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Most of my friends have children, and have taken on that enormous responsibility with no true regret. Having said that, there are those of who chose not to bear children. I am now 45, and have never, not for one moment, regretted my decision. The Dr. Lauras of the world are either scratching their heads, wondering what is wrong with me, or else calling me "selfish." Both camps are wrong. While most of my friends are busy raising kids and earning a living, I come home from work and care for the 60+ animals that I have rescued. Most were in extremely dire circumstances when I got them, and let me tell you this: While raising kids is a very rewarding experience, saving these animals is rewarding, too. Like parents, I have a true sense of purpose, and I feel good about myself. I have many four footed friends that think the world of me-- just because I care for them and am their friend. I don't ask for this type of devotion, they freely give it--even (most of) the cats. It's unbelievable. Sometimes with the horses it takes longer; when I first meet them I have a one-sided conversation with them, and it goes something like this: "You've had a hell of a bad life so far, but one day you'll be happy again. You may even come to like humans." Then, slowly but surely, the day comes when they nicker as we approach them, and they don't run away. And the best part of all is seeing that their "dead eyes" once again have life to them.
The point is this: Having kids is not the only way to give yourself a sense of purpose. Find a cause, and jump in, you won't regret it. I think the whole reason we are here is to learn, enjoy the good things around us, and to leave this world a better place than when we entered. Who better to take on this task than Larry?
