Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

I didn't really know you, though I knew of you. I was with a group of ladies and as I mentioned my thoughts on possibly homeschooling, your family came up. I was impressed with the ladies, as they had an understanding of what you did and explained it to me without any judgement or negativity. I, however, was receiving it with full negativity. I COULD NEVER DO THAT! I did not see how you could claim to homeschool your children and not even worry about teaching them to READ! I judged, ignorantly and harshly. And for that, I apologize.
Little did I know, that you would soon become a mentor, a guide and an inspiration to me. Little did I know that the beauty of what you do would plant in my heart and grow. Little did I know how much trusting your confidence in a "radical" idea would change my life and the lives of my family members.
I first spent time with you when you invited me to your house. Together we sat and conversed. You were real, not the extreme lady I had judged you to be. You were fun and you were so open to sharing. I saw your children, the way they loved and helped one another. The way they had ambition and drive. The way they acted on their thoughts and plans. And mostly, their intense drive to share- just like you, they were joyful and eager to share their passions and adventures with me. And you shared so beautifully. I found myself hearing new ideas that I could instantly recognize as truth. I found myself agreeing and wanting to learn more. You gladly shared and I eagerly absorbed wonderful ideas.
But then, I wasn't ready to let go of what I had. I was comfortable in conformity. I figured I'd borrow aspects of the things you shared and do them my way. I struggled in attempting to make my knowledge of how to teach fit in with what I now believed was the right way to help my kids learn. I went through one idea after another and couldn't settle on anything. I spent all of my time making plans and none of my time learning OR teaching. And then, I gave up. I did nothing. But, the seed you had planted kept growing and at last, I decided it was time to nurture that seed.
I now feel ready to start this journey, of becoming a leader and example. Of learning and growing so that I can help my children want to learn and grow. I have become many of the things I had judged you for being. And for that, I am grateful.
So dear friend, I apologize again for my harsh judgements. And, I thank you. Thank you for being open and willing to share with me. Thank you for the many times you have reached out and continued to teach me and help me to grow. Thank you for your patience in answering my questions. Thank you for your example and guidance. Thank you for helping our family get to where we are. Thank you for becoming a dear friend to me.

Sincerely,
Lydia