Daisynconcrete: Little Brother

So...

I started to blog this morning but as I began to write I was having "issues" with my computer and my post.  I decided to take a break and go to my dashboard and read some of my favorite blogs...

I got as far as...

http://www.feyacblurk.com/

and

http://mommaflora.blogspot.com/

then I was stopped in my tracks with...

Daisynconcrete: Little Brother: "So I don't even know where to start with this one. I guess I could start with cancer can BITE ME. I mentioned before that my brother's cancer..."

GET BACK Jo Jo!

Zero Tolerance? 

Look at this face...

 why wouldn't I wanna take her out of the public school system?

We had the conference with Mary's teachers last week and it went better than I had anticipated.  Unfortunately/fortunately I became aware of some issues at school that Mary had not informed me of.  

"Some students and teachers brought it to the vice principal's attention that Mary was being Bullied pretty bad."      

Mary's teacher defended her knowledge of the actual events that took place, only that the vice principal had come and pulled Mary out of the classroom to speak with her.  I imagine that the rest of her "understanding" of what happened is water cooler conversation.  

I am not shocked nor am I surprised by this.

I just do not understand why no one feels it necessary to send a note, an email or make a phone call to me, "the parent".

Mary tells me about the mean things that the boys say and do...

but she only alludes to the cruelty of the girls...

and we girls know how nasty the gal pals can be.

This age is horrible...

and it is only going to get worse.

What is a "FRIEND"?

How many should you have?

Do we take our cues from "Facebook" or "Myspace"?

Church?

The Playground?

Our family?

Navigating the "social" climate of school, clubs and organizations is difficult enough for adults, I can only imagine what it must be for my child.

Zero Tolerance...

hmmm?

Upon finding out that I was taking Mary out of school or that I did... 

a similar response has echoed.

"Mary, Bullied?

But, she's so."

She's ...

SO WHAT?

Loud?

Big?

Happy?

Friendly?

Confident?

Athletic?

Mean?

Talented?

Kind?

Literal?

Big Hearted?

Loyal?

Passionate?

Innocent?

10?

...SO WHAT?!

Nobody should have to suffer from ridicule, intolerance, hate, isolation, or pain.

No-ONE!

This simply validates our decission to take her out of the public school.

We can not afford a private school nor would I consider this an option at this point.

I believe this problem is much bigger than just our little school.

I want to spend the time with my daughter!

I am confident that we have made the right choice for our family.

OK...

I am not going to "Radically Unschool" my child...

However, I do believe in the fundamental premiss that our children already have a built in desire to learn.

I also believe that children thrive in areas in which they are passionate.

I am DONE with the "politics" of it all!

"I will give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's..."

the rest?

Well... the proof is in the pudding.

Monday was Mary's last day of school at 

NHES

It is a little sad, and A LOT scary.... however I am excited and ready!

I believe and TRUST that everything will and does happen exactly as it should.

The road signs are there I just need to be WILLING to follow them.

I had a free full 5th grade curriculum dropped into my lap, Sunday!

It is one that I am familiar with and have made inquirers on and received information packages on many years ago when I began to research a curriculum for homeschooling.

I will not justify, defend, explain my decisions or apologize for them, unless it is part of my "story" and my path.

I feel very blessed and I will be using this as a base curriculum for the time being.

I know that I will have some trial and error till we find what works for us.

This is what I am drawn to...

HERE



This time here on Earth is brief...

I have enjoyed much of it...
yet

I have "struggled" to survive through much of it.

I choose not to struggle anymore, I choose to...

LIVE
&
LOVE

I can not force anyone to be kind...

I can only live by example.

"Be the change I want to see!"

Be present ...

"Be Here Now"

I am Human so I am imperfect.

I will make mistakes...

I just need to keep looking down at my feet and remember that 

I am exactly where I am....

right here, now.