Beautifully written and powerful piece, Ali!! So many important points. My aunt is a kindergarten teacher and also childfree by choice. When people ask why she doesn't have children (which happens all the time and is shocking to me - such a personal decision that strangers like to weigh in on), she states, "I have 25 children (her students) that I love dearly and that is perfect for me." That usually gives them pause and time for her to walk away. : )