THEsandwichGENERATION
Patience is Indeed A Virtue Owning a ‘ new ’ role in the family
In 1997 God was beginning a work in me that has genuinely changed my life ’ s focus . He placed me in the Sandwich Generation . In this role I have been an advocate for elders and loved ones . My other role as “ Big Momma ” to my grandchildren is also one I take seriously .
The Sandwich Generation of people are typically in their thirties or forties , responsible for bringing up their own children and for the care of their aging parents . I found myself in this role in about 1997 when my maternal grandmother passed away . My mother had lived with my grandmother for several years and they cared for each other . Now , it was my turn .
At the age of 40 , my life began to change drastically . My mother was mentally ill and I gained the responsibility to care for her . I worked a very labor intensive job and I was co-parenting a preteen and a teenager . Adjusting made this time difficult for me . Making major decisions along with meeting my obligations at home with the children - all while working a full-time job was exhausting . To say the least , I was overwhelmed . However , I accepted the new role . I had become the substance of the sandwich , smack dead in the middle of the bread and the cheese . The journey of understanding the Medicare and Medicaid world was a lengthy process . Learning the language and the difference between the two was all new to me . My mother needed to have the best , so I also learned about the senior programs in the area and home healthcare .
Quickly , I created a To Do List for the Sandwich Generation to make sure I would never forgot the important things . # 1 . Finding caring people is the very most important item on the list of a member of the Sandwich Generation . # 2 . Exercising your mind , body and spirit . I was often mentally drained and frustrated with my dear mother ’ s physical and mental condition . I found solace in daily workouts that included : lifting weights , walking or taking scenic bike rides as well as attending regular church services and activities . # 3 . Be patient and pray . Being encouraged by other believers can make a huge difference when making some of the tough decisions . This is when I discovered the necessity of prayer and patience in my life . I also found it helpful to pray and meditate on patience .
Patience is something that must be practiced . It is one of the most important parts of being an effective caregiver . This experience has helped me understand why patience is considered a virtue ! One must need to be an angel or angelic to cope .
Life is short and there is no dress rehearsal . We have to serve those that God places in our life . Which leads my number 4 . # 4 . Our service to others is the rent we pay to live here .
Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging is an amazing resource for those who have also realized they are apart of the Sandwich Generation . ( 319 )
272-2244 . They offer quality information concerning most aspects of elder care . It is a great resource for beginners . Monthly , I will feature area agencies that offer assistance to those of you that find yourself suddenly being Sandwiched !
# 5 . Embrace the role in the Sandwich Generation and learn to love it !
Joshalyn Hickey-Johnson is a lifelong resident of Waterloo IA . She began writing by journaling her daily life and documenting life events in the lives of most of her immediate family . She started a Union based newsletter at Viking Pump in 1998 , and found a new passion for writing . She has 2 published children ’ s books . In more recent years she found herself being a caregiver to more and more people on both ends of the age spectrum , declaring herself positioned in “ The Sandwich Generation .” Learning more and more about caring for elderly parents and being a trendy grandmother , Hickey-Johnson has lot to share on today ' s topics and ‘ real life ’ scenarios .
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