My Mom - Giving It Her All

Meet my mom, Conney - an ever-present part of my growing up and my education. She was engaged in my public school years, during the 80's, through volunteering and also taught Sunday School class during several of those years. Then she homeschooled me (and my brother) from 7th grade through 11th grade. Her expectations were high for us as she selected challenging course work and sought out enrichment opportunities.

Somehow, and certainly with the Lord's help, she balanced it all. She knew when to take the reins and when to step back. She was aware of what was too much and what was not enough. My mom worked to make learning fun from cool unit studies and field trips to a decorated classroom and dress-up days. She also took it so seriously that I do remember shedding some tears, rigid grading, and a lot of mornings that I could tell she had been up long into the night.

Her example gives me courage as I raise and educate my own kids. Each time I feel I'm falling short, I just remember two things... 1) She wasn't perfect either, even though I think of her that way, and 2) The same wonderful God who sustained her through the parenting and academic years is also helping me.