Im glad I decided not to have children. Now that Im 70, I have no regrets whatsoever.
I had made an appointment to see the dermatologist and was sitting in the waiting room for my turn. Next to me sat a pleasant woman who soon struck up a conversation. She turned out to be wonderful company, and after our chat, I found that many of my own views had shifted.
Straightaway, I noticed how smart and well put-together she looked. At first glance, Id have said she was no older than 50. But during our conversation, she confided that she was actually over 70. Id never have guessed she looked fantastic and was worlds apart from most people her age.
This new acquaintance told me shed married twice but now lived on her own. Her first marriage ended when she was still fairly young, as she never wanted children.
Her husband had always known she wished to remain child-free, but after she turned 30, he began to hint that a proper family ought to include children. Despite that, motherhood simply never called to her, and she held firm to her decision.
For her, separating was easier than bringing a child into the world against her will. They spoke honestly, and in the end, chose to part ways amicably.
She remarried later on, this time to a man who was divorced himself, with a child from his previous marriage. He didnt want any more children, so the subject hardly ever came up. They got along well, and he was openly relieved that she didnt wish for children. Unfortunately, their time together wasnt long, as he was killed in a car crash.
The woman admitted that living alone doesnt bother her one bit in fact, she enjoys the freedom it brings. Shes convinced shell never regret her life choices.
Her friends, who once hoped their children would care for them in old age, now just sigh wistfully. Children grow up and get on with their own lives; they have little time for ageing parents. Thats why she never yearned for children in the first place. These days, she leads a full and happy life, taking pleasure in each day. Not having children brings her joy, not sorrow.
A glass of water?
She laughed and said shell never be left starving or infirm. While her friends spent their money looking after their children, she saved hers. Now, her savings are more than enough for a lifetime of proper care, should she ever need it.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with her point of view?
