The Club Sandwich Generation and Forever Caregiving

I have often called myself a member of the “sandwich generation.”  But after a little research, I discovered that I am actually a member of the “club sandwich generation.”

The term refers to the midlife generation being wedged between the needs of different family members: parents, children, and grandchildren.

My mother is living, and I am a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. I’ll go a step further and add extra meat and extra mayo, lots of extra mayo!

I am a forever caregiver for my 39-year-old son with autism.

Ross is not able to live independently. He continues to live with us and needs my help daily. Autism defines my day and how I move from hour to hour. Fromthere, I schedule time with my husband, mom, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Filling all the gaps of my roles can be challenging. Many days, it is heavy on my heart when I’d like to do more but just can’t.

With all the challenges, I receive such beautiful gifts.

I am blessed to hear stories from my mom of me growing up, of my grandparents, what it was like for her to go back to college when I was just in kindergarten, and details of the amazing trips she and my father took.

I am blessed to witness and share in the precious moments as my oldest son fulfills his life as a husband and father.

I am blessed to spend unforgettable time with my grandchildren, watching them grow, learning about the world, riding their bikes, coloring, and watching movies with Uncle Ross.

I am blessed to continue caring for Ross, to be his support, and to watch him navigate every day.

And I am deeply thankful to share this journey with my husband, Greg, forever by my side.

I know I am not alone in the “club sandwich generation,” including those with double meat, mayo, and so much more. Balancing time between children, parents, work, and personal life, and being tugged in different directions, can weigh heavy.

I remind myself that each day is a gift.

Not everyone gets to experience this age and be surrounded by generations of family. It is a blessing.

Yes, it’s hard. Yes, I have a full plate. Yes, I get overwhelmed.

Yes, I am most grateful, blessed beyond measure, thankful, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Written by Marla Brotherton of Doin’ Ok, Yeah – Navigating Autism

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