Last week Global Trellis shared the following post about a survey we are conducting to create resources to help you when you have aging parents and are on the field. We’re surveying those of you who have already walked this path because we want to glean from your wisdom and experiences.
Reading through the responses thus far, I’ve been reminded how heavy phase of life is. How much you love your parents and how every family path will be different. So, thank you in advance if you are able to help with the survey. For all of us, let’s pray for our brothers and sisters walking this path right now. Here’s the brief into, then you can see the questions, and take the survey. We’ll share the results!
I remember the first time I felt the angsty feeling of anticipation coming up the escalator at Denver International Airport. My long trek across the ocean, through customs, and on one last final airport train was nearly over, and I was almost to my people
Over the years, who greeted me changed as sisters may or may not be in town and nieces were born; but the one constant? My parents. It was all I could do not to shove people on the escalator as I craned my neck, hoping for a first glance.
And then one year, as I practically ran towards them, it happened: my parents looked shockingly older than the last time I’d seen them. They began to resemble my grandparents more than my mental picture of my parents. Though still in good health at the time, I had a stronger sense than I’d ever had that my parents would one day, Lord willing, be the old-old and not the young-old. What would be my role in helping them? How would I navigate it with my sisters? Would my parents be a factor in my leaving the field?
If you stay on the field long enough, you will probably wonder similar questions. Last fall, one of you contacted me asking for resources to help with aging parents. I wasn’t aware of many resources outside of anecdotal stories and the fact that when I mention the topic, it was a familiar scenario as cross-cultural workers entered middle age.
With this in mind, Global Trellis decided to tap into the collective wisdom from those who have already walked this path and conduct a survey.
This is where you come in. We need your help.
We’ll take your survey answers and use them to create a resource to help fellow cross-cultural workers. Below, I’ll share the questions on the survey. Please share with those you know who have walked this path.
Aging Parents Survey Intro
Hello friend, this survey is for those who have already walked the path (or are walking it right now) with aging parents. Several people have contacted us wanting help with this significant (and weighty) question: Do you have any resources to help with aging parents for cross-cultural workers?
Thank you for taking the time for this survey. You’ll notice that this survey is rather extensive, so as a thank you, 10 of you will be drawn for a $10 amazon gift card.
We appreciate your time and help. Amy for the Global Trellis Team
The questions:
1. Briefly share your situation with aging parents.
2. What options did you consider for you and/or your parents?
3. What additional factors were involved as you considered your options?
4. What did you do from the field to help your parents (if anything)?
5. How did other people near your parents help you or the situation?
6. What do you wish other people had done?
7. Do you have any tips for communicating and working with your siblings?
8. How did you honor your relationship while on the field? Any suggestions for doing this?
9. How did you navigate the pain around your parents aging and the shift in relationship?
10. If you’re with an organization: How did your organization help you?
11. If you’re with an organization: What do you wish your organization had done?
12. Do you know of any resources for helping with aging parents while on the field?
On behalf of the many you will help, thank you!
