Family Squeeze by Phil Callaway

You’re in the “Middle Ages”–sandwiched between the “greatest generation” and the “gimme” generations, busily juggling both with no relief in sight. Children are driving, and parents are not. Money is tight and so are your favorite jeans. And things that never ached before are beginning to give you trouble! For every baby boomer who wonders if it’s possible to navigate the Middle Ages with grace and style, Phil Callaway offers plenty of hope and a little hilarity, too. Because there’s nothing like a smile to make wrinkles less noticeable.

Jamie here: Don't let the description fool ya, this book is for everyone. At least every parent. I decided to review this book because I thought it might be something my mom would need to read, but my take-away from it was extraordinary.

Phil Callaway rocketed back and forth talking about aging parents and aging children. Sure, I don't have teens, but I will have teens and I remember being a teen and those two things alone made his vignettes both hilarious and a preparatory tool. Personally I even wondered if someone going through the exact thing he writes about might be hammered with regrets while I can take his advice and apply it to my young brood. And my aging parents. For while my parents aren't elderly (they might be to some people, but since some of my grandparents are still living, they are elderly and my parents are just aging), they will be, and again, I have some heads-up time. And I can be praying for my parents as they go through it.

People, this is simply one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. And I don't say things like that unless I mean it. I tore through it. I bust a gut laughing and moments later I bawled. Only to crack up again. Hubs thought it was fiction the way I read it.

I can not think of one single person who shouldn't read this book. Not one. Single people can read it as prep for marriage. Parents can read it to remind themselves that it is all temporary. Aging people can read it on so many levels, comfort, humor, escape.... So this isn't just for boomers. My copy is dog-eared and I intend to pass it around until the pages fall out. And then read it again.

And I'll leave you with this thought, that I alluded to a few days ago: "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." Actually, that is a quote of C.S. Lewis via Phil Callaway so I'll leave you with a true Phil Callaway:

"You see, I think we stay young by keeping our eyes in the right places. By not wasting time placing discouraging phone calls. Or listening to gossip. By inviting friends over to dinner even if the carpet is stained and the sofa faded. By eating ice cream nine times a week. [YEAH!]

"I think we stay young by centering our thoughts on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. By putting our arms out car windows more often. By burning expensive candles before they melt in storage. By getting so excited about the love of Jesus that our teeth can barely keep up with our mouth."

Words to live by. Pick up this book. You won't regret it.