My life, entering the Sandwich Generation

Raising Children and Caring for Parents

As I entered my forties I started to feel that I would have some time on my hands for me, the kids were becoming more independent and still need me but in a different way.  I had only entered the full-time workforce in my mid thirties and I was searching for a purpose in life, something I could do that would make a difference to others.  At the time I was working with children who had special needs and as rewarding as it was working with these great individuals I knew the physical demands of the job would eventually catch up with me.  That is when I found my passion of educating others on the importance of having Long Term Care Insurance.

This product hit home with me since I was living and breathing the effects of long term care with loved ones in my immediate family.  Little did I know at the time how my world would change.  After losing my Mom my opinion on life changed, my eyes were open for the first time.  I learned that life is something that needs to be lived and cherished and not to let the small things bother me.  Then when my Father in law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's just around this same time period, I learned how important the family unit is and how we must support each other through these changes in life.  My Dad is still alive and lives on his own and doesn't require much from me, except the odd time when he needs me to help fix a personal issue he may be dealing with.  I know however that as he ages he will require my assistance more frequently, luckily I have a sibling that can help share that assistance. 

Just recently my Mother in law's health took a turn and I have had to take some time off work to be by her side.  It is funny how when you just start thinking things are going in the right direction a curve ball is thrown your way.  I don't regret caring for my loved ones I just feel a little stressed.  Which I am sure is how most caregivers feel, especially when you have not just one person to look after but many.  Even though my children are pretty independent I don't want them to feel that I am not there for them.  They still require my guidance as they enter this world of young adults.  Thank goodness I have a husband who I can depend and lean on. 

So as we enter this sudden change in my Mother in laws health, so enters another chapter in the book of life.  Instead of looking to my elders for advice, they are looking to me.  My role as a Mother is still the same and that will hopefully remain the same for a long time coming, until the day were I may need my children's help in care giving.  I have planned for that day should it come sooner than expected, I wanted to make sure that I would have choices when it comes to my health care, and I also wanted to ease the burden of care for my children. 

Learning how to cope living the life of a "Sandwich generation" just makes me more determined to educate others, and the only way I know how to accomplish this is by sharing my experiences and others.  If you have a story or if you are a sandwich generation, I would love to hear from you.  Just send me a comment below or email me.