Claire Hanes

So, are you like me? Are you a member of the sandwich generation...responsible for your children and taking on an ever increasing role in your aging parents' lives? Even if you haven't found yourself in this position yet, I promise that if you have parents, you will one day face some difficult decisions related to either their health care, their living situation or their quality of life.

As I was driving around Cary and Wake county today, I was noticing how many truly top-notch retirement communities, senior centers and assisted living facilities we have here. I know first-hand about a large number of them since I have just finished the long, sometimes painful process of placing both of my parents in an assisted living facility. Since this area is particularly known for it's wonderful climate, exceptional health care, stable economy and great real estate market...it has enjoyed the unique phenomenon of parents (grandparents) following their grown children and their families here. This is, of course a wonderful situation for the families who can enjoy the multi-generational bonds that are so rare these days. However, as the parents age...their ability to live on their own diminishes, leaving their children in the difficult 'sandwich' situation. The good news is that Wake County has done an exceptional job of providing access to resources and information which can help families navigate these difficult waters.

Resources for Seniors is an exceptionally useful website with a staggering amount of information to guide and direct you and answer any questions you may have! I couldn't have even started my search without it...I hope you'll find it useful too!

Well, today was another beautiful day in Cary! Mackenzie and I took full advantage of the cool, sunny weather by heading to one of the many Town of Cary parks. This one, MacDonald Woods, has a particularly wonderful toddler area with a rubberized play surface, small slides and a very cool activity station built just the right size.

She loved the sandbox...actually thought the sand was tasty. Yuck! The older kids have a full size jungle gym, slides and swings. This park also has full-court basketball, picnic tables and is adjacent to the Hinshaw Greenway connecting to the new 1/64 pedestrian bridge and ending at the Kids Together park.

We had a great time there today! Since she's still so little, I didn't really expect much of a reaction but she LOVED it and got a little miffed when Mema said it was time to go. As I got her packed up in the stroller, she figured out what I was doing and let me know that this was not a good time to go...I prevailed (because it was lunch time) but we'll be back soon!