The plan of most people who are trying to start a family is to get it underway when they are still young. It is a good plan, because we realize that we need as much of our energy as possible when we are taking care of the children. At the same time, however, we want to do some things in life before we hang it up and stay home with the kids. Every once in awhile, we get a surprise in life when we get pregnant when we are older. It can be a great thing but it can also lead to some uncomfortable questions.
My friend Debbie’s two daughters were in high school when she experienced severe flu-like symptoms. Debbie visited her family doctor, who told her the flu bug had passed her by. Instead, she had been touched by the “love bug” and was now pregnant.
The birth of Tommy, a healthy, beautiful son, was an event for celebration, and as time went by, it seemed as though every day brought another reason to celebrate the gift of Tommy’s life. He was sweet, thoughtful, fun-loving and a joy to be around.
One day when Tommy was about six years old, he and Debbie were driving to the neighborhood mall. As is the way with children, out of nowhere, Tommy asked, “Mommy, how old were you when I was born?”
“Thirty-six, Tommy. Why?” Debbie asked, wondering what his little mind was contemplating.
“What a shame!” Tommy responded.
“What do you mean?” Debbie inquired, more than a little puzzled.
Looking at her with love-filled eyes, Tommy said, “Just think of all those years we didn’t know each other.”
