An important reason why I would like to have children, is that I feel lonely, but there are many others, even more important ones.

First of all, I had a very happy childhood. I had several adults who were nice to me, providing good role models. It gave me a great sense of security, and I will never forget my older relatives. Unfortunately, they've been gone for a long time now. The only family I have left, are my mother and my sister.

Secondly, I think I'd make a reasonably good parent. Family is the most important thing in my life, and I would never value anything more than my family and my friends. I'd devote much time to my children and try to give to them a little of what my older relatives and family members have given me.

I also happen to think that my lifestyle is positive, no matter how you define the word. In my family we avoid using a car - in fact, we don't even have one anymore. We live simply and down-to-earth and grow some of our food ourselves, we compost and we throw very little away - but then we don't buy all that much in the first place. All this I'd like to impart to my children. Waste is a luxury we can no longer allow ourselves.

The only thing that's even remotely hopeful, in all the doom and gloom these days - war, epidemics, global warming etc - is our offspring - children, our future. That's why I don't want to leave the future up to others. Those who value careers, travel, gadgets, latte etc more than family, might as well not have any children, but to me there's nothing more important than my family.

I hope that if my readers have wondered why I would like to have children, they'll feel that they've been enlightened.