connection with children is precious on all levels
Beautifully said!
Arthur,
I know it can/must be painful for some not to have children. I dearly love my own - and yet only recently Claire and I were discussing this very subject. We both agreed that, knowing what we know now, we wouldn't have any! That sounds selfish, but we were thinking about what we'd be bringing them into!
A lot could, of course, be down to my illness (the way we're thinking right now, I mean). It could be clouding the issue - but as I believe that all is suffering (from a Buddhist perspective) I shudder at the thought of all the trials and tribulations a person has to go through growing up. I'd rather not bring anyone into the world to suffer that. However, once they are here - as my own children are - we love them madly. I wouldn't not have my children for anything now - I'm merely saying that if we were starting over again it would mean deep contemplation. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. I know having children is a cause for daily worry, even when they grow up. As you can see, there's so much to consider and you are most definitely not necessarily missing out.
There's also this heinous Watchtower cult to consider. My older daughter hasn't been in touch for three years. To bring a child up and then for that child to disown you is hard to take. We never know what the future holds so, if I were you, I'd count the blessings I HAVE rather than dwell on those I think I don't have.
Obviously, with hindsight, I'd do things differently. Watchtower wouldn't get a look in. I think I could be content just living with Claire, lots of pets and out in the countryside.
Love to you my friend,
Ian