Parenting as a surprise special interest?

So I always see people commenting about being concerned about or not wanting to have kids because of their autism. How many of you feel the opposite?

So my story is a bit convoluted; I (40m) was apparently diagnosed with Asperger's as a young kid, at the same time as my adhd. well i was born in the 80s, and ADHD could be medicated, so I was, and obviously that couldn't be hidden, but the other still had some serious misunderstandings and major stigmas so my mother never told anyone about the Asperger's, including me.

Thinking it was an effort thing, I pushed, and while I was never popular and struggled to barely fit in, I gotta admit I was fairly successful: served in the military, started a career, bought a house, got married, had kids. etc. But as responsibilities grew, obviously it kept getting harder. Long story short, I never considered not having them due to autism because I didn't know I had autism, and now I know thanks to a second doctor who also caught it decades later.

Believe me, im still struggling on a daily basis, But there is NOTHING, and I mean nothing in the world that has ever given me nearly as much joy as my kids. No title (and I've held some cool ones) is nearly as important to me as dad. I am literally not upset at passing up my own special interests to spend time with them My first tattoo is of my firstborn's handprint.

For someone that grew up his whole life without a real circle, to suddenly have such an intense one that truly loves you unconditionally and looks up to you it is AMAZING

And I say this as not only a person who, before kids, didn't understand people making their kids their identity; I had the retirement plan of living in an RV cause the kids can't move back home if they don't know where it's at! now I didnt NOT want kids, it just wasn't a dream of mine. i wanted to if i found the right person, but it wasnt my Goal exactly, and ifyou asked me, no i would not like to hold your baby nor would i consider babysitting or changing a diaper.

Is this a surprise special interest? All my other special interests have been put on the back burner since becoming a parent, not even primarily by necessity, but because why would I want to do anything other than be involved with my kids? They are my favorite people on this planet. (And luckily, they already want to be in the garage working on cars or playing video games as much as me lol).