The Sandwich Generation. Remember that term? Aging parents, children who still need your care. Caught between both generations. I am living that reality right now. Everything extra gets put on the back burner when you're in that place. That means crafting, leisure, blogging and at times, your joy. Now, I'm not complaining, mind you. Many of us, have and will, survive through it. It can be a tough space, at times. But there can be great joy in that place, as well.
Our family is dealing with this two-fold. Both my mom and Caveman's dad have had some health problems recently, which have required us to juggle many balls in the air. A couple of recent hospital stays and a surgery coming up soon for each of them have us on the run even more than we usually run! With our own three cave sons at home we are spread pretty thin these days.
As difficult as it is though, it is a privilege to serve our parents. We don't know how long we'll have them so we do what we have to do. Over the years I have had three family members fight and lose to cancer. I have stitched next to their hospital bed or in their room in the nursing home. Lord knows I have completed many a stitchery during those many months I have sat, visited, and supported.
The coming months will be no different as I once again sit by the hospital beds and stitch, visit and support. For me it's "Stitching Therapy". I am preparing many new patterns to stitch during these upcoming hospital stays with our parents. One of my joys, and I now realize, one of the callings of my soul.