DEAR ABBY: I'm being married in October to "Olivia," the woman I am meant to be with. After the wedding, we both want to start a family. I love Olivia and am thrilled with the idea of having children. I worry a lot, though, about what kind of world we will be bringing a child into. I worry about terrorism and global warming. I don't want my child to be scared for his/her safety and uncertain about the future. Can you advise me, Abby? -- REALIST IN BROWNS MILLS, N.J.
DEAR REALIST: There are few thinking people these days who don't share the same concerns that you do. The truth is, having children is an act of faith -- an optimistic "investment" in the future. No one has any guarantees that he or she can bring a child into a world free of problems. However, if we live prudently and put forth our best efforts to resolve the problems we face today, the chances are better that the next generation will have fewer of them to cope with.