Sandwiched
One of the worst things that can happen to a member of the sandwich generation is to get injured or sick. I haven’t dealt with the latter in a couple of years now.
But unfortunately, the former hit me out of nowhere last Monday morning. The day started out normally and without any stress. My youngest son went off to school just fine, I did a few household chores, and settled into my workday seated at the corner of my dining room table.
After reaching a good stopping point, I stood up to go to my 11:20 a.m. dentist appointment – and froze. Agonizing, sharp pain radiated from my lower back, causing me to cry out and gasp in shock. I recognized the feeling from a similar incident five years ago and hobbled to the bottom of our stairs to let my husband John know I was in trouble, wincing and fighting tears with every step.
He didn’t have any sales appointments until the evening, so thankfully he could get out the heating pad and prepare the recliner while I called the dentist and the chiropractor. During my chiropractic appointment that afternoon my phone rang and went to voice mail.
As John drove us back home, I listened to the message and could no longer hold back the tears. It was Mom’s facility giving me some bad news. Mom was okay, and I can’t share exact details of what happened, but they were going to have to change something in her routine that I knew would upset her.
Ordinarily I drive over to her apartment to share bad news. At least in person I can hug her and try to comfort her. But I couldn’t possibly get over there, even with my husband driving, and walk down the long hallway to her apartment.
I calmed down as best as I could and made the call. My heart broke as I heard her voice go from its usual cheerfulness to sorrow. My own tears started up again before we discontinued. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening alternating between crying and attempting to get some work done in my recliner.
No one ever likes to make their mama cry, and I felt completely helpless about the situation. The only thing I could do was ask God to help us both in whatever way He could and let Him know we needed Him.
By the next day I was about 50 percent better physically and emotionally. I felt blessed thanks to technology to continue to do my work, which is essential when you own your own business. I somehow sensed that my mom would be okay.
John and both of my sons have been a huge help to me this week. I feel grateful that the boys are now older and don’t have to rely on me as much. I know that “this too shall pass” and I’ll be back to my normal sandwich generation duties soon.