Love your watercolors! Thanks for sharing them. The mouse staring out the window and pondering the majesty of the night sky is understated and eloquent.
I am so glad you shared all this, I would have never guessed what you have been through around raising your children and also what you do in your spare time (train and teach), which is inspiring all the way around. Thank you.
Your life is such an inspiration, Karen. It's a rough world, whether behind those golden gates or on the other side of the tracks. Sometimes trying to navigate it is incredibly difficult. Thank you for adding another glimpse into your experiences. You are a courageous woman!
Dec 29, 2023·edited Dec 29, 2023Liked by Karen Hunt aka KH Mezek
I'm not sure it doesn't take MORE courage to stand up to misinformation with our friends. It feels like we risk far more. And thank you for another absolutely wonderful article! Your writing is so insightful and makes me think about things in my own life. I appreciate you so much.
That was exactly the timeframe as my daughter was 5. I’m more convinced than ever we saw and read them. My daughter LOVED mice. Obviously these books have become family heirlooms! I have no clue what republishing them would entail, but it certainly might be something to explore!
It will not be a small task. Publishers only want to publish something "new" so I would have a hard time finding a publisher. I have never self-published anything, but I am considering starting Break Free Publishing, lol! I have 19 children's books and plenty of other stories. Not sure how many extra hours I would need in the day to do all of this, but somehow, I will figure it out.
I follow @catturd2 on Twitter and Locals, and he self publishes 2 of his books. Bet you could get some info on the process from him. He’s very approachable.
John R Erickson, writer of “Hank the Cowdog” series, self publishes all his books. He’s also a Christian by the way and is a regular at the homeschool book conventions. He probably has information on his website that could help.☺️👍🏼
Thank you. The watercolor is from my book, Christmas at Rumpole Mansion, one of a series of three that was published by Harvest House Publishers. Now sadly out of print, but very popular years ago when it was published.
Just found a hardcover edition on Amazon for $98!! (Yes, I hate Amazon but figured I’d look). Gonna see if it’s available at some of the used book sites…you never know. It looks like a wonderful book!
Even on eBay it was over $100! Looks like no one is turning loose of their copies. When was it published? It seems so familiar to me. My daughter loved books and as poor as I was at the time, it’s the one thing I indulged her with. I just feel like I saw that book. Regardless, if you publish it again, please let us know. I would definitely be interested.
It was published all the way back in 1989. I believe it sold around 50,000 copies at the time. The other two books in the series, The Rumpoles and the Barleys https://www.amazon.com/Rumpoles-Barleys-Little-Story-Thankful/dp/0736921729/ref=sr_1_1 and A Picnic with the Barleys, were republished in 2008. I still have people telling me how they were read the books as a child and now they read them to their children. Grandparents, too, tell me this. It's so gratifying. When they were published I had so many parents writing to me to say that their children wouldn't go to bed without the Rumpoles and the Barleys. With so many parents now taking their kids out of public schools I believe these old-fashioned stories would really be popular, teaching simple values to children, since each book has a message about kindness, thankfulness, sharing, etc.
Was able 2 pick up Rumpoles and the Barleys, and a Picnic with the Barleys, both at reasonable prices. Just can’t find the Christmas one. I’m going to keep looking though. Maybe it’ll will be available from our favorite author for next Christmas???
Thank you for sharing your story Karen. You are courageous and tenacious and an excellent example. I found this very inspiring. Happy Christmas to you and your family 🙏
Such a powerful post! I feel so fortunate as a single parent to have raised my children both in a time and in a place where many of the trials you faced did not impact me. I was “poor”, no doubt, and worked 2 jobs, and had no family to fall back on. It was the support and kindness of my daughter’s friends mothers who helped me through. The bond between mothers can be a very strong thing; we care deeply for our precious cargo… and still it’s a small miracle when our children survive, and thrive, intact into adulthood! (This is particularly true of fatherless households. While I applaud mothers, the loss of a strong male presence in the lives of children is nothing less than tragic. We see the results everywhere around us. The erosion of the family unit has been one of the most detrimental impacts on our society in decades!)
So true what you say. So many single mothers in this situation. Thank God you made it through. I salute single mothers--and single fathers, too. They get forgotten but there are many amazing ones.
Your post was a timely reminder that we are more alike than we are different and that we should feel compassion for those raising their children in difficult situations. While it’s always easy to demonize a parent for their children’s faults, the only parents I truly fault are the ones who raise their children to hate others not like themselves. Those are the tragedies.
Wow! I find your life story incredibly to believe you are Dave Hunts daughter. It’s funny how we see a guy like your Dad who is respected for his walk with Jesus but we never dream of the real man and his real family and the real world they inhabit. Just like the imperfect, challenging, difficult one I inhabit. It’s almost strangely wonderful we have any good at all in our lives! The older I get, the more strange and unknowable God becomes it sometimes feels like. I used to think if I was a ‘good’ guy, that my destiny would be ‘good’ too. And it mostly is, but even with that blessing, there is still a lot of heartache and regret to go along with. However, I was reminded today by a co/worker that a life lived for Christ seems to be much gentler and rewarding here on earth than it is for those who oppose Gods ways. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. God bless you all! 🙏🏻
I have had a challenging and far from ordinary life. You'll find a theme in my writing of despising hypocrisy. I've known many hypocrtival Christians and i never wanted to be one. I write honestly about my life because it helps others who face hardship. In my latest piece where I wrote about the Kurdish man in London, I got such a horrible comment from someone condemning me, really disgusting comment and I had to block them. I've learned nkt to care about such things, I will write truthfully anyway.
My parents weren't perfect, trust me. Nobody is. I've written about some of that in other essays, but with a lot of love and compassion because they were also exceptional people and I'm grateful they were my parents. My dad and I were actually very much alike, I've come to realize. We clashed and lot, but in the end we loved and respected one another. Many people have told me I'm carrying on his torch and that's the highest praise. I know he would be proud of me.
People who feel obligated to pretend everything is perfect for the sake of appearances might look like they have a wonderful life but they live under terrible strain. I've learned not to judge others as we never know what other people are going through and who are we to say that if we weren't in their shoes, we wouldn't react the same.
It isn't necessarily true that lives lived for Christ are gentler. Standing up for one's faith has meant incredible hardship and even death for many. For myself, I can't even say my two disastrous marriages were bad choices. How can I say that when I have my three wonderful children. Life is complex and mine has been hard in many ways but I wouldn't change it. It's been incredibly rewarding. I never dreamed I'd be where I am now, writing these essays. It's because of all those experiences that I can write with such authority.
I fought against my faith for a long time and there's reasons why I did, but thank God I never lost it. Looking back it's been an amazing life and going through the fire made me stronger and better able to do the work God has for me now. God bless.
I’m so glad your children are such a blessing and that you can see what the hard times did to make you who you are, and that has worth and value. Won at such a cost for sure. You are actually making a difference for Eternity. How amazing is that!? I’m sure your Mom and Dad can’t wait to greet you and tell you how proud they are since the last time they saw you. Your articles move my heart and I feel your authenticity coming through. God bless you today. I’ll make sure to look you up yonder one day for sure. You can introduce me to your unique family. They sound so wonderful. All the best, and don’t stop writing!!! 👍🏻🙏🏻
Ah, a true story written by a real writer. Very real and informative. Of course, its compressed and we readers cannot begin to imagine the days and night of uncertainty and the getting up and going forward when there was a bit of dread. Good for you and your kids and the compassion you carried for your less than special husband. It would have been easy to have added the weight of rancor to your daily life.
Thank you 🙏. I'm researching a piece now about AI generated books and videos. It's horrible. Such garbage will never replace real stories by real people. Except people are having a hard time knowing it's garbage since they are seldom exposed to real books anymore.
And as a writer, it takes time and energy to write something of substance. People have no patience and anyway, you can't be a real writer if you don't read real books so there are fewer and fewer of us.
What a powerful essay, what can I say. My dad was drafted to the Soviet Army at the age of 17 during the last two years of WWII. His generation has been through so much, they have seen and experienced unimaginable--yet came out solid, shaken but never damaged. I find it incredible. My children listen about his life story, but they have no idea, they can't shift their perspective and understand that they live in a bubble... Your life experience--yours and your children--is something I will be re-reading for a while now. Thank you!
Thank you. I weave many stories from my childhood and adult experiences into my essays. Americans sure have gotten soft. I wish young people understood how lucky they are! Depending how bad things get, they might have to learn the hard way.
the message an' life lessons ya shared with yer boys IS a story of courage--cuz nobuddy wants ta all mamas courageous! (even them like you that box!) nope--most books've courage are about the fellers but bein' a single mama--heck even not a single mama--is a mountain ta climb--bravely. color has zip-all ta do with challenges--an' lordy knows I've had many myself! my older girl's on the spectrum an' got stopped by the nypd regularly cuz her mannerisms, etc. make her look like she wuz on drugs or out of it an' nobuddy understands dysregulation! I always (still) lived in fear she'd be shot cuz when confronted she doesn't react like normal folks--she may jump up and scream, shove her hands INTO her pockets vs puttin'em up (despite my talkin' ta her many times 'bout this--she's verbal/bright but has no copin' skills with fear 'specially). She got filmed regularly growin' up--the mean folks on the subway trains would film her on phones an' post it--sometimes laffin' at her tantrums or blamin' me--"bad mom, shut yer kid up"--hardened humans kinda like yer son's story of disassociative / hardened violence-immune kids filmin' his horrible beatin'. Postin' this stuff in pride? I could go on but yup, white kids aren't exempt. We also got targeted by a.c.s. (like see-pee-ess but in nyseize the letters are simply diff'rent) as homeschoolers--a neighbor wanted us out cuz the kids made noise an' she wanted peace to conduct bizness at home... autistic kids scream sometimes... so two bouts of months-long investy-gay-shuns (of course resultin' ultimately in no abuse) but for YEARS my kids would dive-bomb their beds an' hide whenever there wuz a knock at the door--goin' thru unwarranted investygation is also traumatic--jus' in a diff'rent way. So many've us mamas have had battles ta fight--you've won yours via strength, courage, character, luck, an' mebbe God's blessin' too! (tho' fer sure other battles await! for our freedom as human beans, etc!). We know many famblies (white included but not only) who got kids taken away (unfairly) b/c of the machine of the law--the system knows no color, it knows only money. Ya put on yer real boxin' gloves an' the "invisible ones" every day--ya fought hard ta keep yer fambly safe an' taught yer kiddos invisible boxin' while ya was at it. What a gift ya gave 'em! Blessin's an' thanks fer sharin' this heartfelt an' "heart-full" story!
Oh my goodness, you really went through it, too. I understand the fear of the police all too well. I saw so much corruption and injustice. And the social workers were scary. They seemed to walk in with prejudices and opinions formed and if they didn't like you for whatever reason, you were doomed. Small-minded people with a bit of power are very dangerous. On the other hand, once in a while you come across a good one, and it restores your faith--somewhat. Thankful to have those years behind me, as I am sure you are, too!
Yup, deed I am! took me 5 years of letters ta git us "expunged" but I still worry knowin' that records are never erased... we never did meet a "good egg" among the social workers but I'm sure some 're out there--or mebbe the good'uns git fired--they were all highly unaware of homeschoolin', uneducated 'bout autism, so many things--lord knows where the find these folks but they don't seem ta have the welfare of the kids in mind. After our harrowin' "experiences" I helped near-bouts 8 famblies just in NYC in same situation--likely there were more too--all unjustly singled out (homeschoolin' seems ta be a red flag)--we even had a pee-dia-trician (grrr) who found homeschoolin' suspect an' treated my kids like they wuz "victims" fer no reason other than bein' homeschooled--we parents treated like suspects. AWFUL! I'm jus' glad my kids weren't taken away like some (let alone trafficked!). I still worry 'bout my older one (in her early 20's) as she's still such an odd duck--even at this more advanced age. As we mamas say, walk a mile in our shoes 'fore ya start castin' them stones! We met one good "cop" along the way--a kind old school classic movie Irish cop, 'bout ta retire an' he shoo'd us outta the police station one day when my older girl got inta trouble (no fault of her own--homeschoolers git metro cards but the cop that hauled her in thought she wuz truant) an' that old school cop said "I'll take care've the situation, but git outta here quick!" (The "situation" wuz his "supervisor" (a young woman full'a herself) who thought she'd take action an' that meant a FUSION CENTER for wayward kids, omg! So thank goodness fer the good fella in blue... a dyin' breed if ever there wuz--an' kudos again' ta you and all us mamas for bravin' a lotta stuff nobuddy imagines!
ps re Coco Chanel--loved the quote but the lady who designed purdy outfits turned out ta be a bit of a rat in the eyes of some've us (sadly):
Love your watercolors! Thanks for sharing them. The mouse staring out the window and pondering the majesty of the night sky is understated and eloquent.
Thank you!
I am so glad you shared all this, I would have never guessed what you have been through around raising your children and also what you do in your spare time (train and teach), which is inspiring all the way around. Thank you.
Thank you and God bless you in the New Year.
Your life is such an inspiration, Karen. It's a rough world, whether behind those golden gates or on the other side of the tracks. Sometimes trying to navigate it is incredibly difficult. Thank you for adding another glimpse into your experiences. You are a courageous woman!
Thank you. It isn't always easy to write truthful stories, but it's necessary.
I salute you.
Amazing story. All the more amazing because it's yours.
Thank you.
I'm not sure it doesn't take MORE courage to stand up to misinformation with our friends. It feels like we risk far more. And thank you for another absolutely wonderful article! Your writing is so insightful and makes me think about things in my own life. I appreciate you so much.
Thank you!
That was exactly the timeframe as my daughter was 5. I’m more convinced than ever we saw and read them. My daughter LOVED mice. Obviously these books have become family heirlooms! I have no clue what republishing them would entail, but it certainly might be something to explore!
It will not be a small task. Publishers only want to publish something "new" so I would have a hard time finding a publisher. I have never self-published anything, but I am considering starting Break Free Publishing, lol! I have 19 children's books and plenty of other stories. Not sure how many extra hours I would need in the day to do all of this, but somehow, I will figure it out.
I follow @catturd2 on Twitter and Locals, and he self publishes 2 of his books. Bet you could get some info on the process from him. He’s very approachable.
Thanks for the tip.
19 books! So impressed. Gads, the more of your posts I read, the more impressed by your life experiences and your myriad of talents I become!
John R Erickson, writer of “Hank the Cowdog” series, self publishes all his books. He’s also a Christian by the way and is a regular at the homeschool book conventions. He probably has information on his website that could help.☺️👍🏼
Wow what a great story! I admire your courage and persistence! And that watercolor at the end has a storybook written all over it - beautiful!
Thank you. The watercolor is from my book, Christmas at Rumpole Mansion, one of a series of three that was published by Harvest House Publishers. Now sadly out of print, but very popular years ago when it was published.
Just found a hardcover edition on Amazon for $98!! (Yes, I hate Amazon but figured I’d look). Gonna see if it’s available at some of the used book sites…you never know. It looks like a wonderful book!
Goodness! I think you might find it for much cheaper at used bookstores. I am hoping to start republishing my books soon.
Even on eBay it was over $100! Looks like no one is turning loose of their copies. When was it published? It seems so familiar to me. My daughter loved books and as poor as I was at the time, it’s the one thing I indulged her with. I just feel like I saw that book. Regardless, if you publish it again, please let us know. I would definitely be interested.
It was published all the way back in 1989. I believe it sold around 50,000 copies at the time. The other two books in the series, The Rumpoles and the Barleys https://www.amazon.com/Rumpoles-Barleys-Little-Story-Thankful/dp/0736921729/ref=sr_1_1 and A Picnic with the Barleys, were republished in 2008. I still have people telling me how they were read the books as a child and now they read them to their children. Grandparents, too, tell me this. It's so gratifying. When they were published I had so many parents writing to me to say that their children wouldn't go to bed without the Rumpoles and the Barleys. With so many parents now taking their kids out of public schools I believe these old-fashioned stories would really be popular, teaching simple values to children, since each book has a message about kindness, thankfulness, sharing, etc.
Was able 2 pick up Rumpoles and the Barleys, and a Picnic with the Barleys, both at reasonable prices. Just can’t find the Christmas one. I’m going to keep looking though. Maybe it’ll will be available from our favorite author for next Christmas???
Thank you for sharing your story Karen. You are courageous and tenacious and an excellent example. I found this very inspiring. Happy Christmas to you and your family 🙏
Happy Christmas to you, too. God bless.
Thank for sharing, Karen!
> https://twitter.com/thaliafung/status/1740337038790955105
You're welcome.
Such a powerful post! I feel so fortunate as a single parent to have raised my children both in a time and in a place where many of the trials you faced did not impact me. I was “poor”, no doubt, and worked 2 jobs, and had no family to fall back on. It was the support and kindness of my daughter’s friends mothers who helped me through. The bond between mothers can be a very strong thing; we care deeply for our precious cargo… and still it’s a small miracle when our children survive, and thrive, intact into adulthood! (This is particularly true of fatherless households. While I applaud mothers, the loss of a strong male presence in the lives of children is nothing less than tragic. We see the results everywhere around us. The erosion of the family unit has been one of the most detrimental impacts on our society in decades!)
So true what you say. So many single mothers in this situation. Thank God you made it through. I salute single mothers--and single fathers, too. They get forgotten but there are many amazing ones.
Your post was a timely reminder that we are more alike than we are different and that we should feel compassion for those raising their children in difficult situations. While it’s always easy to demonize a parent for their children’s faults, the only parents I truly fault are the ones who raise their children to hate others not like themselves. Those are the tragedies.
Very true.
Wow! I find your life story incredibly to believe you are Dave Hunts daughter. It’s funny how we see a guy like your Dad who is respected for his walk with Jesus but we never dream of the real man and his real family and the real world they inhabit. Just like the imperfect, challenging, difficult one I inhabit. It’s almost strangely wonderful we have any good at all in our lives! The older I get, the more strange and unknowable God becomes it sometimes feels like. I used to think if I was a ‘good’ guy, that my destiny would be ‘good’ too. And it mostly is, but even with that blessing, there is still a lot of heartache and regret to go along with. However, I was reminded today by a co/worker that a life lived for Christ seems to be much gentler and rewarding here on earth than it is for those who oppose Gods ways. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. God bless you all! 🙏🏻
I have had a challenging and far from ordinary life. You'll find a theme in my writing of despising hypocrisy. I've known many hypocrtival Christians and i never wanted to be one. I write honestly about my life because it helps others who face hardship. In my latest piece where I wrote about the Kurdish man in London, I got such a horrible comment from someone condemning me, really disgusting comment and I had to block them. I've learned nkt to care about such things, I will write truthfully anyway.
My parents weren't perfect, trust me. Nobody is. I've written about some of that in other essays, but with a lot of love and compassion because they were also exceptional people and I'm grateful they were my parents. My dad and I were actually very much alike, I've come to realize. We clashed and lot, but in the end we loved and respected one another. Many people have told me I'm carrying on his torch and that's the highest praise. I know he would be proud of me.
People who feel obligated to pretend everything is perfect for the sake of appearances might look like they have a wonderful life but they live under terrible strain. I've learned not to judge others as we never know what other people are going through and who are we to say that if we weren't in their shoes, we wouldn't react the same.
It isn't necessarily true that lives lived for Christ are gentler. Standing up for one's faith has meant incredible hardship and even death for many. For myself, I can't even say my two disastrous marriages were bad choices. How can I say that when I have my three wonderful children. Life is complex and mine has been hard in many ways but I wouldn't change it. It's been incredibly rewarding. I never dreamed I'd be where I am now, writing these essays. It's because of all those experiences that I can write with such authority.
I fought against my faith for a long time and there's reasons why I did, but thank God I never lost it. Looking back it's been an amazing life and going through the fire made me stronger and better able to do the work God has for me now. God bless.
I’m so glad your children are such a blessing and that you can see what the hard times did to make you who you are, and that has worth and value. Won at such a cost for sure. You are actually making a difference for Eternity. How amazing is that!? I’m sure your Mom and Dad can’t wait to greet you and tell you how proud they are since the last time they saw you. Your articles move my heart and I feel your authenticity coming through. God bless you today. I’ll make sure to look you up yonder one day for sure. You can introduce me to your unique family. They sound so wonderful. All the best, and don’t stop writing!!! 👍🏻🙏🏻
Ah, a true story written by a real writer. Very real and informative. Of course, its compressed and we readers cannot begin to imagine the days and night of uncertainty and the getting up and going forward when there was a bit of dread. Good for you and your kids and the compassion you carried for your less than special husband. It would have been easy to have added the weight of rancor to your daily life.
Thank you 🙏. I'm researching a piece now about AI generated books and videos. It's horrible. Such garbage will never replace real stories by real people. Except people are having a hard time knowing it's garbage since they are seldom exposed to real books anymore.
And as a writer, it takes time and energy to write something of substance. People have no patience and anyway, you can't be a real writer if you don't read real books so there are fewer and fewer of us.
What a powerful essay, what can I say. My dad was drafted to the Soviet Army at the age of 17 during the last two years of WWII. His generation has been through so much, they have seen and experienced unimaginable--yet came out solid, shaken but never damaged. I find it incredible. My children listen about his life story, but they have no idea, they can't shift their perspective and understand that they live in a bubble... Your life experience--yours and your children--is something I will be re-reading for a while now. Thank you!
Thank you. I weave many stories from my childhood and adult experiences into my essays. Americans sure have gotten soft. I wish young people understood how lucky they are! Depending how bad things get, they might have to learn the hard way.
Wow. Just wow!
Karen. I’m speechless. Good Lord. You have been through a lot. And keep on barreling through it all.
With Trish Wood on your side. All I can say is.... you are in Good Hands.
Thank you for sharing this incredible story.
Amen to that! Thank you and God bless you!
the message an' life lessons ya shared with yer boys IS a story of courage--cuz nobuddy wants ta all mamas courageous! (even them like you that box!) nope--most books've courage are about the fellers but bein' a single mama--heck even not a single mama--is a mountain ta climb--bravely. color has zip-all ta do with challenges--an' lordy knows I've had many myself! my older girl's on the spectrum an' got stopped by the nypd regularly cuz her mannerisms, etc. make her look like she wuz on drugs or out of it an' nobuddy understands dysregulation! I always (still) lived in fear she'd be shot cuz when confronted she doesn't react like normal folks--she may jump up and scream, shove her hands INTO her pockets vs puttin'em up (despite my talkin' ta her many times 'bout this--she's verbal/bright but has no copin' skills with fear 'specially). She got filmed regularly growin' up--the mean folks on the subway trains would film her on phones an' post it--sometimes laffin' at her tantrums or blamin' me--"bad mom, shut yer kid up"--hardened humans kinda like yer son's story of disassociative / hardened violence-immune kids filmin' his horrible beatin'. Postin' this stuff in pride? I could go on but yup, white kids aren't exempt. We also got targeted by a.c.s. (like see-pee-ess but in nyseize the letters are simply diff'rent) as homeschoolers--a neighbor wanted us out cuz the kids made noise an' she wanted peace to conduct bizness at home... autistic kids scream sometimes... so two bouts of months-long investy-gay-shuns (of course resultin' ultimately in no abuse) but for YEARS my kids would dive-bomb their beds an' hide whenever there wuz a knock at the door--goin' thru unwarranted investygation is also traumatic--jus' in a diff'rent way. So many've us mamas have had battles ta fight--you've won yours via strength, courage, character, luck, an' mebbe God's blessin' too! (tho' fer sure other battles await! for our freedom as human beans, etc!). We know many famblies (white included but not only) who got kids taken away (unfairly) b/c of the machine of the law--the system knows no color, it knows only money. Ya put on yer real boxin' gloves an' the "invisible ones" every day--ya fought hard ta keep yer fambly safe an' taught yer kiddos invisible boxin' while ya was at it. What a gift ya gave 'em! Blessin's an' thanks fer sharin' this heartfelt an' "heart-full" story!
Oh my goodness, you really went through it, too. I understand the fear of the police all too well. I saw so much corruption and injustice. And the social workers were scary. They seemed to walk in with prejudices and opinions formed and if they didn't like you for whatever reason, you were doomed. Small-minded people with a bit of power are very dangerous. On the other hand, once in a while you come across a good one, and it restores your faith--somewhat. Thankful to have those years behind me, as I am sure you are, too!
Yup, deed I am! took me 5 years of letters ta git us "expunged" but I still worry knowin' that records are never erased... we never did meet a "good egg" among the social workers but I'm sure some 're out there--or mebbe the good'uns git fired--they were all highly unaware of homeschoolin', uneducated 'bout autism, so many things--lord knows where the find these folks but they don't seem ta have the welfare of the kids in mind. After our harrowin' "experiences" I helped near-bouts 8 famblies just in NYC in same situation--likely there were more too--all unjustly singled out (homeschoolin' seems ta be a red flag)--we even had a pee-dia-trician (grrr) who found homeschoolin' suspect an' treated my kids like they wuz "victims" fer no reason other than bein' homeschooled--we parents treated like suspects. AWFUL! I'm jus' glad my kids weren't taken away like some (let alone trafficked!). I still worry 'bout my older one (in her early 20's) as she's still such an odd duck--even at this more advanced age. As we mamas say, walk a mile in our shoes 'fore ya start castin' them stones! We met one good "cop" along the way--a kind old school classic movie Irish cop, 'bout ta retire an' he shoo'd us outta the police station one day when my older girl got inta trouble (no fault of her own--homeschoolers git metro cards but the cop that hauled her in thought she wuz truant) an' that old school cop said "I'll take care've the situation, but git outta here quick!" (The "situation" wuz his "supervisor" (a young woman full'a herself) who thought she'd take action an' that meant a FUSION CENTER for wayward kids, omg! So thank goodness fer the good fella in blue... a dyin' breed if ever there wuz--an' kudos again' ta you and all us mamas for bravin' a lotta stuff nobuddy imagines!
ps re Coco Chanel--loved the quote but the lady who designed purdy outfits turned out ta be a bit of a rat in the eyes of some've us (sadly):
https://www.biography.com/history-culture/coco-chanel-nazi-agent