PARENTS, CARE AND LIFE PLANS IN BALANCE
- Kathryn Supka
- Nov 3
- 1 min read
..Just two and a half years ago, I felt completely torn..
IAnyone who still has their parents – especially those of us from Generation X – knows what I’m talking about. My father developed Alzheimer’s and passed away five years ago unfortunately.
Left behind were my mother, my now adult children – a new life start and a relocation wish with 50+. Then came the dilemma: stay and give up my dreams? Leave and risk guilt? Commute and exhaust myself? Bring her along? This constant weighing of guilt and personal limits, physically, mentally, emotionally -very exausting.
I’m endlessly grateful that my 88-year-old mom is still in my life, and that I can now give my attention back to her, while she still supports me too in many ways. I brought her with me on her last big adventure trip. In Cyprus we found a wonderful solution: our Nepali live-in care taker– a real angel. After 1.5 years they have found a rhythm: afternoon coffee and cake, walks and above all, being part of family life. I can work and travel while my mom lives in our family home instead of a care facility – with sunshine, blue skies.
We all don’t know what the future will bring. We can only try to decide now.
💬 How do you navigate the balance between your own life plans and caring for your parents?
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