You Can’t Imagine

It’s been a rough couple of weeks here around our house.  You can’t imagine how difficult it has been at times.  Definitely a roller coaster ride!  So much has been going on between basketball winding down (finish in mid-March) and running to games, to dealing with migraines (me and Becca).  Emily’s been having a rough time with pain from her EDS and she’s been having bad hypoglycemic attacks again.  Chronic illness is so hard sometimes. Then to top it all off my mother’s birthday would have been on Sunday.

Geez!  Calgon take me away!!!!  Please note!  I am not whining!!!  It may sound like it but I’m not.  I think sometimes we just need to vent. Better out than in right? Ok, so that was my homeschool mommy vent! 

It is tough to homeschool a child that is chronically sick with EDS or any other chronic illness.  It frustrates me that I have to make her do school even when she doesn’t feel up to it.  I’d rather her be able to lie in bed and rest, but schoolwork must be done.  I’m tired of having to cram in tons of work on the days or nights that she does feel good, but it must be done.  Sometimes I just want to scream and so does she. I think my saving grace has been that God has given me the attitude that it could always be worse.  When I feel like I’m at the end of my rope, I try to repeat that to myself.  Most of the time it helps, but sometimes you just have to be patient with yourself and your child and breathe and pray through it.

If you have a child that you are homeschooling that has a chronic illness then you know what I’m talking about.  It’s hard to explain it to others.  They just can’t imagine.  But thank you God for homeschooling!  As hard as it is to be a mom, teacher, and nurse at least homeschooling gives us the flexibility we need.  We don’t have to worry about getting doctor’s notes for missed classes (Ok, I did get one for the fun of it one day:)) No trying to gather up all of the homework and books from teachers.  If we need to sleep a little late and do school in the afternoon, that’s fine.  I don’t have to worry about absences as much.  We can do school in our pj’s if needed (not my favorite thing to do, but we will do it.) The list goes on and on.

Yes, this has been a difficult week, month, and year for our family.  A child’s illness affects everyone.  Outsiders don’t always understand.  I don’t always understand; siblings don’t always understand.  The child definitely doesn’t understand.  Family and friends can’t imagine how difficult and stressful it can be, but you do and we need support!  I’m trying to figure out how to start a support group of sorts for homeschooling moms online that have chronically sick children.  A place where we can share helpful tips on how to get all of that schoolwork done.  A place where we can cry, rejoice and whine (if needed) and be there to support and pray for one another.  As this progresses, I’ll post updates.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know.