When Lauren Rivera decided to have a child at almost 40, she had no idea how it would impact her future. Now, as she watches her son grow, she realizes that the decision to wait may mean she never gets to experience the joys of being a grandmother.

The Bittersweet Realization of Delayed Parenthood

Emotional Maturity and the Decision to Wait

When Lauren had her son at almost 40, she was more emotionally mature than she would have been at a younger age. She knew there would be trade-offs, but she was ready to be the parent she wanted to be. As societal norms shift and more people delay having children, she understands the reasons behind this trend.Having a child later in life allows for more stability and self-awareness. It gives parents the opportunity to focus on their careers and personal goals before taking on the responsibility of raising a child. Lauren's decision was a personal one, and she doesn't regret it. Her son is the best thing that has ever happened to her.

The Reality of Growing Old and the Fear of Missing Out

As the years pass, Lauren realizes that if her son waits as long as she did to have kids, or longer, she may not be around to meet them. The idea of not being able to witness her family grow is a bitter reality that she has to face.Most days, she is exhausted from raising her son as an "older mom," and the thought of caring for another child is the last thing on her mind. But as she gets older, she starts to question her mortality and the limited time she has left.

Wondering about the Future and Cherishing the Present

As her son grows, Lauren often thinks about what kind of person he will become. She wonders about his college choices, career path, and future relationships. She knows that by the time he starts to think about settling down, she will likely be in her senior years.The truth is, life rarely unfolds as we plan. Lauren doesn't know if her son will have children early or not at all. All she can do is cherish the moments she has with him now. Every laugh, hug, and milestone is a gift that she holds dear.Instead of focusing on the "what ifs," Lauren tries to be present in the "what is." She knows that life is unpredictable, and she wants to make the most of every moment with her son. Whether he becomes a father or not, she will always be proud of the person he is.