[IndyPatriot]

I believe everyone has a right to decide for or against children. I find it interesting that many of the advocates I read about are younger woman, whose careers are peaking and who are active climbing the corporate ladder. I'd be interested in hearing the perspective of older woman on the issue.

Recently, my mother was hospitalized for breast cancer. Her best friend was visiting her in the hospital at the same time I was there. She was childless, and like my mother in her early 70's.

As we sat there, she burst out crying and when I inquired as to what the problem was, she wondered who would be there for her in the end. I was filled with pity at her despair.

[linda_22003]

I guess I qualify as an "older woman", since I'm 50 and my decision not to have children can't be changed at this point (even if I wanted to change it).

We're all alone in the end, of course. The question is, if we don't have children, does that mean we have no family? I don't think so. I have such good friends, of various ages - I'll be at their deathbed, and some will be at mine.

Having children is no guarantee they will be close to you. My mother in law has two sons; if either one is at her deathbed, it will not be voluntarily or from any sense of actual love. She did not form that relationship with them when it counted, and it assuredly does not exist now.

[Atlantic Bridge]

As we sat there, she burst out crying and when I inquired as to what the problem was, she wondered who would be there for her in the end. I was filled with pity at her despair.

This is the sad end of living without kids and it is not just a problem of the women anymore. My children are the footprints I will leave on this planet. Although I am quite religious I find it consoling that a very personal part of me will remain here to continue where I have ended.