They are only hours after all

This bears repeating. And, though their attention is a special and priveleged channel, children are not the only ones to carry our imprint forward in our absence: Lovers, spouses, dear freinds with whom you are yourself are all more of the waters on which the ripple you make will spread out. But only if you will throw your whole self into that pond.

The only hours of your life that get lived again after your death are those you spend with your kids.