CMP Review 2026-07-02

July 2, 2026

Every journey begins with some idea, however vague, of the destination. The decision I made more than twenty years ago to start homeschooling is no exception. I knew in general where I wanted to go. But most of the specifics would elude me until the end.

Probably the last thing on the mind of a young father embarking on homeschooling is what he will say in his commencement address for high school graduation. Even more remote is the thought of what will make up the third and final address, when his homeschool journey has finally reached its destination.

I didn’t know what I would say until a few weeks before the day arrived. Because this journey took me to landscapes that continued to unfold and develop in new and unexpected ways right up to the very end. New terrain and images, sights and sounds, more wondrous and joyful, bittersweet and challenging, continued to emerge. Until I finally stopped to take in the moment when I had reached the far coast and finished my task.

“We have a saying around here,” I began, “and that is, ‘You have to know the rules before you can break the rules.’” Read the rest of my third and final commencement address here.

@artmiddlekauff