This morning I woke up my 11-year-old daughter at 7:00 a.m., made a lunch for her and helped her pack her backpack. Then I drove her to the bus stop at 7:20 a.m. She was gone all day until 3:30 p.m., when she rushed in from the bus to get changed so she could leave for ballet at 3:45 p.m. She got back from ballet about 9:00 p.m., completely exhausted after a long day away from home. I couldn't blame her!
The boys and I missed her terribly! There was no piano music accompanying our breakfast, no random hugs or extra kisses on owies. No help reading scriptures. No exclamations over the latest country she is studying. No one to take care of the parakeet. My best family chore helper gone--the floor didn't get swept and the dishwasher didn't get unloaded.
Her not being home left a gaping hole--and not because of the chores that didn't get done. She adds something wonderful to our family mix. It was that X factor that was missing. She was missing.
When I was tucking her in I told her she could sleep in in the morning. She responded, "We homeschoolers are so lucky!" I responded, "We homeschooling mothers are the lucky ones!"
I believe it. I love the discoveries we make and the chances we have to serve or snuggle on the couch reading or watch a fascinating documentary or shovel the driveway together. I couldn't stand sending my kids away from me for the bulk of their awake time. I love that we all love to be together--even when we drive each other nuts. We wouldn't have it any other way!
Fortunately there are not many more 9:00 a.m. orthodontist appointments at Stephen's university. Elise was bored in Stephen's office and we all wanted her home!
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