The Sandwich Generation

PUBLISHED IN THE EVANGEL // February 26, 2007

by Rhonda Schremmer, member, Family Enrichment Committee

Guilt.

That’s my description of life in the sandwich generation. Before my father died, he spent four months in a nursing home. We took turns feeding him at mealtimes. Just as I was feeding my one-year-old baby his food, I was also feeding my 80-year-old father.

I felt guilty as a wife. Jim would come from work and I would immediately leave for the nursing home.

I felt guilty as a mother. I was gone so much and sometimes even left behind a crying child.

I felt guilty as a daughter. I was always in a rush to visit Daddy. It was hard leaving Daddy at night but I had to hurry home to take one of the children to scouts or basketball practice.

I felt guilty as a sister. My schedule was not as flexible since I had small children at home.

The stresses of the sandwich generation can be overwhelming. There were times I cried as I rushed back and forth between my roles as wife, mother, sister, and daughter. Looking back, I realize two things: 1) I have no regrets, knowing I did the best I could; 2) I trust I made a lasting impression for my children in the way I honored my father.

Living in the Sandwich Generation

No, it’s not about food! It’s a program about and for individuals who are or expect to be “sandwiched” between responsibility for aging parents while actively parenting their own children. It will include events, issues, changes, and concerns related to aging and the caregiver.

The program will be offered Saturday, March 10, from 8:30 A.M. until 2:15 P.M. A registration fee of $10 per person includes lunch.

Have questions or want to register? Contact Pam Nail at 664-6023, or visit www.firstbaptistnashville.org.