Missey's death has had me thinking a lot over the last few days.  I didn't have the honor of knowing her while alive, but I've been to her blog, as well as read the many comments of those who knew her as a friend and I'm mourning her death as well as so many others.  She spoke of the heart being such an important part of homeschooling, and in one of her first posts, "What is Heartschooling?"  I feel a connection with this as I strive to bring back the order in my own  home and school, by first addressing our hearts.

As I tucked my little ones in bed last night, I was overcome by emotion when thinking of Missey and the last night she unknowingly tucked her children in safely into bed for the last time.  I was hit with the realization, that I may never be warned before I leave this earth, and that every moment is precious.  Then... I was convicted... How many times have I tucked my children in bed, quickly kissed them, and moved onto cleaning the kitchen or putting in a load of laundry?  How many times have I taken those precious moments before they drift off to sleep for granted... feeling there would be so many more?  How many mornings have I awoke to another day with its "list of things to do" and not enjoyed the little footsteps that grace the hallway as they enter the kitchen with their precious faces?  How many times have I said "... in a minute", too busy to stop what I was doing when I child has come to me to read a book or play a game?

Missey took a month off in December to spend with her children.  What a blessing to them as they look back on that time now.  As homeschool mothers, Missey's sudden death touches us all, whether we knew her or not.  Let us celebrate her life and what she made her goal in "heartschooling" her children... Let's set aside next Monday, March 13th, as a Mother's T.R.E.K. to celebrate Missey's life and what was so important to her.  Let's take that day to spend with our children.  Maybe you will choose to make it a "kick-off" to a longer period of time off school such as a week, or even a month as Missey did in December.  Whatever you choose, please tell your children about the life of this mother, as well as her sudden death... not to worry your children, but to take time to tell them some of the things you may have never told them before such as...

• Why you homeschool them...
• Why you stay home instead of having a job...
• How being a mother has impacted your life...
• What you hope for their future...
• What you want them to know more than anything else...
• What you would want them to do if you were no longer here...

I will be sure to tell my children that if I were no longer here I know they would be sad, but that I would be in heaven and would want them to love and take care of each other.  I also want to tell them that even though I never want to leave them, the Lord already knows when I will die and that He knows best.  ("All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  Psalm 139:13) 

It seems like such a sad topic that we never touch with them because we don't want to think about it ourselves.  We know better, however, and I for one want to know that my children know of the faith I have in the Lord and that I will be in heaven with Him when I die. There is a peace in knowing that my children will have that to go back to if ever the time arises.

You could also have your children take time to send a loved one a card or make a picture or letter expressing love and appreciation.  So often we wait for an occassion or holiday to do so... teach them to say "I love you" often.

Another idea to do in the evening after your children are all in bed is to write a special entry in a journal, remembering the day and giving thanks to the Lord for each moment given to you.  In your prayer, be sure to remember Missey's children who go to sleep without a mother and say a prayer for them and their future as well.

Our lives on earth are so short compared to the time we will spend with the Lord in Heaven.  Don't take these moments for granted... don't waste a one... and live each as if it were your last.  Please pass the word on to others and leave a comment if you'll be doing a T.R.E.K. with your children next Monday to celebrate the life of Missey Gray.

In Him,
Amy