This might sound odd, but I have tried to remember what it was like when my son was young, in a way that can bring me peace. I wouldn’t have to Svengali the memories like this, of course, if things were different, but I still think it’s the right way to think of it:
We gave all we could, with hope, to these little children of ours.
That is one of life’s treasures, without more.
Another treasure would be to see them have fulfilling, healthy adult lives. And they might.
But we received the first gift, no matter what.
And our children know we are here, when they want the second, no matter what.
