Today I was sitting in the doctors office with Penny waiting my turn. There were a couple of emergent appointments and he was running behind. Good thing she's an easy going baby. Next to me sat an elderly lady with her husband and she was simply smitten with Penny who was blowing her bubbles and handing out smiles in big bunches. I was waiting for the grand baby comments to start coming.
She asked how old she was, was she a quiet baby, did she like her car seat. Then she got down on the floor and started really looking at Penny and tickling her feet. She started commenting on how perfect her toes were and her toenails. She looked at me an said she had never had any babies and how she was pretty sure she would have been a good mother.
She went on to ask about when babies start talking, how often they use the bathroom and seemed pretty amazed at how aware Penny was of her surroundings at her age. She was just full of so much joy learning all about babies and seemed so sad at the same time. Her husband mostly ignored her attempts to get him involved in the conversation. He was not at all interested.
I felt really sad for this lady. I dont know if she chose to never have any or if nature chose for her, but it just seemed terrible to not have any of your own children or grandchildren to talk about as an elderly adult. I know not everyone chooses to have babies, but I am also pretty sure no one actually regrets having them when they become seniors.
I have my days where I think oh what if it was just me to do whatever I wanted with no interruptions or schedules. But I am truly blessed to be a mother of 4 and I know I will never look back with regret for having them. I am thankful I will never have to sit in an office when I am old and gray and know nothing of babies. I cannot imagine.
