Beautiful! I was just napping and for some strange reason thinking about my grandparents in that semi-awake twilight. Lo and behold, I wake up, go to Medium and here’s this article. Thank you Jodie!

My wife and I don’t have kids, mostly by choice. I did feel a tinge of guilt for not giving my parents a grandchild as I read this. I know it would give them so much joy, but sometimes I feel like I’m denying them that.

But then I remember a message I got from somewhere a while back…

“Not all branches produce fruit, but the tree remains just as beautiful.”


I’m part of the village, the tree. In everything I do and everyone I meet, I try to radiate love, grace, and understanding. Sometimes I forget to do that for myself, like just now with that tinge of guilt.