I hesitated, feeling stupid, before blurting out that I always feel tired. I couldn't believe my own ears. Of course I'm always tired. I have a lot to do every day.

It was the first time I'd met this doctor, a woman I guessed was six to eight years older than me. She was very professional, and patiently asked me how many children I had. ‘"Three," I answered. She then kindly enquired as to their ages. "15, 13 and 11," I said.

With all the seriousness she could muster, she gave me her diagnosis.

"Six years."

In six years, she assured me, my children would be more independent of me and I would have more energy and not feel so tired all the time.

I knew that was the mother, not the doctor, talking. She confessed that her children were indeed six years older than mine.

Meanwhile, she said, I should remember it is all over in a blink and hang on for the ride.