An innocent question. Even something to fill the space when you meet someone new.
But it totally paralyzes me.
In an instant, I’m weighing how much I want to tell. I’m trying to judge if this is a sincere question or a time-filler? I’m wondering if this person will be part of our life and thus worthy of our ‘story’ or just an acquaintance who doesn’t really care.
So, sometimes I simply say “one girl and 3 boys” and sometimes I say “5 children, but we lost one.” Which of course makes the acquaintance’s eyes bug out as they try to figure out how to get away! LOL
Such a simple question…such a loaded question….
I almost always say 4. Most people leave it at that. If they ask how old they are, I say, “From 9 all the way down to 2.” I just can’t leave our Rebecca out. It never really gets easier does it?
I did not want to run away the first time we met and you answered my question of how many children do you have with “5, 4 living”. I was in awe of your strength and courage. I’m not quite sure how to say this, but it also made me very happy that you responded that you have 5 children. I’m honored to know Joshie’s mom.
Man, that would be a hard question to answer. I think I would say “5, 4 living”… Just because I wouldn’t want anyone to forget the lost one, you know?
That is a loaded question for me as well. I never know what to say. Sometimes I say “9”, sometimes I say “5 still at home”. I don’t say, “one returned prodigal, two in foster care”.
So I can feel your pain my sister.
Carla Jo