Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Written by Sharon Cecil
In July 2012 I wrote, “Are You Part of a Sandwich Family,” discussing the complexity of the family unit due to the fact that multi-generations live under the same roof, often referred to as the “Sandwich Generation.” We are like a sandwich. The top and bottom pieces of bread representing birth and death. In the middle you find the Heart of the Matter…LIFE.
With the proper plan, materials and tools we build a house or construct a highway. When it comes to a better life, there are no blueprints or guarantees to pave the way to a perfect life.
We have health problems, financial issues, difficult relationships and much more that will crop up. It is important that we learn from our past, experience today so we can dream for a better future.
“Are You Part of a Sandwich Family,” talks about, “As we age, family becomes more important. We want to spend more time with our children. For some, we find it feasible to join resources and move in together so that life can be simpler—parents helping out with the grandchildren, expenses, etc.”
If you watch or listen to the news, you are hearing about jobs that are going unfilled because of the lack of qualified people. They say that this is because of a “shortage on tech talent.” Then a few days ago, ITT Technical Institute’s closed all of their schools.
Before you know it, the “Sandwich Generation” becomes more complex. It can make it even more complicated to deal with your life journey if your family doesn’t get along or there are complex issues. Those of you who are old enough may remember the Walton’s, a long running TV Series about a family that worked together, worked things out and they thrived.
Due to not being able to find employees for skilled jobs, we will be seeing more and more “Sandwich Generation” households. Filling healthcare positions is a huge concern, especially nursing. In Louisville, Kentucky, on August 24, 2016, WHAS TV reported 2,000 nurses needed as shortage hits Kentuckiana, “Nationwide there is a nursing shortage and KentuckianaWorks estimates there are more than 2,000 nurses needed in Kentuckiana alone.”
Growing up, I lived within a family unit that was continually disrupted. There was continual drama and trauma. By the time I graduated from high school, I didn’t feel very hopeful about life or the future. Then, a minister said to me, that I had two choices, continue the turmoil or find peace in my life. I decided that I wanted to find peace. It sounded so easy. Although I tried to keep my eye on the target, I can say that I missed the mark more than a few times.
Deciding to work with children and families was a lifetime commitment for my husband and I after we got married. In 1994, we started working with families dealing with poverty, hunger and homelessness.
My husband had a vision and wanted to share it with everyone along with his belief that “nurturance in nature” is healing. Not to say that there weren’t rough patches along the way, the path we took has been most rewarding. People of all ages have been given the opportunity to share their stories of inspiration and hope.
As our journey winds down, I have been given the honor to share precious inspirational moments everyday with my husband as we travel our journey with dementia.
Several years ago, a precocious 4-year-old homeless girl informed a group of us, “When you have HOPE you’re HAPPY!”
I feel HOPE is the Heart of the Matter.
We would love for you to share a message of inspiration and HOPE. For more information about “Portrayals of Hope” contact us at lightfest@wesurvive.org
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