Aurora borealis. The Northern Lights! Have you ever seen them? I have a vague recollection of seeing them when I was a child living in the Adirondacks. I remember the beautifully odd lighting in the sky and how impressed the adults were. I knew from their response I was seeing something special.
Bears. I have a very clear recollection of seeing them! One night my parents put us in our pajamas, loaded us up in the back of the Pinto station wagon, and drove to the dump. There we joined the many other cars encircling the trash heap and waiting with headlights on. Before long, black bears came to rummage through the garbage. I remember being totally mesmerized watching these lumbering-yet-graceful creatures work their way through the landfill. (As an adult, I see several things about this scenario that makes me just shake my head . . . )
Ah, those childhood experiences are priceless. They are priceless to the child AND priceless to the adult who shares the experience. (Even as I’m typing this, my neighbor is on her way to take her 3 year old son to play at the park. It makes me well up because it seems only yesterday I was heading to the park with my babies. “Ooooh! Have a great time! Such a great, wonderful time!” I say through teary eyes. She must think I’m a nut!!)
No doubt this is one of the reasons many families choose to homeschool their children. The moments – mere moments! – when our children are young are so precious and fleeting. To think of being able to share each and every day with those little lives.
To see through their eyes the wonder of the world they are discovering.
To be there for the “Aha!” moments.
To share the best and favorite stories.
To instill a love for learning.
Yes, homeschool is about better academics and a safer environment and building character and instilling faith and fill-in-the-blank. But above all, homeschool is about walking hand-in-hand through life and learning with those you treasure most. It’s about making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.