Dobson - The Homeschooling Book of Answers

Writing a book would always be twice as difficult without the encouragement given me by my cousin, Louise Pohlman, the big sister I never had. Love you, Weesie!

In a project involving as many people as this book has, there are countless more folks behind the scenes, like husbands and wives and children whose lives with the contributors inspire them and whose support gives them time and opportunity to write. There are people like Mary E. Shannon who acted as e-mail go-between for Michelle Barone and me before Michelle got herself wired, and Christine Webb who kindly became a contact person when I needed to get a message to her son, contributor Adam Grimm. Joan Harriss shared her specialized knowledge to help Rebecca Kochenderfer answer the question about sports, and Pat Lines and Laura Derrick kindly contributed the results of their research as appendices that make this book all the more valuable to its readers. Heartfelt appreciation to all. Your benevolent contributions were necessary pieces that helped make this book whole.

Many thanks, also, to the folks at Prima Publishing, from editors to legal staff, from Ben, wise enough to see the need for this book, to the sales staff who will make sure families have an opportunity to learn more about homeschooling through their work.

There remain only the contributors and how to find the words to share with you how very much your support of this book has meant to me. Over the years as Ive met most of you Ive been touched by the depth of your understanding, the fire of your enthusiasm, and the warmth of your spirits. I still feel as if I know the few of you I havent met in person from the way you sprinkle your writing with the same qualities.

We saw. We believed. We did it, gang! (And they say gathering homeschoolers is like trying to herd cats!) You shared the vision. You gave of yourselvesyet againto the ideal of educational freedom we believe from the deepest parts of our Selves can serve this worlds children well. And you did it all with joy in your hearts and smiles in your writing voices.

Ive always thought a person fortunate if she discovers just a few kindred spirits while traveling through life. I have found dozens, and know life is that much sweeter because we call each other friend.

In as many ways as there are to homeschool, I thank you all, contributors old and new.