Shankland joins Reporter as weekly columnist . . .
Amy Shankland’s writing career began long before she received her degree in Journalism and English from Indiana University. She was an “Erma Bombeck wanna-be” columnist from 2003 to 2008 for the Noblesville Daily Times, a former freelance writer for Indy’s Child and the editor for her church’s bulletin for almost 11 years. Shankland self-published a novel called Hoop Mama in 2013 and published a book through Tell-Tale Publishing last summer about bringing joy to the workplace called Joy to You and Me (At Work!). She now writes every day as an author and grant consultant.
I’ve had nudges here and there over the years to start up my column again since I discontinued it with the Noblesville Times. People have been literally stopping me on the street asking about it and saying kind words. It’s been humbling and I’ve appreciated it more than I can say.
Three weeks ago, however, I felt a GIGANTIC push from two persistent ladies in Noblesville, Julie and Joan (pronounced JO-Ann.) This mother-daughter duo sought me out during the Historic Home Tour and bought two of my books. They then proceeded to tell me that I absolutely must start my column again and gave me instructions about what the first one should contain.
Wow.
Spurred on by their insistence, I reached out to the Hamilton County Reporter, and here I am today. According to Julie and Joan, here’s what I need to tell you all.
My sons, Jonathon and Jacob, are no longer in the little boy stage. Jonathon is 17 and a Noblesville High School (NHS) senior dividing his time between NHS classes and the J. Everett Light Career Center. You can also find him working at the Pizza Hut on Cumberland Road.
Jacob is 16 and a junior at NHS. He is a musician involved in both Jazz One and the “Milltonez” choir. Jacob’s musical abilities surpassed my own years ago. When he’s not playing piano or singing, he’s working at El Camino as a bus boy.
My husband John is still with Leafguard selling gutters and floor coverings. We’re celebrating 20 years of marriage in December!
The City of Noblesville eliminated my position three years ago, which was awesome because it was the kick in the butt that I needed to become an author and grant consultant. I just published a book about bringing joy to the workplace and I’m having a blast.
All four of us still live in a Victorian cottage just south of downtown Noblesville, although it’s had quite a facelift in recent years.
And finally, my siblings and I moved my elderly mother down here almost two years ago from Mishawaka, Indiana. Mom now lives in an assisted living facility just five minutes from home. Therefore, I’m a member of the “Sandwich Generation.”
For those of you not familiar with this term, Wikipedia says, “The Sandwich Generation is a generation of people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children.” Now you understand the title of this column.
According to the Pew Research Center, just over one of every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between 7 and 10 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance. So I have a feeling a lot of you are going to relate to my stories. It’s both a crazy and rewarding time of life, and oh, the adventures we’ll share!
Thanks to The Reporter for giving me this chance. It’s great to be back.
And thank you from the bottom of my heart, Julie and Joan – I hope I followed your instructions well.