Where have all the babies gone?

Some women are addicted to romance novels. I on the other hand am addicted to stories of growing up on a farm with a bunch of children running around. Call them what you will -- if it has a farm, a warm house and a bunch of children I love it.

Yesterday I went to the memorial service for a wonderful "pillar" of our church. She and her husband were just days away from their 70th wedding anniversary. She came from a large German family and grew up on a farm in South Dakota. Yes, her family had 11 children. Her husband's family had 9, but they chose to only have 2 children. Their children each had 2 -- giving this wonderful couple 4 grand children and, at the time of her passing, 5 great-grandchildren.

About 70 people attended the service; her funeral had been a month earlier in another state. My mother pointed out other members of "pillar" families I didn't know. I enjoyed the stories of this wonderful lady growing up, and there really weren't enough for me. As a wife she was well educated, helped run her husband's businesses and loved showing hospitality.

I had left my older children at home with Proeun, bringing only Effie with me. She was one of 2 babies and 3 children at the service. I couldn't help but imagine, what if this lady had had 9 children and her children 9 children, how many children would be present then? It certainly wouldn't have been as reverent a service, but at least in my mind it would still have been joyful.

As a side note, I am almost done preparing my house for hospitality. I have already invited a wonderful older lady over for "baby time." Maybe not everyone loves having babies like I do, but they do bring a certain joy to any gathering. So I ask again, where have all the babies gone? Sorry for my ramblings, i was just contemplating a lot last night.