I started my masters program in counseling in August. I am a 37 year old mother of 3. I went from being a stay at home mom for 11 years to a full time college student.
In my undergrad, I graduated with a 3.76. I am not saying this to brag, but to point out that most people who pursue a masters degree are pretty driven and like the challenge of a good grade.
Upon entering the program, I had assumed that it would be work, but not much different from undergrad work. Generally speaking when someone tells me something is hard before I experience it, I come out the other end thinking "that really wasn't that bad." I entered grad school with that mindset. WAS I EVER WRONG ........ I completely understand your sentiments when you say that it it a lot of work. I do not think that the work itself is that difficult to understand and grasp, but the AMOUNT of work expected in horrifying, to put it nicely.
In the midst of grad school, when I felt like I could barely breathe, had given up cycling, put on some weight, was experiencing big time guilt for taking so much time away from my family, and was exhausted, my daughter became sick and was up most of the night for about 4 weeks. The work at school didn't stop, and I persevered. She ended up needing her gallbladder removed. I was exhausted in every sense of the word.
Now that I have had a chance to regain my sleep, reorganize my life, bike a bit, loose a few pounds, and hug on my kids, I think I might have to change some priorities.
Changes that I am considering are going to a longer schedule. I have come to far to give up now and one more semester means swallowing my pride, but for my family I would gladly.
I am FINE getting lower grades now, even though I started out wanting a 4.0. So not important if I have to sell my soul to get it, if you know what I mean.
Next year I anticipate someone in my family dying. I have a two very elderly, sick grandmothers and one grandfather. My husbands aunt is not doing well either. It breaks my heart to think that you lost your grandmother in the midst of all that you have challenging you right now.
From a counselors perspective, the last thing that you should burden yourself with right now are the decisions about grad school and its challenges. Your defense is due July 20th, I wonder if the profs will give you some grace?? It doesn't sound like you have much wiggle room though. Lowering you expectations might help some - you have a great GPA - your defense more than likely reflects that.
{{{{HUG}}}}}}