February 20, 2026
What I Know Now...Living In-Between
Friends,
Oh, what a week.
My son, his wife, and their two little ones—ages two years and seven months—came to Florida for a visit, and I have been counting down the days. As a gramma…or should I say GAGA, I did what any excited grandmother would do: I stocked up on toys, books, and little goodies to make their stay extra special.
Spending time with them was pure joy—but it was also a reminder of just how demanding parenting is. Two tiny humans who need you for everything, all day and all night. They can communicate, but not always clearly. Their emotions often come out as tears because they simply don’t yet have another way to express themselves. They are adorable, curious, and delightful in every way—but they are completely dependent. Life as a parent truly revolves around them 24/7. There’s no pause button. That’s the difference between parenting and grandparenting: grandparents get to step back and enjoy the moments in between.
Then my thoughts drifted to the other end of life—our aging parents. Many are moving into assisted living, needing help with daily tasks and decision-making. They may not cry the way toddlers do, but they can pout or get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. And yet, they also bring joy—through stories, memories, and reminders of where we came from.
Children and aging adults share something profound: both rely on others to help them navigate life.
This reflection came into sharper focus last night. Our two-year-old wasn’t feeling well and had a rough day—he’s the happiest little guy unless he’s sick. At the same time, my husband caught whatever bug was going around (a friendly reminder that little kids are basically petri dishes), and he’s been under the weather for the past 24 hours. A double whammy.
It made me realize how clearly we are living in the in-between. We can still take care of ourselves—mostly—but we know that someday we may need help, too. Like many in our generation, I value independence. I don’t want my children to feel responsible for taking care of me. A good friend recently shared that she’s installing an elevator in her home so they can live there as long as possible. That stuck with me.
So here we are—sandwiched between caring for the young and supporting the old—quietly beginning to think about what comes next for ourselves.
Maybe this season of life is an invitation—not to rush decisions or have everything figured out, but to start thinking more intentionally. How do we want to live as we age? What does independence really look like for us? What steps can we take now to protect our healthspan, our choices, and our dignity later? Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about living this next chapter with clarity, confidence, and the freedom to remain in control of our own lives for as long as possible.
Have a reflective and restful Friday,
Wendy
Founder OverSixtyInsights.com
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