New appreciation for the sandwich generation

It seems the universe finds ways to remind us of what's important. I've been in serious work mode over the last couple of weeks; attending networking meetings with senior professionals, working with new clients, tackling a couple of new projects, and even considering a couple of new ventures. Yes, I'm a type A.

Well, just as I was getting into full swing, the universe reached out and tapped me on the shoulder, and tagged me "it". You just know when you've been tagged "it" because there's no conscious thought about the repercussions of your actions, you just know you have to act, because you're "it".

This has happened to most of us at one time or another, most likely when you're up to your eyeballs with work or something else that seems very important at the time.  You're usually at work (or asleep in the middle of the night) and you get *THE* phone call-- your aging parent has fallen ill, your child is in the nurse's office, or maybe your neighbor had a heart attack-- and they need you. You likely dropped what ever you were doing, figured out what needed to be done, and just did it. There was no thought of missed business meetings or opportunities, soccer practice, or dinner with your girlfriend. They'll have to wait.  Another human needs you.  You've been tagged "it".

It seems there is a positive correlation between my own age, and the frequency with which I am tagged "it". I am sure there are lots of reasons for this-maturity, more close personal relationships, my chosen profession, etc.

Funny thing about being picked to be the one to be there for someone else. Once the crisis is over, the adrenaline levels have returned to normal, and the daily responsibilities start to pick back up again-it seems I am the one who has really been helped. It seems the gift of being tagged "it" is to have gained proper perspective over one's life...if even for a short while. And it's a good thing too, because catching up on the the things that fell by the wayside while you were "it" is hell.

Today my thoughts are with those sandwiched between aging parents and growing families. You've been tagged to be "it" for the long haul.