[Huntress]

I had a friend who also chose not to have kids (or rather, his wife decided for him) and he lived just till a year ago dying in his mid-80s. He had a really rich life, loaded with great experiences (he was a fighter pilot during WW II in the CBI) and skills but he died lonely with nobody to pass those life lessons and skills on to. In my opinion, it was a shame.

Did he express any regret at not having had children? If not, why fault him for not choosing the path you chose?

I would be severely disappointed if any of my children chose not to have kids/didn't want to be a Marine.

It's not about what you want or your legacy.

[A CA Guy]

My little guy came around for me after fifty. Having a retirement baby is fun.

[Chainmail]

Yes, he was sorry that he didn't have any kids. He was a happy, generous guy and an avid model airplane flier. He had a lot to share and pass on and regretted his lost opportunities for parenthood.

No - it isn't about my wants or my legacy - it is about standards of behavior and honor. I have raised my children to respect those standards and to live up to them. Being a parent is all about courage and sacrifice and I would expect my children to do no less than I have and the long line of tough, courageous ancestors who went before them. My father and both uncles served in WWII, both grandfathers served in WWI, several served in the Civil War, one served on George Washington's staff during our revolution.

Too good a family/genetic chain to deadend so I can buy a BMW.