Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Lisa Welchel

You remember her! The beauty from "The Facts of Life." Well for those of you that don't know she is a homeschool mom. I found that out a few years ago when I was homeschooling Shaun, Jackie and Nickie. I hadn't visited her website in a few years now and I tell you the woman is inspiring. She has 3 teenage children and I have to tell you it is wonderful to read she struggles with the same issues us regular folk struggle with. I was doing a little reading in her journal and the last entry struck a real chord.

I know all too well how difficult the teen years can be. I still have two teens at home and one that will reach that difficult time in 5 years. I have great children I really do but we all have those moments that we doubt our abilities to make it through. Heck, I have to admit I've had flashes of doubt and wonder why I ever thought I could handle this mom thing. I can only hope and pray that I've not completely screwed them up. I would like to have the faith that Lisa has in God that all will turn out. I am more like the Israelites and forget often how He has gotten me through so many other times. I complain, I curse, I rant and I rave. Right now I'll pray that He helps me through all the difficulties I'm going through today and that I will figure out just what His plan is for me. I also hope that His plan will help me to find a stable form of income that will give my wonderful husband some relief from his back breaking work.

Bob is depressed and has been for sometime. He hates what he does but he is self employed and really has no other options at this time. He has no retirement plan and he doesn't make enough money to start one either. We have no health insurance and can't afford to get any. We hope and pray that we stay well and don't need a doctor for any reason. Each day he gets up to do what he despises because there is no other recourse. I spend my days and nights trying to figure out what it is that I can do to help. I'm not able to work a 9-5 job as nursing for Nickie is so unpredictable. So I've looked endlessly for legitimate work from home jobs to bring in even just a few extra dollars to ease Bob's burden.

Outside of what I do now which is manage his office I haven't a held job outside of home since before Nickie's birth. I worked at a local bank back then and now I feel I haven't a marketable skill. I know that my job as a mom, homeschool teacher, office manager and wife is important and I believe I'm good at those jobs. They don't however add to the income of our household. I'm tired from all the years of trying to figure a way out of this. Bob is frazzled and at times I think he is losing his mind from the knowledge that he has no other way out.

I've prayed on this subject over the years and thus far there has been no solution. I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Please pray for us. If you don't pray send some good mojo. Do a ritual dance, anything.