the remote and we continued our routine with sighs of thanksgiving, and bittersweet resolution in our hearts...confident that with God's help we can finish this to which He has called us.
God is faithful. | | ajvarnado |
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