Tribute 2: Andrea M.

As the weekend approaches and she "sums up" her summer, I am thinking about Andrea M. When Monday comes, she will begin her new life as a homeschool mom. She will be amazing at it and I am so proud of her for diving into this "alternative lifestyle"! That sounds so strange, but truth be told, homeschooling can be interesting. Along the way, she will hear comments from store clerks like "Isn't there school today?" or "I don't know how you do it." Other comments like "I could NEVER homeschool my kids." or "Are you sure they are getting enough social activities?" Andrea will have days of "I am not qualified for this." or "my kids would be better off with someone else teaching them." but the truth of the matter is she has already been their teacher for the first years of their lives. She has taught them to be disciplined, to take care of their teeth, to eat healthy, to be kind to others, about our Heavenly Father, how to read, which way is the "right" way to hold the baby, how much a toy actually costs, how to bake cookies, the importance of family, how to set up a camp site....etc etc. The reality is nothing is really going to change for her in terms of teaching because she will simply do what she has always done, only with a textbook and materials. She will know when her child is frustrated, better than a stranger who can only care for her child to a certain ability. She will see her childrens' strengths and build on their weaknesses. She will endour the scrutiny of neighbors and acquaintenances who are waiting for her to fail, which she will not! In essence, Andrea is about to give something to her children that no one else would substitute for. I am so excited for her and proud of her. She is blessed with a family who supports her, including a husband, mom, sister and aunt all of whom embrace homeschooling to the fullest and will help her along the way. Yeah, Andrea! I am so excited to be a part of your journey. I can't wait for Monday! Love ya!