My hubby has just left on a plane for Dallas to move his mother closer to us. She is giving up her home of thirty years and her home city of forty years. She will also leave behind two grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

We’ve been discussing this possibility as a family for years. MIL (Mother in Law) is now moving into her late 80's and just can’t live alone anymore. She needs to be close to her only child so he can help her make decisions and visit and well, just be there for her.

She’s been driving (YIKES!) herself to the store, doctors appointments, and errands. She heats up canned soup for dinner and watches TV and sleeps a lot. We hope the move to assisted living will help her emotional and physical well being.

We considered having her live with us, but it was never really a serious decision. Long gone are the days when generations all live together and women happily and eagerly share a kitchen.

I read a book recently, which describes other cultures where women do live together in harmony, supporting each other and working together to keep the families running smoothly, but alas, if I ever had this talent I’ve long forgotten it. And MIL wouldn’t hear for a second about the option of coming to live with us. She wants her own space. Even if it is just a small room.

This is happening to families all over of course. People are living longer; medicine helps the elderly to live productive healthier lives well into their 80's and even 90's and beyond. Sons and daughters must face difficult decisions regarding parents every day. We are called the sandwich generation - caring for the young and old at the same time.

I’m happy that K will learn and love another grandmother. She already knows my parents, having traveled many times to visit them, and they to us. K talks with my parents every week or so on the phone, and a sometime slow connection to our webcam still helps to keep the visual alive and well.

MIL though has only met K a few times, but being here in town will allow a relationship to form besides cards and photos.

I just wish we weren’t all so darn old. Maybe if we were younger, she’d be younger and ......well.. I guess not.... It is what it is...

Still, I’m grateful K will know and love two grandmothers. That doesn't happen very often with us older moms.