Agree with PP. Having kids may take more time than you expect if you have infertility issues.

Anonymous wrote:Two elders. Both admitted to the hospital the same weekend. We're told to come now, this is the end. One in the midwest, one in the south. Who goes? Who stays home with the kids.

Honestly, if you are traveling to say goodbye, it’s too late. At this point, wait for the funerals. Towards the end of her life, my mom was in and out of the hospital about 4 times. Not always admitted. Finally was released and died 20 days later.

Two elders. Both admitted to the hospital the same weekend. We're told to come now, this is the end. One in the midwest, one in the south. Who goes? Who stays home with the kids.

Is everyone going to be one? Wishing you the best, op. It is difficult

NP. Empty nester and now orphaned (appropriate term) at 53.

I’ve been there and it’s grueling. I was significantly younger first time around with 1st parentand felt I got zero support from my peers - they were all too young to understand, maybe?

My advice to you: seek support in the form of therapy (even if it’s remote). Practice self-care. Prioritize your own family first - do not miss one important school event or milestone because you feel like you MUST be with your parent. Hire help for yourself and on your parent’s behalf.

Continue on with your own job and financial obligations to include savings. Don’t be tempted to swoop in and immediately pay for meds/appointments/rent/housing for your parent. Same for transporting parent on errands/appointments. Same for visiting.

At one point my parent was so dependent upon visits and service people to maintain the family home that it made no sense to live there alone anymore.

Anonymous wrote:Caring for parent and young one. Exhausted. Shout out to others doing the same. Deep breaths. I can do this.

Yes, quite common among my friend group.