" Optimism can take you anywhere, for everyday may not be good, but there is good in everyday."

BLOG #5 - My views on having children

I chose to share my own thoughts of having children or rather the decision to remain childless. I had always thought when I was growing up that I would someday have children, get married, have a nice house, and live the American dream. For the most part I have done that. I got married, had a beautiful home, and pursued a career. The child part never happened. While I was married my husband and I tried diligently to become pregnant for over three years. After going through a myriad of testing the results showed no reason I could not bear a child; I was physically healthy and there was nothing wrong with me physiologically. I will never know if the problem may have been due to a physical or genetic issue with my now ex-husband as he refused any type of testing.

I have since come to believe that the reason God did not bless me with children of my own is because not only was I spared the physical pain (I often thought I would be a nervous wreck during the entire pregnancy), but I stepped in as a replacement mom to my two twin nieces when their mother left them at the age of two. I am somewhat of a surrogate mom (they have several by the way), and I love my nieces, now age eleven like they were my own. I have never regretted not having my own children and I do not feel like I have missed out on being a woman or feeling less than, or any of that other stuff people tend to say who don’t have a clue.

I am very much a free spirit and prefer to be able to do things when I want without any tying binds. Having a child is a serious commitment, and one which should be a priority above all else. I have a tremendous amount of love for children, but lack the patience needed to raise and care for one. However, had life circumstances been different I am sure I would of adjusted. While I am still able to have children, I feel I am too old to bear one. There is a lot of focus on teenagers having babies, but little attention to women in their forties and older who decide to have children late in life. Each age group has a specific set of issues to address.

Michelle Dukes

" I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me." ~ Dr. Seuss

" All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

" The world behaves differently when I take action to go after what I want." ~ Price Pritchett

" It is always wise to stop wishing for things long enough to enjoy the fragrance of those not flowering." ~ Patrice Gifford

Blog #4

Should sex education be taught in the nation's public schools, and if so what kind of education should be provided? (abstinence-only, abstinence-plus?)

" I think the best way to become the best is just to have fun." ~ Shaun White, Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding

SparkPeople.com

I wanted to share this website with everyone who is interested in making healthy lifestyle changes. This is an excellent website that offers great information on just about every health topic. Also provided are many activities, a daily blog, tracking systems for diet and excercise programs, and alot of motivation to make and keep change! This website is also offered on Face Book and posts daily. I have found this website not only very informative but also fun. Check it out and enjoy!!!

Michelle

" You can't be brave if you have only had wonderful things happen to you." ~ Mary Tyler Moore

" Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost." ~ Robert H. Schuller