You know what? On the heels of composing my series about a typical caregiver’s day, I realized something.
While a lot of my writing orients toward championing the beleaguered Sandwich Generation, there exist some further distinctions. Coaching and workshop clients have mentioned these. I’d therefore like to extend huge kudos to three types of peopleRead More
Let me briefly describe this Baby Boomer couple. In his seventies, he has a 95-year-old mother and is largely responsible for her despite having a sister. In her sixties, my only-child friend has a mother aged 81; her father is 83. While having no children together, he has a son and daughter in their thirties.
In one 24-hour period alone, ALL three parents faced serious health crises. Two were emergencies! In my experience, their woes are typical of those in the Sandwich Generation. And, their plight is about to become a whole lot worse.Read More
Today is the third anniversary of my father’s Memorial Service. Wow.
Three years later, I can immediately summon who was present – and who was not. Both groupings of people seem equally important to me. Yes, there is no finer moment in life to discern who is TRULY “there” for you than navigating the transitions associated with an elder’s passing – especially that of an Un-cope-able Parent.
As I see it, there are three points of distinction and/or decision-making you will be called upon to make.Read More
Last week, I celebrated my 57th Birthday. I could have used language like turned, marked, reached or hit. Instead, I chose to honor myself and all I have been/done for over five decades.
If my Dad was still with us, I assure you his card would have referred to “57 varieties” in deference to the historical advertising slogan of Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Company. How hilarious that I actually located an old Heinz 57 label while recently cleaning out kitchen cupboards!
Given how rapidly my 50’s are unfolding, it got me to thinkingRead More
On this July 6, I celebrate my 57th Birthday.
I consider the occasion a special day. I always have and always will. For, it is the day I decided to arrive on planet Earth. I see the same thing for everyone, no matter your circumstances. The world would not be the same without you in it.
You know, one of the neat things about being born mid-yearRead More
Do you burn tons of energy “psyching up” to deal with your impossible aging parents but still feel like pulling out your hair at the roots within seconds?
Do you regularly clamp down on what you really want to say to the difficult duo?
Are you physically and emotionally exhausted for hours afterwards, even if you only spent minutes by phone or in-person?
As we stand before a brand new year, you get to determine how the next 365 days will go. Are you genuinely ready for those mindsets to be over? To get clear, you need to honestly answer 3 vital questions.Read More
My curiosity is peaked.
What did you think and feel about the idea of LOVING ACTION to survive even the most Un-cope-able Parent? Was it too simplistic? Perhaps it was – at first blush.
Remember, though, when all else fails, the most evident and untried strategiesRead More
Are you ready for the first letter within the acronym ACTION? It stands for Advocate.
What definition comes to mind when you think of that term? As a verb, you likely summon the idea of defending. As a noun, you conjure a person who supports or pleads in favor of another.
True. Yet,Read More
Thank you so much to all of you who bore witness to the Memories, Lessons and Insights of the one-year anniversary of my father’s passing on August 26th.
It was a great privilege and honor to impart my experiences. Since, more than one person in my circles who has contended with un-cope-able parents (or still is) has thanked me for the difference these posts made.
The main feedback centered uponRead More
Yes, I know I was stark in describing my initial anniversary reactions concerning my father’s transition. I believe you have come to anticipate that from me.
Along with my unbridled support, you have my unfettered permission to speak YOUR truth – at minimum to yourself when you read my words and at its best toward others.
For, I truly hope you have some people around you to provide an empathetic ear to yourRAW parental accounts. The unvarnished version (like mine) is not easy to hear. I know.
Bottom-line, you need places where you can honor what’s right by YOU in safety, trust and personal integrity. You absolutely require – and deserve – this!!
We’re not at the end of the story.Read More
