It’s the age-old dilemma, how do you care for your aging parent while holding down a full-time job and managing your own family?   The answer is; with grace, angst and guilt.  I’m finding that as my parents are getting older they need more and more help.  I am willing to assist as much as possible (given the 5000 mile distance and 5 time zones), but there are times when I can’t drop everything and go to their aid.   This weekend was one of those times.   I was racked with guilt, but when they yelled at me and implied that I was heartless it was suddenly much easier to say no.

This is the first time I’ve had to say “no,” and it probably won’t be the last.   What do you need to put in place to move through the experience with grace?  Read more »