As a child, Barbie Perkins-Cooper craved the love and affection of her parents; however, she was not certain that she knew parental love until her dad reached out to her during a terminal illness. During the early stages of cancer, Walter W. Perkins swallows his pride and reaches out to his second born daughter for support and unconditional love. Realizing he will not get better or have his independence, Mr. Perkins detests his life being in limbo and he makes a stand - to take back his life - to die with dignity.

A CONDITION OF LIMBO: Chronicles of a Daughter's Unconditional Love is a passionate, heart-rendering chronicle written from the heart, defining how a baby boomer daughter unexpectedly becomes the primary caregiver to her elderly parent as he battles the dreaded disease of esophageal cancer during the winter of his life. It is a compelling and powerful love story between a father and a daughter.

The story begins during the holidays of 1997, when Walter W. Perkins is diagnosed with esophageal cancer. While she watches her father's condition deteriorate, the author feels defenseless to provide for his care. Although his needs are many, Barbara is powerless to learn how to meet the medical demands of skilled care.

December 9, 1997 is a day Barbara will never forget. She drives her dad to the hospital for an endoscopy, anticipating only a slight stomach problem. When the diagnosis of cancer is announced, she is alone and overwhelmed with fear. Thus begins a long and excruciating struggle to accept her father's terminal illness, while learning to cope with the painful memories of her childhood, the estrangement of her family, and the poignant decisions she must make.

Although she is a bright and articulate woman, a caring, empathetic adult of the baby boomer generation, the author discovers many roadblocks while attempting to get answers from medical and health care professionals. During this dreadful time, Barbara researches the concerns and issues of elderly care, realizing that our society is slightly anemic where care for the elderly is concerned.

A CONDITION OF LIMBO: Chronicles of a Daughter's Unconditional Love is a gripping, powerful story of what to do; who to contact; and how to cope and survive while serving as a primary caregiver to an elderly loved one.

"No darker day ever in life have I seen; It brought to my mind the words, I mean; For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: