Educating : a memoir
(Book)

Drawing from extensive journal entries, Laree Westover shares events in her life that show her tenacity in moving forward with faith - faith in herself, her husband, and her God. Each heartfelt story is captivating and its historicity is trustworthy. Family happiness seemed to be frustrated as her husband grappled with chronic health issues and serious accidents. That, along with her own health challenges and those of her children, drew her into studying alternative health care modalities in search of solutions. Some of the paths she chose were out of the mainstream and often brought distressing and hurtful encounters with neighbors and even family members. While homeschooling her seven children, LaRee tailored their education to their own specific interests, strengths, and weaknesses. A sense of curiosity, self reliance, and self confidence were nurtured. Her children's subsequent successes in academia and thriving in life is a compelling defense of her unique and intentional approach. Significant influences that shaped LaRee's life include the power of prayer and miracles, the use of herbal and homeopathic remedies for many ills, foot zone therapy, and serving as a midwife. Each personal story that she candidly shares shows how she has strived to bless many lives. LaRee hopes that these stories, along with the principles they teach, may inspire those who have chosen to live their lives differently from their neighbors.