Whistlestop JANUARY 2012
E press
Whistlestop.org
The Leading Information Resource for Marin's Active Aging Movement
San Rafael Woman is Model ‘Sandwich Generation Mom’ B y J o h n B o wman
M
aly Ouneklap of San Rafael says that if it weren’t for Whistlestop, she would not have a moment for herself. “I love and appreciate every one of those bus drivers because of how well they treat my mom while taking her to and from her dialysis appointments,” Maly said in a recent interview. Maly, who is Laotian, and her husband of 20 years, Ben, who is Thai, could be the poster couple for the Sandwich Generation – those people who are dedicated to caring for aging parents while taking care of their own children. Approximately 1 in 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 are in the Sandwich Generation, according to the Pew Research Center. And the number of Americans aged 60 or older is expected to double by the year 2030. The couple, owners of Bangkok Thai Express in downtown San Rafael, care for Maly’s mother, Louane Phou-
Rocky 's Pantry A Taste of Greece page 4
salith, 82, who lives with them, as well as their daughter, Mora, 16, and son, Vee-Liam, 13. VeeLiam requires special care and attention because he is Maly Ouneklap with her children, Mora and Vee-Liam, and autistic, a condition her mother, Louane Phousalith that was diagnosed when he was 18 and that’s where Whistlestop months old. comes in. So, all of us – me, The Energizer Bunny would Mom’s eight children, twentyhave a difficult time keeping one grandchildren and three up with Maly, who is 43. Her great-grandchildren – appreday starts at 7 and she is still ciate Whistlestop. Because going at midnight. of them, I get some time for She says, “I start the mornmyself to exercise and catch ing, fixing breakfast and getmy breath.” ting the children off to school.” How does she manage all of Mora is a junior at San Rafael this responsibility? High School and Vee-Liam “I don’t know how else to be. attends Cypress School for This is my lifestyle, so I have autistic children in Petaluma. nothing to compare it to. It is “At 8:30, I take Mom to the a blessing and challenge at YMCA to swim, and then at the same time. More blessing. 11, I arrive here to focus on They make me happy. The the restaurant. Some days I children are very helpful in take Mom to the doctor from giving me comfort. And she 3 to 5. She goes three times continued on page 3 a week for kidney dialysis
Jeff Stoffer: What's the Plan? page 13
Best of Marin for Older Adults page 15