No one can dispute that this is a difficult time to be a parent. An addition to the devastation of the environment and the hostile political climate globally, this pandemic presents challenges regarding the education of their children. Already stressed by working from home or unemployment, limited social interaction, and simple tasks now made complex, parents are forced to explore education options with absolutely no guidance from government leaders. For many parents, including ED, previous schools were chosen after research and applying for variance. Now the question isn’t simply which neighborhood school, but is any school safe? Do the safe schools offer the appropriate curriculum?
Mike and I offer suggestions for consideration, but the decision is ED’s. It is painful to see her go through this stressful decision making alone. Platitudes are not helpful, although, we know in the grand scheme, one year of school doesn’t necessarily make or break a life. We wrung our hands when C-boy wasted his high school career; he learned a lesson and has recovered. But we certainly understand the anguish of watching your children going through a bad experience for what has a major impact on their life.
It was certainly a relief to see our last child graduate college and become a self-supporting adult. When we agreed to share a house with ED and the boys, we expected to participate in their joys and sorrows. The anxiety of observing the daily struggles is amplified when there is no space between us. Mike and I occasionally “run away from home”, providing relief not only for us but for ED and the boys. No matter how far away, though, the concern dogs us, never far from our minds.
