Today is the anniversary of my father’s transition to heaven – and it reminds me of how much of an opportunity it was to spend 4 years being his partner in his journey for restoration of his health and his journey for a life full of purpose and meaning.

I think about the start of that journey when he experienced a health crisis in 2011, months after my mother’s death. I reflect on how he trusted me to be “the boss” as he called me – to make health, financial, and life decisions for him. As a mother and wife with a career and serving into two ministries at my church – I initially thought I had found myself in the “sandwich generation” – between demand of my own life and now the demands of supporting a parent.

I am sooo glad I quickly discovered some things that would fundamentally change this perspective and make this one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

• The gift of being trusted and having a parent who considered our relationship a partnership (not thinking of it as a burden)
• The opportunity that accompanying him to all his appointments gave me – car time for conversations to hear his reflections, principles, and philosophies on life (not thinking of it as drain on my time)
• The gateway to relationships he gave me from being part of his support team working with his assisted living team and health care professionals who cared for him (not just going through the motions but making an effort to make a connection)
• The restoration of family bonds that having him as part of my daily life gave me and gave my children (instead of seeing the logistics of incorporating him into family events as challenging)

It was so much more about what he was giving to me instead of the demands that were brig being placed on me. The amazing thing is that this wasn’t based on an existing father/daughter relationship – it’s something that we built along the way.

Many of us will be in a position to support our parents through a health challenge of life transition . .and it will present challenges. . . don’t miss what is an oppoturnity and consider the joy you can find being in the “sandwich.”

Here are some other posts that you might find helpful   . . . .

Consider Being An Advocate for Your Loved Ones

Teamwork During a Family Crisis

Emerge Stronger When Faced With Adversity

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