According to some generational classifications, my husband and I would be considered members of Generation X. But lately, with the changes we've made in our lives I've been wondering if we've moved from Generation X to a new generational label. The problem is, I can't decide whether we're now Boomerangs, Sandwiches or perhaps a Boomerang Sandwich. Here's why...
At the end of the summer my husband, our 4-year-old son and I moved from our condo to a house. Nothing unusual with that, except that the house we chose to move to is the house where my husband grew up. Oh, and my mother-in-law still lives there. So now we have three generations under one roof (a roof that happens to belong to my mother-in-law).
Here's where it gets complicated...we're grown children living back in a parent's home after living independently, which is a key trait of the Boomerang Generation. But, we did it to help my mother-in-law, who, while still very healthy, young & independent, did not want to consider having to ever leave the home she's lived in for 26 years. So, we're caring for our young child and our aging parent - Sandwich Generation. See how I've managed to get an identity crisis?
That's why I am starting to think of my husband and I as a "Boomerang Sandwich". On one level, we moved back "home" because it made financial sense for us (just like a Boomerang): a beautiful home in a family-friendly neighborhood with great schools for a lot less money than it would have cost if we chose to buy a similar house on our own. But we didn't have to move from where we were. We moved because we wanted to give my mother-in-law the ability to stay in her home for as long as she wishes, without worrying about rising taxes, increased utility bills or expensive home maintenance.
It turned out to be the best decision for all of us. She's happy and secure in her home. And we feel right at home, too.
Oh, and if you're wondering how we keep our sanity being so close to each other. Well, it's easy. She's got a fabulous in-law suite that's connected to the living room and her music room (formerly known as the dining room) with a separate entrance from outside. And we've got a door that divides our side of the house from hers. Separate spaces where we can each be comfortable and live our own lives, yet be right next door when one of us needs the other. It really is the best of both worlds. I guess being a "Boomerang Sandwich" isn't so bad after all. | 
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