feeling "sandwiched"

July 19, 2006

I'm the 45 year old mom of a 6 year old and an 7.5 month old. Both were adopted as infants.

Although I'm overjoyed with the blessings of these two amazing boys, I'm also feeling the pressure of becoming more concerned for the well being of my parents, who are 76 and 79 yrs old. They are very independent right now, but I also know that sooner or later the burden of their care will fall on me. I'm not an only child, but the only one physically (and, truth be told, emotionally) available to them.

I cringe at the thought of short-changing my boys in their childhood due to the possible needs of their loving grandparents. I only have so much energy, and I wonder how much will be expected of me in the coming years. I guess my worrisome nature is getting the best of me.

Has anyone else experienced the conflict of being part of the "sandwich generation"?

Thanks for letting me vent.

NJNative

July 20, 2006

Yup. It's a common problem. My son is 15 now but my parents are 77 and 74 and not in the greatest of health. To top it off, my husband travels a lot for work and I often feel pulled in too many directions.

You can only do what you can do...

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skiboo

July 23, 2006

I am in that boat right now and it is stressful. Between working full-time, being a parent to an active toddler and having an 81 year old mother-in-law with several health issues I feel as if I have very little time left over as it is. My dh is an only child and all the care of his mother falls on us and it is considerable. I worry about how long I can keep this pace going, especially in a year or two when Alex wants to start doing activities and so forth. Until then, I just keep pluggin along and hoping I have enough energy for my the week ahead.

skilack

July 24, 2006

I can totally relate. Although my Mom is still young(53) she is not always in the best of health. I think about having to take care of her and our three kids. I also have another sibling, but he won't be the one who takes care of her. He is ten years younger than me and single. Hubby's parents are close to 70. He has two other sibs,but again I think it will be us who takes care of them. Hopefully not all of our parents at the sametime. LOL. That could get very interesting. Imagine that. LOL.

screaminrieman

August 17, 2006

I can relate. My son is 9 and my mom is going thru issues right now. Not major issues but with having her knee replaced this summer, my son was always at the hospital and or rehab with her and didn't get all of the play time he needs. we did a ton but compared to his buddies, not much at all. She is getting her other knee done again next summer and I may be back in the same boat. My sister watches Noah and we'd meet at the rehab facility to swap out.

I also take her out to eat at least twice a week which puts a damper on my home life.

HappyTwinsMom

August 17, 2006

I can totally relate. While my mom passed away just two months before my daughters were born (5 years ago), my Dad will be 74 this year. He's pretty darned healthy right now, but who knows how long that will last? His lady friend is currently nearing the end of her battle with colon cancer. It's a tough place to be, that's for sure.