The sandwich generation

According to my sister-in-law this is what we are known as, the sandwich generation. We have barely, if actually finished caring for our children, when caring for our parents begins. This summer has demonstrated this and has been a shock for all of us. Today has though be partially about me!

This morning I had x-rays taken of my right knee and my left foot. One of the strange things in France is that you do not go to a hospital to do this. Instead you attend a clinic where this is done. I was given an ordonnance, or prescription, by my GP for this to happen back in June but with one thing and another I haven’t managed to do this until now. I booked the appointment on Monday and was seen today. The strange thing about the process is that you leave the clinic complete with a copy of your x-rays and a method to log in and discover the results. It would seem that there is an issue with each joint which would explain the pain! Now I have to make an appointment with my GP to find out what can be done about them.

Getting there this morning was a little stressful. I left in plenty of time given I didn’t know where I was going. Unfortunately though, the satnav on my phone has particular peculiarities and will only speak when I am sitting holding it in the passenger seat of my husband’s car! I know, there is something wrong that I cannot explain. This means that when I am alone driving I need to prop the phone on the central consul and glance down from time-to-time. Not an easy process. So after the x-rays I went for a coffee and crocheted a couple of rows before I faced the journey back.

This afternoon was about taking my mother out. Beforehand I decided to prepare dinner, so that I didn’t need to do it this evening. My husband has allowed one of his courgettes to develop to marrow proportions. Earlier in the week we had half of it in a ratatouille. Today we are having the other half stuffed. It is now baking in the oven and even if I say so myself it’s smelling rather good.

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My mother has developed reclusive tendencies during covid. In the early stages she was certainly in one of the most vulnerable groups, over 75 and asthmatic. Unfortunately she lives alone and this self-isolation has led to other issues. She wants to go home, something that we all understand, however she cannot go back to her isolated life-style. So today the challenge was to go to a cafe and to sit inside and have a drink and something to eat. This is the first time in 18 months or more that she has done this. I think she was nervous but we all had coffee and she and my youngest had an ice-cream too. As my brother says, baby steps. Covid has had a devastating effect on many individuals and their families far beyond the deaths and issues associated with long covid. As with long covid there are some issues that may remain with these individuals for many years, or indeed the rest of their lives.

After coffee, there was just time to check the gite was ready for a couple checking in this evening. There was very little to do but I do like to spray hard surfaces with anti-bacterial spray just before new guests arrive. They are there now and seem delightful and very happy with the place.

I am a little tired now, I don’t think it’s too surprising. So how has your day been? Are you the sandwich generation and if so how is that working for you?