Surviving the Sandwich Generation (Still Trying!)

Send us Fan MailNoelle Garcia  knows what it means to be squeezed from every side. As a homeschool mom of six and full-time caregiver to her mother-in-law, she joins Jim and Meghan to share her family's journey through the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents while still raising children at home. From her father-in-law's cancer battle and unexpected deathbed conversion to the daily challenges of dementia care, Noelle speaks with honesty about grief, exhaustion, and grace. She offers practical wisdom on self-care, marriage, and leaning on community when the weight feels like too much to carry alone.What’s in this episode:Her father-in-law's cancer battle and his powerful deathbed conversionBringing a mother-in-law with dementia to live in their homeThe real difference between self-soothing and lasting self-careProtecting marriage while both spouses are stretched thinA fasting mishap that turned into an answered prayerWhy community turns isolating struggles into shared crossesOne resource every Catholic family should know: Catholic FamilyLand in Ohio, a Catholic family camp with a Marian consecration retreatBook she is currently reading: Theo of GoldenAdvice to her younger self: Don't put all your eggs in one basket - trust that God is working even when one thing doesn't work outFinal wisdom for listeners: Find your community and share your struggles, because others are likely carrying something similarResources Mentioned:Catholic FamilyLand - A Catholic family camp offering a Marian consecration retreat Dementia Careblazers - YouTube channel with caregiving tips for redirection and calm Gospel of Life Disciples + Dwellings - A Catholic hospice ministry run by religious sisters Theo of Golden - Novel about uncovering strangers' stories through portraits Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.