September Newsletter – Homeschooling Grandpa

Dear Friends,

When we embarked on our homeschooling adventure over twenty-five years ago, we knew we wanted to invest in products that would stand the test of time, not only for our burgeoning family, but also perhaps for the generation to come. We didn’t even consider that the next generation to employ these products would be the generation that preceded us.

Six weeks ago, Dan’s eighty-eight-year-old dad suffered a stroke following minor surgery. After he was stabilized, he was transferred to an excellent rehabilitation center for follow-up treatment. As a family, we were privileged to sit in on a number of his therapy sessions and found it a great relief to see that much of this specialized care is nothing more than homeschooling for the elderly. The tools they use are the same or similar to what we used with our children, and the program is indistinguishable from what we have utilized for over twenty years.

Just like we have done for our children from the time they could crawl to the day they graduated from home school, these therapists determined what goals would be appropriate for Byron and then used his natural interests to make the work involved as palatable as possible. In one instance they used a golf club, tennis ball, and therapy dog to strengthen Byron’s weak side, which was much more fun than just lifting weights!

As we watched the therapists begin re-teaching Byron to read and write, saw them probing different options for speech development, and observed them working with him to regain both gross- and fine-motor skills, our minds raced. With our tools, experience, and great love for Byron, we feel well-prepared for this place to which God has brought our family. Over the years, Byron, a former public school teacher and principal, has progressed from tolerating homeschooling to being a faithful supporter of it. I’m sure he never dreamed that one day he would become a homeschool student himself.

Byron is home now and has made tremendous physical gains. To address the lingering mental and language difficulties, we have already deployed favorites such as Mighty Mind, Wedgits and Geopuzzles. Recently we added Rosetta Stone English to our routine and are excited to see how well it is working for him.

Is there someone in your own family or church that has suffered a stroke? If so, dust off your home school supplies and employ them with a whole new generation; you will be blessed beyond measure!

Enjoying Timberdoodle products in a whole new way,

Dan and Deb, Joy, Hope, Grace, Abel and Pearl