According to a recent time Magazine cover story; there is a growing trend globally for folks who are opting for “The Childfree Life”. Until a couple of weeks ago, our life in retirement has been largely “childfree”, at least on a day to day basis, with our nine grandkids living in opposite corners of the country. The article suggests that children are a crushing encumbrance, annoying, expensive, and demanding, and that they almost always “cramp” the modern life style. Well, boo-hoo! Some folks are obviously into children, and others aren’t, which is as it has always been, and yes, children do put demands and responsibilities of time, energy, physical and emotional commitment, and financial resources, BUT this is hardly the “crushing burden” that the author suggests, but actually, (as I am discovering again), children draw us out beyond ourselves and help integrate us into great realities that expand us and make us more alive. Yes, as one nearing70 children certainly do push the envelope of one’s stamina, but the sheer joy they bring by incorporating you (naturally and seamlessly) into their ever expanding world is worth the effort,(in spades), the resulting sore joints and tired moments. Children teach us, (and very quickly), and with relief and a burst of joy that we realize that our lives are not about us. Caustic comedian Margaret Cho bluntly states, “Babies scare me more than anything.” The truth is, however, that the real horror, the truly scary thing (for me) is what I have missed over the past 4 years not having these “little ones” around to remind me to both energize and remind me of how sacred life really is.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 12:59:14 +0000
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