Im glad I chose not to have children. Now, at seventy, I have not regretted it for a single day.
I remember, years ago, sitting in the waiting area of a surgery, waiting for my appointment with the dermatologist. Beside me was a lady who seemed pleasant enough, so we fell into conversation. There was something truly striking about hershe looked so elegant and well put together that Id have guessed she was no older than fifty. To my great surprise, during our chat, she revealed she was over seventy. Honestly, I would never have believed it. She looked marvellous and was altogether different from others her age.
During our conversation, she told me about her life. Shed been married twice, though she now lived alone. Her first marriage ended when she was still quite young, simply because she never wished to have children.
Her first husband knew from the beginning that she preferred a childless marriage, but after her thirtieth birthday, he began nudging for a family, suggesting that a household is only truly complete with children. Yet, if anything, the urge for motherhood never touched her, and her resolve remained unchanged.
She found it easier to go their separate ways than to force herself into motherhood against her will. They spoke openly, and in the end, parted as friends.
Her second marriage was to a widower who had a child from his previous marriage. He had no wish for more children, which suited her perfectly. Their home was harmonious, as the topic of children never surfaced between them. He seemed grateful she didn’t want any. Sadly, they were not together long, for her husband died in a tragic car accident.
She confided in me that she never found solitude to be a burden. Far from itshe found happiness in her independence, unencumbered by anyones demands. As a pensioner, she was convinced shed never look back with regret.
Most of her friends, who once put their faith in being cared for by their children, now sigh and shake their heads. Children grow up and forge their own paths, she mused. When the time comes, elderly parents are often left by the wayside. Thats the reason she never even considered childrenit simply didnt appeal to her. She now lives a good life, relishing each day. For her, the absence of children was a blessing, not a loss.
A glass of water when Im old? she quipped, recalling the old saying. Ill not go hungry or uncared for. While my friends spent their savings on children, I set mine aside. Now, my nest egg will cover any care I might need for the rest of my days.
And what do you think? Do you agree with her outlook?
