Blog: The Sandwich Generation

Grace Windsor

My mothers face… fatigued, pale, dark burrows dwelling below her bloodshot eyes. 5am start, get the kids ready for school, 8am head to work, frantic movement as she walks straight into a surgical emergency, 5pm heads to my grandmas to make her dinner, feed her, clean her and get her tucked into bed, 8pm home-time to clean and cook yet again to only go to bed to get up in 6 hours and repeat this the next day. The Sandwich Generation, a term I have only come to know in the past few years, and one I greatly acknowledge and respect. 

My mother Libby has raised two children whilst working as a registered nurse, and in the past 5 years has also taken on the role as my grandmas caretaker as she has been diagnosed with dementia. This already problematic situation for many has only been more increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

COVID-19 saw a rapid change in routines and family dynamics. Children had to be home schooled for a period of time, with the older generations having to practice social distancing as they are of greater vulnerability.

My mother was faced with the increased tasks of educating and maintaining my brothers schooling, her work load was expanded as a nurse with the potential fear of an outbreak, and greater care and time had to be focused on my grandma to ensure she was safe during the inflamed scare which braced the nation.

What I recognised is the resilience and fight my mother carries and always has, being a mother not only for your children but for also the people who raised you is not an uncommon thing. The stress it brings is under-covered with the love of a mother, and with this especially during trying times such as the current pandemic, glancing into the eyes of another and their situation has to be considered.