Last line says it all. Hardest and most rewarding. A few years ago a young friend and I were talking. She and her partner were getting close to age 40. They had travelled lots, been together a long while, had good jobs but were a bit ambivalent on whether to have kids. I told her it was a very personal decision and that she should do what felt right but that it was the one thing I know I would have regretted not doing. They did have a little girl who is now coming up for two years old and she is the absolute love of their lives. They were both only children so the grandparents are over the moon too. It isn't for everyone but for those of us who choose it parenthood can be the most wonderful thing ever. Along with all the worry of course and the occasional tragedy.