In the home stretch (again)

Well, I am always stunned around this time of year when I look back over the course of our homeschooling adventures.  We are wrapping up yet ANOTHER year...I have to honestly say I was never sure that I'd have made it this long.  I always went into homeschooling with the mentality of, "let's try it for one more year".  Each year, slowly but surely, we have made it to this point.  What an amazing ride it's been so far!  Now, I have to confess something.  Due to my changes in lifestyle (being a single full time employed, no longer stay-at-home mom), I have decided to place my youngest child in public school next year.  He will be starting high school and in my town there are many private schools that only go up to 8th grade, so he won't be the only "new" face on the first day.  
I have such a whirlwind of stuff going through my mind over this decision.  Part of me wants to keep on with what I've always done, but the other part knows it isn't good for any of us as I simply don't have the time to focus on making sure he is learning all that he needs to.  I don't want to shortchange him or to send him out into the world unprepared.  Other paths my mind wanders down are is it fair to him?  Is it fair to the poor teachers that will have to deal with a kid who hasn't had to have this kind of structure?  Ugh!  So much to deal with is it even worth it???  
Meanwhile, my oldest will be starting her final year.  She will be a senior...my baby is almost ready to leave me :(  She will stay home to finish out her school career.  What a journey it's been!  From coloring pages, reading, penmanship, and 1 + 1 to writing a term paper, learning Japanese, and algebraic formulas!  We are trying to look into colleges, praying she gets scholarships, and all the while learning to drive and look for a part time job!  Wow!  She handles it all (mainly) with grace, contentment, and a sense of humor.  It's me who is the wreck/basket case!  
I sincerely hope that nobody who wants to homeschool will have to make such a hard choice.  It truly is a difficult thing to go through.   I'll post again when Ian starts at school and keep everyone informed on how Suzy does with her final year and what colleges she gets accepted into!  Have a blessed week!