Sometimes when in a precarious, vulnerable position we think we have to sell ourselves short- dreams, goals, passions. As someone who has been in such a position more than once, I'll encourage you to:

1. Be practical (public school for a year or two might fit here; selling all instruments might not. Finding other homeschool/public school families who are willing to work together for mustual support might be; insisting on earlier choices might not.)

2. Be flexible (talk with many different people regarding many different approaches to employment, a different look at what makes sense regarding the children's needs verses the family desire for home education, finding someone who can provide free or bartered counseling for getting state and local short-term aid, employment counseling for you and your wife, educational counseling to offer fresh employment options...)

3. Be a survivor rather than a victim (it's easy to feel powerless after having tried many things to survive. Time for a different approach, a different direction, a change of perspective...)

4. Define and believe in what is most important to family members and the family itself. What are your goals? What can be worked for now? What is a goal for your future? Write 'em down, post them on the 'fridge, make family and individual books. (The children can be part of the solution in age-appropriate ways. Even young children can take part in a family meeting, brainstorm ways to save or earn money, helping out at home, being brave and positive, talking about feelings, being kind...)

5. Seek and be thankful for the moments of delight, the songs sung together, the adventurous soul, the time spent with your spouse, shared burdens, successful strategies. (It's what makes life worth the effort!)

6. Consider the living lesson you and your wife are to your children. What do you want them to learn from your approaches to hard times? What are they learning now?

Keep us aware of your struggles and progress as you need to; don't spend too much energy seeking our virtual support and long distance advice. There are people very near you who can pitch in with solid help and community support, perhaps becoming part of your circle of friends sooner than you might think.

I hope for you to find the strength and endurance and joy we have found.

Maeve