If I hadn't had children, I probably would have had more money and material things, I probably would have gone more places, gotten more sleep, pampered myself more. My life would have been more boring and predictable. As a result of being a parent, I have laughed harder, cried more often. I have worried more and hurried more. I've had less sleep, but somehow I've had more fun. I've learned more, grown more. My heart ached harder, and I've loved to a capacity beyond my imagination. I've given more of myself, but I've derived more meaning from life.