Mar. 6, 2008 - Addition & Subtraction In Real Life
The birth of a first-born begins the addition factor in motherhood and homeschooling. Babies are born and added to the family. Then schooling begins with the first, then a second is added, a third, a fourth, a fifth, etc. Then the subtraction begins, as the older ones finish with school and start to move on in their lives. One by one the numbers decrease again.
Yesterday in our house, we began the subtraction. My oldest son has left the nest. He has moved to Arizona to work and go to college. He will be living with my brother once again, as he had done two years ago when he went there for five months, so I'm glad for that. He will still have family and some positive guidance close at hand as he begins his journey of independence.
I knew just how hard it was going to be for me, as a mom, this letting go. Us moms work hard from day one to raise children who will one day fly off on their own as responsible, caring, young adults. We think about it from day one, just who that tiny little bundle will become when they are "all grown up". But of course we also will always have that part of our hearts too that wants our child to stay with us forever. The more they grow, the more we love them, as we learn more about the person that they are.
The one thing I hadn't thought about at all, until yesterday, was just how hard this was going to be for my son's siblings, just how the family dynamics would change on a day to day basis. My oldest daughter has lost her best buddy, the brother she's spent 16 years of her life with. Now their friendship will be by phone and visits. My two other boys have lost having a big brother around the house. My youngest daughter will eventually barely remember a time when big brother was at home. She will spend more than half of her growing up years with him not living here with us. Wow!
As we were all giving our hugs and kisses goodbye yesterday and everyone was crying, I couldn't help but think just how much I was grateful for homeschooling and how it has affected our family dynamics over the years. My children are close because they've had the opportunity to be close. They have always spent their days together. They love their brother for more than just his being their brother, they love him because they truly KNOW him, through and through.
Today, we will go on with our routine just as we have always done-though minus one, while my oldest adds a whole new dimension to his life.
Comments
Mar. 6, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sunydazy
Though the children miss him there have been a few benefits. My oldest daughter has improved her relationship with him . They were close before but now they seem to be developing a more mature relationship. Fun to see!
Apr. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Hereathome
Stephanie
