I haven’t posted here in a while. Sorry about that. You see, I’m now a sandwich. Well, my husband and I are what they call the Sandwich Generation—we are caring for his widowed father while raising two teenagers under the same roof.

It’s as you’d expect it, there are moments of unrivaled JOY and there can be emotional difficulties that crush one’s spirit. Often times, these two extremes happen in the same day, which is overwhelming. But it’s without a doubt worthwhile and earns the moniker of “sandwich” genuinely.

How is this like a Publix Sub? If you’re lucky to be living near a Publix Supermarket and have tried one of their amazing deli sandwiches you know the BREAD is the key. It is incomparable and makes the PubSub experience even more satisfying, crumbs and all. This is what having your kids’ grandfather around 24/7 can be for you and your children. The LIFE LESSONS, the substance, the power of meeting day-to-day expectations of a man from The Greatest Generation… it’s exhausting and powerfully uplifting at the same time. Like the fresh-baked Publix sandwich loaf, it IS the basis of the sandwich generation.

Now, the fillings, that’s a post in and of itself… and maybe this will become a series… but raising a teen girl, her younger brother, a spoiled dog, and a rescued kitten ON TOP of maintenance of a marriage means the FILLINGS of our sandwich are sometimes salty, sometimes a little tangy, messy, dripping with oil & vinegar but at the end of each day, we are so very grateful for what God has provided.

So, I may not post here as often as I want to and I may still have book projects simmering on that back burner. But know that it’s all for good reason.

When my husband’s mother lost her battle with lung cancer and his father refused to move closer to us, we took a leap of faith and landed here instead, which has turned out to be right where we belong. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But, if the opportunity arises, give it a chance. Because, if you have the gift of time with your parents in their golden years and can give back a tiny fraction of what they provided for you, it will make a huge difference in your family legacy.

Google the Sandwich Generation and up pops article after article about the STRESS (which is part of it, for sure), but sandwiches can be YUMMY, too, and if they’re savored, can be quite satisfying.