Another day, another setback. Or victory. Hard to tell.

[Guest guest]

We just made the decision yesterday to pull Child #1 from school and homeschool

her for the rest of the year. If she starts to feel better (I hope, I hope), we

will still keep her out to give her time to gain stamina and strength, rather

than (as we have before) stuffing her back in school the minute she shows the

slightest spark of renewed energy.

She is happy with this. I feel relief and tranquility with this. We live with

my parents, by their kindness, and they have offered to help tutor her in some

subjects to fill in what the district tutor will not (given past experience). I

can't work to pay the med bills and then also work with my daughter, which

otherwise I would LOVE to do.

Her little sister is pretty sad and angry that she is this sick. But that

second child is well enough to go most days this year, thrives on social

interaction and a big environment, and is generally in need to school. We have

told her to do her best but not to worrk excessively about hte grades because

they don't reflect her true learning, and besides it's middle school so who

cares.

One day, one week at a time.

I cannot describe the relief from the constant mental and emotional turmoil I

felt at this situation for the past months, now that we have made this

resolution. If anything could help her get over her pain, it is taking away all

the unnecessary stress.

Anyway, I thank everyone for writing about their diverse circumstances to

catalyze my epiphany -- so many roads to our goals and dreams and we cannot

plan, only rejoice in the good days.

Natasha