Friday, June 20, 2008
Maureen Orth, Tim Russert's widow, says in this People magazine story today that she "just had a feeling" she might never see her husband again as he rushed back to work from a vacation in Rome. Under pressure from a high-octane job, running to Buffalo from Washington D.C. to visit his father in a nursing home, and helping his son set up housekeeping, Russert was stretched too thin. It's a story that rings too familiar to me, and plenty of Baby Boomers I know.
Russert had been under "a huge psychological strain" from moving his dad, "Big Russ," into an assisted living facility. On the morning that he died, he left work (where he was busy preparing for "Meet the Press") to wait for the cable man to arrive at son Luke's first apartment.
Boy, does that ever hit home! Over the past few months, my husband, daughter and I (mostly my husband) have been assisting his 91-year-old mother in moving from her lifelong home to a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility. Readying the three-story house to be sold - along with the personal contents and car - has been a stressful and emotionally-draining task for him. (Oh, and did I mention Mom had knee replacement surgery at the same time?) Of course, the man wouldn't want it any other way. He's a great son and - to him, like Tim Russert - it's all about family. But, there's no doubt the stress is taking a toll, albeit temporarily.
And how many times have I taken time from work to call my daughter's landlord about one thing or another because I didn't want said daughter to get distracted from her first real job? Too many.
There's a lesson here, and every member of the "sandwich generation" should take heed.
Comments
Margo (anonymous) says...
Yes, too familiar. Very much in the same boat and it's difficult to manage all that stress.
June 20, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ahamilton (anonymous) says...
I, too, can relate to the stress of being the "meat" in the sandwich of care giving. My son just graduated from Kansas State, living at home for the summer, before taking a couple required courses and working next year, in anticipation of physical therapy school, the other is living in Texas, somewhat self supporting. My father just passed away (on Mother's Day) and my mother has dementia and is now living in a wonderful facility in Kansas City, closer to me. Last weekend, my sister and I just finished cleaning out the folks home, and all that is left is memories and more memories. While it was another "ending" it is also a beginning. I can now take one thing off my plate....just trying not to add another! Hang in there, all you boomers, and try to take a little time for yourselves. I think I will schedule a massage today.....
June 23, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.