Additional Coverage:
- I’m taking time to care for myself along with my daughter and parents. Because of this, my sandwich years are turning out to be the best years of my life. (businessinsider.com)
Local woman Lisa VanderVeen is finding joy amidst the challenges of the “sandwich generation.” With her parents recently settled in a retirement community and her daughter about to move back home after college, Lisa is embracing her own self-care.
Her journey began with a divorce a few years ago, which prompted her to rebuild her life. Now a single working mom, she’s balancing the emotional and financial needs of her adult daughter while also supporting her aging parents.
Despite the challenges, Lisa is prioritizing activities that bring her joy. Travel writing classes have taken her to Nepal, Mexico, San Francisco, and Paris. She’s also discovered a love for painting, capturing the landscapes and architecture from her travels.
A newfound passion for shelling provides a meditative escape during visits with her parents in Florida. Back home in New Jersey, her collection serves as a tangible reminder of their time together.
Lisa is also brushing up on her French and plans to learn Spanish. She’s looking ahead to retirement, dreaming of adventurous trips to Africa, India, and Spain. Inspired by her mother’s physical decline, Lisa is committed to staying fit, incorporating short workouts into her daily routine.
While this stage of life is different than she envisioned, Lisa is thriving. By balancing the needs of her family with her own pursuits, she’s discovered that her “sandwich years” are turning out to be the best years of her life.