The Book Of Questions
Questions 90, 90+, and 91
Gregory Stock, Ph.D. The Book of Questions prompts - If you could choose the sex and physical appearance of your soon to be born child, would you do it?
NO. Well, to be honest, I knew the sex of my children before they were born. I thought all mothers knew. That was before there was so much of a big deal about the reveal of the baby's sex.
I don't believe it is my choice. I am happy that I had one girl and one boy, though. With my husband number two, I got a son, and with number three husband, I got four more children. Two boys and two girls.
I now have seven children, and it hasn't mattered that I have divorced 2 fathers, as the children are still my children, biological or not. My third husband's four children were all grown when we got together, however, I knew them as babies and young children before I knew him.
Physical appearance is based on the parents, and I think we were both attractive enough, and I never gave that a thought. When they were born, they were both the cutest.
As grandchildren have arrived, and great-grandchildren are arriving now, they are the best-looking babies in the world, and the smartest. So, I would rather let nature take its course.
Gregory Stock, Ph.D. The Book of Questions prompts - Would you like to have a child much brighter and more attractive than yourself? What difficulties might result? How much would it bother you to have an ugly, stupid, or crippled child? To ensure your baby would be born bright, attractive, and healthy, would you use a safe medical procedure to genetically alter the developing embryo? Would a baby designed in this way still feel like your child?
I love all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I see some a whole lot less than others. They are all different and lovable. I only have one not living in my home state, though, so I do see them.
I think they are all more attractive than I am. They don't have the education I have, so that brightness may take a while. They are brighter in some ways already, and no one is stupid. I have one great granddaughter with spina bifida, and she is doing well.
I would not use a medical procedure to alter the developing embryo genetically. I'm not sure if it would feel like my child or not. It wouldn't be me, as I am done having children. It wouldn't matter as a grand or great grand though, as I love all my grands, biological and not.
Gregory Stock, Ph.D. The Book of Questions prompts - Would you rather play a game with someone more or less talented than you? Would it matter who was watching?
I would play a game with either someone better or less talented. It would not matter who is watching.
I would prefer someone of equal talent to make the game more interesting, however. And I'm not much for playing a game all alone.
About the Creator
Denise E Lindquist
I am married with 7 children, 28 grands, and 13 great-grandchildren. I am a culture consultant part-time. I write A Poem a Day in February for 8 years now. I wrote 4 - 50,000 word stories in NaNoWriMo. I write on Vocal/Medium daily.
Keep reading
More stories from Denise E Lindquist and writers in Writers and other communities.
Miss Persephone's Manual to a Seemingly Ordinary Life
Miss Persephone was found at the dining table, her blue eyes swollen, her tears arriving and retreating like the tides of the ocean. Earlier that day, her family had visited her in the retirement home where she had lived for eight years. It was her eightieth birthday.
By Imola Tótha day ago in Fiction
Comments (14)
"Well said 👏"
Your perspective on parenthood is so grounding. It’s clear that love, not biology or perfection, is what truly matters.
I cannot fathom altering an embryo. I have four adult children, my son is autistic, but I wouldn't trade him for the world. Congratulations, Denise, on your top story!
so much be happy
Congratulations on your Top Story! Denise💖
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on these questions! You have such a thoughtful and open perspective, especially when it comes to the idea of choosing the sex or appearance of a child. It's refreshing to see someone so comfortable with the natural course of things and how you embrace the uniqueness of each of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I also appreciated your honesty in considering the implications of genetic alterations—it's an important topic, and your approach to loving all of your children no matter their differences is inspiring. It’s clear that for you, family is about much more than just physical appearance or intelligence. The part about playing a game with someone of equal talent really resonated with me, too. It’s nice to know that balance is important to you, and that you're open to playing games for the joy of the experience, regardless of the audience. Thanks for sharing such personal and meaningful insights!
Congrats on Top Story, Denise<3
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This was such a beautifully grounded reflection, Denise. I especially appreciated your emphasis on unconditional love — the kind that transcends biology, appearance, or even ability. Your line about not altering embryos because you’d “rather let nature take its course” really resonated. There’s something deeply profound about accepting the unknown, and allowing life to unfold without our interference. It reminded me of how much society today pressures us toward perfection — as if love should be engineered, not discovered. Also, your thoughts on playing games — preferring equal talent, but still embracing anyone — felt like a metaphor for your approach to family and life in general: inclusive, open-hearted, and wise. Thanks for sharing your voice and experiences. This felt like a conversation I’d want to keep having.
Very good job, congratulations!
I was wondering. Do you ever lose count of how many children you have? I'm asking because I might do that, lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Very beautiful words. They awaken appreciation for the people—souls that God chose to keep us company.
Good
The old adage as long as a child is healthy boy or girl shouldn't matter. The Lord decides what will happen. Good job.