Well folks, it is official and we are really doing this! We’ve made some big decisions lately. But the biggest one by far is to start homeschooling our kids. There are a lot of reasons. Sometimes you just need to try something different, because the one size fits all doesn’t always fit. Or maybe it does for one, but there’s an opportunity to do a bit more.
After going through everything that we went through last year, our perspective on just about everything has changed. We look at the world through different eyes now. At first we didn’t want to see things differently. We wanted to go back to those days where we hadn’t faced our own mortality and we didn’t have the heaviness of what we had all just been through. Because we initially thought that was easier. But we were wrong about wanting to go back. Because slowly but surely we are realizing the amazing-ness of this perspective we have gained. We are now seeing what truly is important in life. And we have realized that this perspective on life really is an amazing gift. We have seen how very short life indeed is, and we don’t want to waste any of it.
So here we sit, on this amazing earth and I just want to soak it all in. I want our kids to soak it all in. For them to realize how big the world is, yet how very small it is in the scope of things. For them to have the time for adventures and for us to have the time to explore all of the rabbit holes we encounter. For them to continue their love of learning and to do the things they truly enjoy.
This decision was a peaceful one and it has been dancing in our heads for a while. It is what feels right, to us as parents, for our kids. Will we homeschool through middle and high school? I have absolutely no idea. We are going to swing the pendulum in the other direction and see where it takes us. We are open to going back at some point or trying other things to see what fits their individual learning styles. Right now the kids are excited about our curriculum, our approach and the new opportunities in front of us.
With this change, we also have a lot of gratefulness in our hearts for the wonderful elementary school our kids have attended. Their teachers, oh my, I’m tearing up as I write this. You have been more than wonderful. You have been guardian angels that have not only taught, but truly helped us raise our kids. You took care of our kids last year when I was undergoing treatment. You love our kids and welcome them with big smiles and big hugs or high fives whenever you see them. You have been there for them when anxiety reared it head. Through smiles and laughs and tears and bloody noses and more viruses than I can count. You held their little hands when they were afraid of something and helped them overcome those fears. You taught them a love of learning. And I love each and every one of you for it. Your names are woven into our lives and our household stories and will forever be in their memories.
So this Friday is their last day at school. The kids are experiencing the full gamut of emotions. From really happy and excited, to feeling sad because of missing some of their friends that they spend lots of time with at school. It will be an adjustment for all of us. But my hope it once we settle into a routine the kids will see their stresses resolve. That they will realize how often they will see their friends and will have an even greater appreciation for time spent with them. And for all of our friends to know that we are still here and pretty much on the same schedule, just mixing it up a little bit!
We look at it like this… You get one shot at this life folks; let’s make it awesome.
Much love,
Shannon
P.S. Mrs. C., you know we’ll be back in the spring to see you for hugs and visit those sweet baby chicks!! #AlwaysaCampbellKid
3 Comments
Shannon, it’s quite an undertaking. Our oldest grandson uses a Penn. State link to finish high school. He’s super smart but on autism spectrum re. Social skills so class verbal participation was not possible. Biggest challenge was finding activities to keep him in touch with friends. You will do fine.
Shannon that is awesome. Some of my most favorite people on the planet were very successful homeschooling parents. It seriously does make the world much bigger and you can work your schedule to do what you want when you want. I was with homeschooling friends in Orlando and the kids did their schooling and then got to go play when they were finished. When we lived in South Dakota many of my friends were in a parents co-op. The knowledge some had helped a high school student with chemistry, physics ect. I believe your lives will be richer for it.
Thanks Jean – we are looking forward to it!