Today is my last day here at GenBetween. That was really hard to write. When I started writing here, I had been slapped silly into the Sandwich Generation and I knew as a wrote that I’d eventually be writing about my mother’s death, and I did. I had no idea what would come after that, and I’m kind of glad I didn’t what with my father’s immediate descent into back problems, a wheel chair and surgery, as well as his step-mother and his brother dying all within 9 months after my mother’s death. When you write about aging and elderly parents and such, it’s easy to be maudlin or sappy, some of this is no fun. But, it’s not all sturm und drang, either, it’s just a new normal and you have to... [Read more]

Tomorrow is Halloween. A day that’s fun for kids both big and small can be overwhelming for seniors, especially those living alone or with dementia. Be sure to check out some ways you can help the elderly celebrate Halloween. [Read more]

Well, all good things must come to an end, I suppose. Today is my last day here at Career and Kids. As I leave you in Cherie’s capable hands, I just want you to know how much I’ve enjoyed my nearly 2 years with you discussing the issues and sometimes the trials and tribulations of managing work and family. For many parents, working is just a fact of life, and it’s a choice for others. To me, it just is what it is. Though society spends a lot of time analyzing and justifying every angle of every position, when it comes down to it, most people just want to raise their kids the best way they know how, and the presence or absence of a paycheck isn’t a measurement of success or skill in that arena. But, if working along... [Read more]

Many seniors remember The Great Depression and they are reminded of those times during this current economic downturn. The habits they formed during that time are great examples for us today. Their generation is well versed in making the best out of what they have and making things last, a lesson that most of us haven’t had to live. They can also teach us lessons about family and friends, banding together with one another, to pass the time and sometimes even to survive. A strong work ethic is often the hallmark of someone who knew the Great Depression. Young people went to work early and contributed financially to the family and they learned self-reliance. Saving money and living within one’s means is possibly the most important... [Read more]

I have no idea how this popped into my head, but I wanted to share something with you. Several years ago, when my mother got sick you may remember she was in and out of the hospital a lot and I stayed with her during those times. Things got a might hairy for me as I lived at the hospital at night (and hoo boy, if something weird was going to happen, it sure happened then), worked during the day and took care of my family in the evenings. I actually thought I was doing well until the night I thought the car radio was talking to me. Anyway, when it became apparent that I may have been coming a tad unglued, I got an anonymous e-mail. Someone, I never did find out who it was, e-mailed me and said he/she was “ready to talk” about... [Read more]