Making Things Easier

Overcoming Obstacles Chapter 7

Grace woke up the next morning feeling absolutely awful. No matter what Mrs. Pugh had said to her, she just couldn't imagine how she was going to be able to help Molly through this. She had slept the whole night through after falling asleep in Mrs. Pugh's arms. She went downstairs to join her family for breakfast.

"Good morning, girls." Grace said to her daughters.

"Morning, Mama." Molly said as Grace kissed her head.

"How'd you two sleep last night?"

"Good." Molly said.

Grace felt horrible for her little girl. She didn't deserve any of this, but she couldn't do anything to prevent it. She knew she had to be strong for Molly, but it was just so hard. Watching her daughter struggle daily was the hardest thing in the entire world for her to do.

After breakfast, Grace met Oliver in his office to see how Molly took the news that she was going to be homeschooled.

"How'd it go?" Grace asked.

Oliver sighed. "She's really upset about it. She doesn't want to lose her friends. I told her it's for the best, but she's really shaken up about it."

Grace sighed. "My poor baby. I feel so bad for her, Oliver. I don't want to take her out of school. I just don't understand, she seemed like she was improving a lot. What happened?"

Oliver kissed the top of her head. "I don't know, sweetheart. Things got harder, I suppose, and it just got too much for her to keep up with."

"I just hope that the homeschooling will be what helps her succeed in life."

"It will, honey. I know it will."

"I should go talk to her." Grace said, pulling away from Oliver's tender embrace and leaving the office. She made her way to Molly's room and sat next to her youngest on the bed.

"Hi, Mama." Molly said, immediately snuggling into her mother's side.

"Hi, baby girl. Daddy told me that you are a little upset about being homeschooled."

Molly nodded. "I don't want to leave school. I like it."

"I know you do; baby, but Mrs. Richards told us that you've been having a lot of trouble with your reading and writing. We want to do this for you so you can get better at it."

"My friends have been helping me at school, Mama. I am getting better."

"I know they have, baby and I'm proud of you for the progress you have made so far. Mrs. Richards feels it's the best thing right now for you to be homeschooled. We aren't trying to pull you away from all of your friends or anything like that, baby. You can invite your friends over anytime you want. Daddy and I just want to help you, okay?"

Molly nodded.

"Mrs. Richards also told us that the kids have started teasing you again. Why haven't you come to Daddy or I about it?"

Molly shrugged. "I don't know."

"How long has it been going on, baby girl?"

"I don't know, I think a few weeks. My friends have been helping me stand up to them."

Grace pulled her daughter into her arms. "I'm so glad to hear that, baby. Are you feeling a little better now?"

Molly nodded. "I'm sorry, Mama."

"What are you sorry for, sweetheart? None of this is your fault. You have nothing to apologize for!"

"Okay." Molly said, hugging her mother tightly.

Grace kissed Molly's forehead and left her room. She met with Mrs. Pugh in the kitchen for a cup of tea.

"Are you feeling better today, sweetheart?"

Grace nodded. "I talked to Molly about the homeschooling a little bit. I hate that she has to go through this."

Mrs. Pugh nodded. "It will all work out, I promised you."

Grace nodded. "I really hope so." She finished her cup of tea and then went to call her older sister to update her about everything with Molly.

"Oh, Gracie, I'm so sorry." Jennifer said, after hearing everything that had happened.

"It's okay. It's just really hard to deal with."

"Gracie, you are so strong. I don't think I would be able to get through this if I were you,"

"I have Oliver and everyone here to support me. I would never be able to get through this alone."

"Molly is very lucky to have such a wonderful support group. You and Oliver are really going to make a difference in her life."

Grace smiles. "Thanks, Jen. I love you."

"I love you, too, Gracie. Stay strong for Molly!"

"I will," Grace hung up the phone, feeling relieved. Even though it was really hard for her to go through with this decision, she knew it was the right one. She wanted to make things as easy for Molly as possible.

Grace and Oliver made a meeting with Molly's tutor and asked if she was willing to become her homeschool teacher. She agreed and they made a date for Molly to start homeschool. Molly was still a little upset about having to be homeschooled, but Grace knew Molly would really appreciate it when she was older. Grace and Oliver had one last conference with Mrs. Richards and told her about their plans for homeschooling. Grace really hoped this would be what was going to work for Molly