An Ode to Home Education

Like every family who chooses to educate their children away from the confines of a school, we have a whole laundry list of reasons that are meaningful to us... but that's not what this post is about. It's about those little messages we get through our lives that caused us to take a different and unexpected path while trusting that everything is going to work out despite the people who tell us otherwise. The way a variety of choices and circumstances don't make any sense on their own but all together feel like serendipity. So, yes, we "homeschool" and we love this path that we've chosen. Or rather it has chosen us for all we had to do is listen and trust and jump in without a net. Every single day of our lives has been spent together, connecting with one another, exploring our world, learning from everyone and everything around us. It started with Camryn, my vivacious seven year old second grader who has taught me more about love and life than I ever thought possible, and now I look at Nathan who would be starting Kindergarten this year and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the life that we lead and the time that we are able to spend together. Having a child with a sudden and life threatening illness provides a giant dose of perspective. I will never for a moment regret the investment that we've made in our children, even those moments of intense frustration and overwhelm, for they are so worth it. On a more pragmatic level, having the flexibility to embrace this difficult journey 100% without concern for school schedules or following someone else's lesson plan is a gift!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new school year in our neighborhood and still our lives are on hold. Many people have asked how we will manage to educate the kids given our current circumstances, and I imagine for every person who has asked we have several more who have this same question. The crux is that we are looking at a much larger picture. You see, education isn't something that only happens within the confines of a specific building and I would insist even that our most vital education occurs primarily outside of those big buildings. Then there's the education of our souls, those lessons that we are learning together right now which are far more valuable than anything that we can learn from a book. Sure we will practice reading and math and cover some of the basics as it makes sense but, truly, life is providing us with some of our most important lessons right now which we are  embracing wholeheartedly. The worry that they may fall behind academically is not even a blip on my radar. This is a time for soul growth and character development and learning some harsh realities that kids their age shouldn't have to learn yet we must welcome because, for whatever reason, this is the path we are on. We have to trust in the process and know that there is a time and a place for rigorous academics and inspired lesson plans, but that time is just not right now. Our choice to homeschool gives us infinite flexibility which really comes in handy during times like this. 

So I remain thankful for this twisty turny unconventional life we are living because it is a beautiful life, and so filled with love, and that's what matters most. 

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! ~Albert Einstein