Irony – and an introduction!

I totally get the irony of being nominated in three categories for the Homeschool Blog Awards, during a week when I am not exactly putting my best foot forward as a homeschooler or a blogger.

If you are new to the blog, you’ve probably noticed the little girl, Frankie, on my side bar and in a sticky post on top. She is the daughter of Jean, one of the moms in my homeschool group. We’ve seen each other at support group meetings, we’ve chatted at field trips and that sort of thing. It also turns out that her mother-in-law is the sister of one of my work clients (small world). They are one of the families that make up the orchestra of our lives. Not holding down the melody, but providing some of the beautiful harmonies that you definitely miss when they aren’t there. Our homeschool group is rather close too. We are there for each other.

Jean found out during her pregnancy that there was a congenital deformity with Frankie’s heart, but she continued the pregnancy and Frankie defied all of the odds. She went on to have a big first birthday celebration and to wiggle her way into our prayers, and our hearts. Her loss this week truly is a loss for the entire community. There is a sadness, a melancholy over us all, and a wish to wrap Frankie’s family in love, prayer and support.

So that’s where my heart, spirit and mind is and so goes the blog!

But as I was thinking about it, this is real life. And that is one of the beauties of homeschooling. Our home education isn’t something we fit in around our lives, it is something that is woven into the tapestry of our lives. So it’s okay to miss a little time to be sad, to go to calling hours, to attend a funeral and to just be a part of something bigger than our family for a while and that’s what we’re doing.

From a Catholic standpoint, this is an excellent time for us to really live the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy, to bury and pray for the dead. As 21st century Catholics of course we aren’t literally burying anyone, but we assist with the whole community aspect of the traditional burial, attending calling hours, preparing a dish or a desert to bring, giving our condolances, just sitting to listen to the bereaved. All of that is a very important part of the process. I think part of that goes on for weeks, months and years later. From the part of a grieving person, the worst part happens after the funeral when everyone goes back to their real life. I think part of really living the spirital works is to still be there to listen, sending a card, and being available. At least this is what I want my children to see by my example.

In another post, I’ll do a little synopsis of this blog for new readers. But right now, this is where my head is at.

Save This Page

Digg It

Please browse my eBay items!
Visit my new Amazon Store!