February 25, 2023  

I’m back for Part II

Hi everyone –

After about 3 years of not writing, I’m going to start this back up again. Of course, I’m not really Sandwich Generation anymore. My parents passed away and my kids are off at college. I’m an empty nester who moved to the beach. So, it’s not the same juggling act.

However – I do find myself in the middle of 2 things again. The 2 things are middle age and old age. Not long ago I had dinner with a friend in Atlanta who responded when I told him that being middle-aged was hard, “Uh, you’re not middle aged. You’re old.” The first part was more difficult to argue with than I expected. Another friend frequently refers to this part of life as “the back 9.” I don’t play golf but I can do arithmetic. And the arithmetic says that out of 18 holes, it’s more like the back 6.

This part of life is full of contradictions that I find myself trying to work through. So, as with The Sandwiched Man Part I, I figured I could work through them online and maybe they’ll resonate for a few people. I was surprised at the people who told me that they read this blog regularly. I don’t think they were making that up because… well, why would you make that up?

So, if you’ve made it this far, I appreciate it and get ready for Part II of The Sandwiched Man…

3 responses to “I’m back for Part II”

  1. Jon Miller's avatar
    Jon Miller says :

    Looking forward to reading your thoughts!

    Reply
  2. Michael's avatar
    Michael says :

    I resemble that remark. Write on…

    Reply
  3. Julie's avatar
    Julie says :

    I’m glad to see you back, I very much enjoyed your blogs. I lost my dad (our final parent) 2 years ago and now find myself in between the phases you speak about. On the one hand, it gives me so much relief to no longer be responsible for our parents (Between my husband and I, we spent 16 years caring for our parents) ,however, now I am left with “what’s next” moments. Things like getting a solar system and then figuring out when it will pay for itself, hmmm, will we be as active in 20 years? Will we be in this house in 20 years? Will we be alive in 20 years? These kind of moments make us pause. I do not think of myself in old age, however, it is surely around the corner if not here already. I swear, it is in the MD handbook, that when a patient turns 60, they are required to utter the words, well at YOUR age… Sigh. I have a great life, filled with fun activities and great friends although our family is no longer local. Ever since the pandemic, our desire to travel has lowered considerably. So what is next? The days fly by and the years even faster. But gratitude seems to be the best solution at this interesting time. Very interested to hear more from your end.

    Reply

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