Unreal how much difference a few years makes. Generations prior to us children got married and moved out before age 20 or at least became independent. Like most of my generation we got married in our mid-20's although we generally moved out before marriage. This meant our children were born a few years later. Probably partially our fault but I blame the "Me" generation my children are still not independent even though neither are living at home at the moment.
Our parents are in their 70's and not in great health. My wife's mother had a stroke and she cannot cook and is dealing with rehab and other issues. My wife is now going to her house a couple of times a week to clean and cook and give her Dad a break. Seems we skipped the part where we would have a few years to ourselves with no one constantly dependent on us. I suspect it will be worse for my children's generation because my wife and I are already in our 50's.
I type all this so that those of you who are younger than me might read it and realize time is a fleeting thing. Don't put off doing things you really want to do with your spouse because you never know when your life will change without you having any choice. Make good choices. We scrimped and saved and wanted to do well for our children so we never properly enjoyed the time before kids. Once you have children the dynamic changes and when they are young every trip is like moving. Seems like we went from parenting to caregiving in a blink of an eye.
Our parents are in their 70's and not in great health. My wife's mother had a stroke and she cannot cook and is dealing with rehab and other issues. My wife is now going to her house a couple of times a week to clean and cook and give her Dad a break. Seems we skipped the part where we would have a few years to ourselves with no one constantly dependent on us. I suspect it will be worse for my children's generation because my wife and I are already in our 50's.
I type all this so that those of you who are younger than me might read it and realize time is a fleeting thing. Don't put off doing things you really want to do with your spouse because you never know when your life will change without you having any choice. Make good choices. We scrimped and saved and wanted to do well for our children so we never properly enjoyed the time before kids. Once you have children the dynamic changes and when they are young every trip is like moving. Seems like we went from parenting to caregiving in a blink of an eye.
