I married my husband because I wanted to have his babies. Our children are the great joy of my life. Four of them are now married, and I now have ten beautiful grandchildren.

To really love a man, and to know that you are making a baby together - it’s one of life’s peak experiences. then you get to meet this new person, and you see those beloved characteristics develop in new and unique ways.

My children taught me to slow down, to rediscover the wonder in the world. Then they grew up, and they shared their diverse interests, expanding my world as they ran ahead of me into diverse fields of study.

They married, and my social network expanded exponentially. Their in laws, their friends and their friends families are delighful people who enrich our lives.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy - worthwhile endeavours tend to require effort. We certainly were not “ideal parent material” - but we were willing to do what it takes, to admit our errors (to our children), as we expected, we grew into the job.

Having children is a vote of confidence, in yourself, in your spouse, and the future.

The downplaying of parenthood leads to an abdication of social responsibility. Couples who do not have children lack an investment in society past their own lifespans. People who have children have a concern that reaches to at least the life spans of their grandchildren.

This lack of “hostages to the future” might explain some of the liberal indifference to demographic change.

I pray that your ovaries will recognize the many virtues “Mr. Right” has. Go ovaries!

Trudy