Tender Mercies

Maycee is now five years old.

I know, I stated that in my previous post.

For most five-year-olds, this is a time and season when they ready themselves for school.  A time full of excitement, fear, uncertainty, and a whole bunch of other emotions.

About six months ago, we decided that we were going to home school our kids.  This decision has been in the making for over two years.  I never thought I was going to be a 'home school mom.'  I know that this is what is right for our family.  It has been a difficult decision to come to, that has a lot of nervousness attached with it.

Yesterday I took all three kids to Kohl's, by myself, to get them shirts that I could take pictures of them in.  We were in a fairly long line waiting to purchase our items.  As we were waiting, the kids were, well, being kids.  A lady, in her 40's, asked me how close all of my children were.  My reply was quick, "Too close."  I immediately regretted my response because I LOVE how close my children are in age.  They are best friends, even when they are hitting one another or pulling hair, but friends none the less.

The woman in line next to me smiled knowingly, as all women of her age and knowledge do to me, and said, "It get's easier, I promise."  As I have heard numerous times before.

Again the woman questioned, "Does your daughter start school this year?"

"She just turned five, and would normally be going to school, but we have decided to do home school."  I said.

The woman's eyes lit up and she eagerly replied, "We did home school with all of our children."

"I just hope we can do it."

"You can definitely do it!" She responded enthusiastically.

Our clerks were then ready for us to make our purchases and we parted ways.

After I bought the kids' clothes, the woman was waiting for me near the door.  "We have been doing home school for 15 years," she told me, "one year I was frustrated and I sent my kids to public school.  After they started school I knew that public school was not what God wanted for us." She gave me a piece of paper with her name and number on it.  "If you ever feel frustrated and are ready to give up, call me and I will take you to lunch."

As I walked away from the woman, my heart was full.  Following this path that is against our customs and culture has been met with difficulty and concern.  I know that Heavenly Father puts people in our paths to help and support us.  I don't know if I will ever see that woman again, but for me, she was a message from my Heavenly Father telling me that I can do this.