family ... children...

for as long as i can remember, there have been very few times when having a child that i am responsible for has sounded appealing.  at those rare times, the feeling is wonderful and powerful, but not strong.  it doesn't take much (distraction, quiet, loud children, etc) for the feeling to pass.

for the weekend, i am on vacation with my family; my whole family!  spouse, parents, siblings, nephews and nieces.  we're only short on the family pets (thank god).  while we were sitting around the dinner table, it was hard to keep the thought out of my mind of how wonderfully my brother and sister parent and how wonderfully my parents have parented.  that is so much to be thankful for.  they are incredible, beyond description.  they set the bar further than i'm able to see.  they are selfless, caring, thoughtful and loving.  taking their gift of parenting for granted would be a horrible sin to commit.  i am blessed to be surrounded by them.