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I have been married to my lovely wife for 17 years, we tried (the old fashioned way) to have kids for many years but were unsuccesful. When we found out how complicated and exspensive it was to have a baby using artificial means or to adopt we decided not to have children. What surprises me is that so many people are so worried and even hostile about our childless status. And not just family. I am 42 and only a week ago I ran into a high school classmate who insisted I should "go ahead and adopt" and that "it is not too Late!!!" I enjoy children, I spoil my nephew and support many local school programs not only with my very high taxes, but with donations from my business. I do not feel unfulfilled without children and must say I do not envy my friends the choices and sacrifices they have to make for thier mostly spoiled and ungrateful children. I do envy the pride that a very few of them feel about some of thier children who rise above the expected norm.
Do I wish that I had been able to become a father? Some days I do. Am I unhappy that I do not have children of my own? No.
What I see most in parents is the hope that they will produce children better suited and prepared for the world than themselves. Most give up that hope about the time the schools get hold of them.
I can live without the good and the bad part of being a parent. I do not base my self worth on children but on my contributions to God, family, and community.
JErwin63