What can a women do, when it seems as if nothing she has done in the past year, has made a difference to anyone? I have been asking myself that for the past few weeks. My family, and I, have had one of the best summers I can remember. We are truly blessed. This summer we bought a small house by the beach. Our little oasis has given me the time and peace I needed to think about what I must to do going forward. I know now what positive changes I needed to make for our family as a whole.
May and the beginning of June were quite daunting. We faced especially difficult challenges with our 5 year old daughter. Anyone who has ever adopted a child, who was the victim of or abuse or neglect, can understand the challenges we face. Every aspect of our daughter's life seemed to to fall apart while we watched: behavioral health, mental health, and physical health. Finally in July we got things to a manageable state with Paige. All that was left was the task of finding dr.s to treat her her many conditions.
Along with Paige’s mental and physical challenges I had been I wrestling with the decision of what to do with her education. Kindergarten registration was quickly approaching. Should I send Paige to public school? Was I meeting her needs? Could I do the right thing by homeschool?
As a homeschooling mother the thought of sending Paige to public school broke my heart. I felt as if I was letting Paige down. On the other hand I faced and ever greater challenge in keeping Paige home. Would my oldest daughter suffer? Paige's disruptive behavior often took a toll on my oldest daughter's day to day life. I did not have a clue as to what I could do to make things work for both girls.
I have been truly blessed to have the constant support of a kind friend. My friend Michelle has been there for me through the worst of the melt downs and trauma of this summer. Without the support of my loving husband Claus, and my friend Michelle, things would have been quite difficult. I can not overlook the the sweet spirit and helpfulness of my oldest daughter. She is growing up to be a wonderful young women. Lastly, but certainly not least, I COULD NOT have made my decision without prayer and reliance on my God.
At last, my choices have been made. I will keep Paige home where she belongs. I will transition my girls to the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. Charlotte Mason is considered to be the founder of home education. Her methods are grounded in faith and centered on the family environment. Her methods are also conducive to a child that has as many challenges as Paige. Conversely, the CM will provide enough challenges to keep my eldest daughter busy and engaged.
Change has been good, change has been unwanted, change has been difficult, as always God sees us through change.
