the Sandwich Generation issues

As we members of the baby boomer generation know, many of the fun things from our childhood are now collector's items! I so wish I had my old red wagon or all the comic books my mom bought me way back when – from Superman to Archie. Who KNOWS what they might be worth. Then again, her new garden wagons are much more practical, can still occasionally be fun for the grand children (when they don't have plants in them), and as far as the comics go, I was rather hard on them, as I read them over and over, so maybe they would just be fun to share with my grandkids – even better!

I've had senior relatives in the past who saved everything, which made it rather hard for their families to deal with after they had gone home to heaven. Because of one such situation, my own parents decided to start decluttering ruthlessly and keep their lives streamlined. It made it easier for them and they know it will make it easier for me down the road. I have to admit, I do appreciate their kindness.

I am now in an in-between boat. I have some boxes stored away in a friend's garage as God has me on the move with caregiving joys. But I did bring along a few items that I love which are special and small. I think that was important for me. And when we are helping our senior parents pack up to move in with us or to downsize to a smaller home or care facility, it's important for us to help them decide on at least a few items they will be truly blessed to keep.

In my case, I have the cream of the crop of my book collection. There are my Christian books – from mystery and romance novels to inspirational and encouraging non-fiction. There are books on caregiving to help me with my senior mom, books on writing and blogging, and, of course, plenty of books on gardening and real estate. My senior mom and I both share this passion, which is why her collection has grown recently to include books on Kentucky gardening, from flowers to vegetables, as well as Birds and butterflies.

I also have most of my collection of Christmas tree ornaments. Years ago, a dear friend gave me the idea of buying one ornament each year to remind me of something special that happened that year or to remind me of a special person. I have most of those, along with special ornaments from dear family and good friends. This year I found a great shop with plenty of delightful Country Kitchen Roosters including some really cute Rooster Christmas tree ornaments to pick from. After much enjoyable deliberation, I chose this country Rooster Ornament to help me remember the fun "Show Me Your Rooster" blog party and all the other terrific blog parties I've enjoyed this year.

The nice thing about your collecting Christmas tree ornaments is that, generally speaking, they are huge in friend and family memories while being small and easy to pack. Always nice when you are moving a bit more often or living in a much smaller space.

How about you? What do you collect? Cindy, at I Owe It All To Him, has asked us that exact question to find out what others are collecting. I suspect we might find a few more fun and unique ideas, some of which might also be perfect for our senior parents or others in our Sandwich Generation family. I'm off to check it out, and you're invited as well. And…

Tagged as: caring for elderly parents, country kitchen roosters, Flowers and butterflies add to your lovely landscaping designs, garden wagons, Kentucky birds, Rooster Christmas tree ornament, senior gardening, Senior gardening book, the Baby Boomer Generation, the Sandwich Generation issues, your family memories

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