I was suddenly struck with a revelation when thinking about Clark’s condition the other day.
When my wife and I decided to become parents, we thought we knew what we were signing up for. We take on the responsibility of raising the children, and if we do a good job, they move out and become responsible adults. 18-25 years, and we would be free to resume our intimacy and privacy.
In Clark’s case, it suddenly struck me that – beyond our best efforts – he might be unable to be an independent adult. That my wife and I may have unwittingly signed up for a life long commitment.
Which made me wonder…
In this day of knowledge, medicine, and (somewhat) economic stability – have we lost touch with the real responsibility of choosing to become parents??
Did parents of decades ago choose to have 5+ children, knowing that some of them may need the help of their siblings? Would couples in today’s age have only 1-2 children, if the odds of a life long debilitating disease was a “high” likelihood?
Would you think twice about having children faced with a possibility of something like this?
I look into Clark’s eyes, and I know the answer in my case. He gives it to me in one very large, and very loving, smile. I’ve chosen my path, and will remain steady through good and bad. Having seen the love in Clark, I know I would have regretted any other path that would have avoided such loveliness in my life.