No "punishment"

Someone asked me today how many children I have. When I told him "six," he looked at me with a smile on his face and asked incredulously,

"What are you, a glutton for punishment?"

He wasn't trying to be mean, and in its context, I could see that he was more amazed than anything, and really didn't know what else to say.

I suppose the number can catch people off guard, sometimes.

But I had the opportunity to take a walk with Marie this evening. She hasn't been feeling well, so I thought some (hot!) fresh air might do her some good. As we were walking down the street she looked up at the trees, broke out in a HUGE grin, and started waving and saying "hhhhhhaaaaaa! hhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaa!" (which, of course, is how she says hi).

My heart just melted.

She was just so in love with life... so happy to be out and see the trees... and she was just shouting her "hello!" to the world.

How could anyone view a child as a punishment? Even in jest?