ONE TOO MANY

Hello, old friend! Where have you been? A long time since we brought our kids to this park to swing! You had three and we had four. Remember how their mothers loved to shoo us all to the playground after work so they could visit over the back fence. Those were the days!

Did you hear about my Elizabeth? It was a long struggle, and she was so weak at the end. I sure miss her. When she got sick, it was our youngest daughter, the one over there swinging the little boy, who moved in with us to care for her.

She was just starting a new job, but her mother mattered more to her than her career. She really is beautiful isn't she. Always so serene and hopeful.

Their dad turned out to be the best friend I ever had. Can't drive now, but I make myself useful around the house. With this disability, I might be in nursing care, but they invited me to live with them, if I wanted to, they said!

I know it is not easy for them. Life never is. But it's good. You know, sometimes when I see my daughter I have to remember. She's the one we thought would be one too many. After all, our oldest was twenty and our baby was ten.

Four is enough for one couple to raise and feed, clothe and educate. And along she came just as abortion was legal. It seemed so sane and sensible to take control of the situation! But somehow, we just couldn't do it. Let's walk over there. I'd like you to meet her.