"It is in giving, that we receive."

Children are the future of this world, but even more than that for me, they are the lifeline that has kept me in it.

My own children gave me a sense of belonging and being that nothing else ever has. They were the ultimate playmates, the ultimate reason to be. I could do things for them I never could have done otherwise. They taught me that I had the courage, the intelligence, and the strength to conquer my worst fears in order for them to understand that everything we need is always right inside of us.

They are the tiny light that flickers on even the darkest night, reminding me that when I am lost, I only need to look deeper, and perhaps deeper still. As long as I keep looking there is hope. And hope is the road map to my destiny.

On my worst days, teaching other people's children was an oasis in the middle of chaos. Stepping through the door into my classroom was like immersing myself in liquid sunshine. Transformed into a pied piper whose only purpose was to lead those in my care into a love of learning and understanding of themselves, I received far more than I ever gave.

Now, walking towards the twilight of my life it seems only natural that children should be the candles that light the way, but I have learned that children come in all ages and sizes and to think otherwise is a fallacy. A candle burns as brightly during it's last few minutes as it ever did and it still needs the same basic things.