Jadabug..That was so beautiful you made me realize something I'd like to share with you.
My mother live very harsh life growing up in soviet Russia. She is the strongest, sweetest, most supportive loving lady I know. I believe that your children are very lucky to have a woman like you for mum, because you remind me of my mum. If you don't have children, know that whatever choice you is make, you be wonderful mum, which means your fur children is very, very lucky and spoil!
Oh and...