Diary of a Former NFL Cheerleader- The Sandwich Generation

All of my reservations are made, this trip will cost me a small fortune but I can't wait to go. Lately I will do anything to get away.  I will even take my 84-year-old father to the race track, just to get away and I hate gambling.

They could have this reunion in Idaho and I'd go. Sorry  those of you from Idaho, I don't really know what is there to even say that, but I do like potatoes. A little too much I'd say.  But I am Ukrainian so potatoes must run in my veins.

I take care of my Father now that my Mother has passed and it is very hard. Those of you who are doing it or have done it can only understand my pain. I had to put him in assisted living here in Los Angeles since October, mainly because I really can't bathe him, I know it would be easier if it was my Mother.  I just couldn't do it, but it is still a ton of work. I handle everything for him and as if it wasn't enough he constantly calls me to take him to the racetrack.

Obama calls us the sandwich generation because it is our generation that is still raising kids (we had them older) and we are taking care of our aging parents all at the same time. We can't afford nursing homes so this generation is doing it all themselves. And I am an only child, (I know that explains alot). Bet you thought I was going to talk about food?

It is true, if my vather was not a veteran I could not afford it. Even so I feel bad sometimes and like this weekend I break down and take him somewhere.  I got rear ended on the way and when we get there, he remembers that he forgot his handicap placard.  I sat for three hours at the DMV for it. All of these things I do add up.

So being the caring daughter I am, I didn't want him to forget it again so I parked far away. He was so miserable by the time we got to the gate they felt sorry for me and we got in free.  He lost all the money I gave him so I told him we could not afford 3 meals a day for him anymore at the "Villa." He chose to give up lunch, I guess I'll have to tell him I'm joking tomorrow.

Sometimes I think my 84-year-old father and my 12-year-old son are the same age, life really does go full circle and I am very afraid. I was not an easy child for sure so I better plan well. 

Planning is what I thrive on, if I don't have something to look forward to I am not happy.  So I've done the airfare, hotel and tour.  The minute I return I will be planning another one... Maybe Disney, I hear that  If Adam brings his wheelchair we can get in the front of all the lines!