Sandwiched
By Sherri C. Bell

Caught between generations, I stand – a daughter, a mother, and spouse.
A soul-surviving once-caregiver to sister, mother, and partner.
Navigating the unknown in the extreme discomfort zone of balancing it all.
Now, a sole surviving long-distance lifeline to Dad, 84 and homebound, five states away..
Free-falling from conscious existence.
The weight of responsibility is a silent cross to bear.
Watching once-independent parents become reliant while the millennial generation is scratching to survive.
But here’s the truth, hidden in plain sight: Seeking help isn’t failure – it’s about surrendering control for relief.
Respite.

At the very long end of my care-giving tether, sacrificing my established life to whole-heartedly dedicate my life
to my dying sister, a hospice nurse told me about respite.
Five days flattened with complete exhaustion.
Next time I knew, “I need respite!”.
Now, I know long-term relief comes from looking outside of myself.
Professional private home care, like Dignity First, makes a world of difference.
Expertise, trust, support, long term respite.
Peace of mind. It’s not selfish to acknowledge limitations. It’s a responsible and loving choice.
Enhancing quality of care while preserving your well-being is number one on your list as a care-giver.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out for help when you need it. Transform your caregiving
experience from burden to shared love and respect.
As I navigate this life’s devastation, I’m learning to balance care with self-care.
Finding strength in support, professional and personal. This is my Full-Circle Era of Caregiving.
High Five to all the sandwich generation out there.

With one single conscious breath at a time, we loosen the squeeze with trusted and caring support, we are
living in balance.
For everyone’s sake, including our own.
Sandwich’d,
Sherri C. Bell

Holistic Lifestyle & Caregiver Advocate
iCare-Concierge.com/compassion