When Strength Fails, Grace Sustains | My Health Journey Through Homeschooling and an Emergency Hysterectomy

How God carried me through severe anemia, a failed surgery, and a 911 call—while I was still homeschooling my children and a graduating senior.

I never imagined I’d be standing alone in my bathroom, shaking uncontrollably, phone in hand, calling 911 for myself—while also wrapping up a full homeschool year. But that’s where I found myself not long ago, hemorrhaging and scared… and still a homeschool mom determined to finish strong.

What followed was an emergency hysterectomy, 10 weeks of recovery, and one of the most physically and spiritually intense seasons of my life.

This is the story of how God’s grace met me in my weakness—and how the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling made it possible to continue on, even when my body was breaking down.

The First Signs : When Fatigue Becomes a Warning

For a while, I chalked it up to exhaustion. Even long-term COVID. I was homeschooling my last kiddo, managing our home, working as a photographer and—because God had placed it on my heart—I was also guiding a sweet friend’s daughter through her senior year of high school.

But behind the scenes, I was battling a hidden enemy : severe anemia caused by a large uterine fibroid. I was constantly dizzy and lightheaded. My heart was always racing. And I was tired. ALL.THE.TIME. After my first trip to the ER and first TWO blood transfusions, a plan was put into place for my care. At first, it was manageable. Iron infusions, meds, frequent breaks, and early bedtimes.

But over time, my body began to slow. Then crash.

The Emergency Room Becomes Familiar

There were numerous trips to the ER. IV fluids. Blood work. Endless labs. I underwent an embolization procedure in hopes of shrinking the fibroid and avoiding surgery. But it failed.

Each trip to the hospital left me weaker and more uncertain. How long could I sustain this pace?

And still—by God’s grace—we kept homeschooling. We read from the couch. We adjusted our pace. We celebrated milestones. And that sweet senior? She kept pressing on too, determined to graduate with confidence.

I clung to the Lord, and He faithfully held us together.

The Breaking Point

Then came the day I’ll never forget.

I started hemorrhaging suddenly and severely. My husband wasn’t home. My family was scared. I stood in my bathroom crying, shaking, and praying as I dialed 911 for myself.

Within minutes, paramedics arrived. I was rushed to the hospital where I spent the next 6 days. I underwent 4 additional blood transfusions, and an emergency hysterectomy.

I lost a lot that day—physically, and emotionally. But I gained something far greater : a new understanding of God’s mercy, and a deeper appreciation for the freedom we have to homeschool in a way that adapts to real life.

The Grace to Finish Strong

Recovery was slow and painful—but filled with peace. We continued our homeschool journey, even if it looked different than planned.

And we finished the year.

We learned more than math and history that season. We learned faith. Perseverance. We witnessed firsthand what it means to trust God in trials.

That senior I was mentoring? She graduated on time. Cap, gown, diploma—and all by the grace of God.

Homeschooling Is More Than Academics

This journey reminded me of something I want to share with you, mama : homeschooling is not just about lessons on paper. It’s about living life together. Learning through trials. Growing in love and leaning on Jesus.

Because of homeschooling, I had the freedom to rest when needed. To shift our routine. To heal. To be fully present when I had energy—and to let grace cover the gaps when I didn’t.

I don’t take that freedom lightly. It was a gift that allowed us not just to survive in that season, but to walk through it with peace and purpose.

Final Encouragement

If you're facing your own storm—whether it’s health-related, emotional, or spiritual—know this : you are not alone.

God sees you. He knows your limits. And He’s not asking you to be supermom—just a faithful one.

Let your children see what it looks like to depend on the Lord. To choose rest when needed. To ask for help. To be carried.

His grace truly is sufficient. And in our weakness, His power is made perfect.