Homeschool Notes

Old Friends

by Janice Marsh-Prelesnik

A few weeks ago I visited my oldest childhood friend in Toledo. We have been best friends since we were five years old. Even though we had not seen each other for nine months, it seemed as though it had only been the day before that we had gotten together. We talked for hours about the past and present, and new and old perspectives. My jaws hurt from talking so much! There's nothing like spending time with an old friend. You just feel so loved and understood.

Now I watch my two oldest children venturing out and building their own worlds. Their foundation of family and friends is what has helped them to fly. It does my heart so good to have them, and their oldest friends, still come and sit around my kitchen table and talk. They tell me stories (some of which I'm not sure I'm ready to hear yet) of past experiences, and they share their dreams of what the future will hold for them.

I enjoy watching my two youngest children developing their own long-lasting relationships. Many of the people that they are most connected with are part of our homeschool group. I am grateful for all of you. We are a true community. Even though we have our ups and downs, we learn from each other, and I believe our ties will run deep enough to last a lifetime.