The article explores the concept of the "sandwich generation," highlighting the author's personal journey of attempting to care for aging parents while nurturing her own children. After confronting her parents about their past hurtful behaviors and proposing family therapy, she faced their rejection and ultimatum. This situation symbolizes the emotional burdens carried within families and the sacrifices made by individuals torn between supporting children and parents. The author grapples with the reality of a strained relationship and the struggle for boundaries.
If I were a sandwich, I’d be a warm, sturdy grilled cheese: holding together the people I love, making sure everyone is cared for.
They chose to leave. They left the scene entirely, as if my boundary was a door I’d slammed shut instead of one I was holding open.
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