Orphaned at 39: A Story of Parents, Aging and a Debt Repaid

By Jonathon David Eide

Orphaned at 39 is a compelling, true-life story about an adult son a Baby Boomer who answers a familial call in order to take care of an elderly and ailing parent. In this case, his beloved father.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158721167X
• ISBN13: 9781587211676
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: 1st Book Library
• Length: 372 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Tugs at your heartstrings

This book was recommended to me by a friend and am I ever glad I took her advice to read it.From start to finish this author held my attention, especially with his descriptions of life on a farm in the 1930's and 40's. The author's attention to detail is marvelous.It was also enjoyable to read about an adult child taking care of an ailing parent - just like in the old days! And the section of the book that offers details on "how to" for the rest of us faced with these care issues is comforting to have for when the time comes that we become care providers. I loved this book.

Clone that son!

This has to be one of the most touching books that I have ever read. And I love to read books that move me.This author, like many of us, is a middle-aged member of the baby boom generation, and finds himself taking care of an elderly and ailing parent. But what was so moving to me was the level of loyalty and devotion that he offers his quite ill father. In relating his journey on paper, he makes it clear from the start that nothing would take precedence over his dad. No one was going to stand in the way of him properly caring for his father.I enjoyed this book, and can tell you that it is okay for a man to cry (my wife did too as she read the book) when he sees such an improbable level of compassion and caring. It is rare today to see children care so strongly for their parents, so if I ever need him, I hope that I can clone this author.Great book. Richard Pettibone

Orphaned at 39

I was truly moved by the story of a young man who came to the need of his elderly father, with little or no regard on the effect it would have on his own life. It is also about the journey of life, from birth to death and all the twists and turns that life throws us. There is some really good information on taking care of your elderly parents, also some good tips for planning ahead. I hope that someday my children will care for me as well as the author cared for his family..I have and do recommend this for all to read.

Taking care when care is due.

This book, in my opinion, is a must read for all human beings. Although I hope and pray I will never have to walk the walk Mr. Eide walked, I have older parents and it could become a reality. As I read the chapters, I related to many of the same experiences of early life as Mr. Eide. The book will touch on your inner feelings. This book brings out laughter and tears, it shows true love and human kindness, and if I am ever in the situation in which Mr. Eide found himself, I will have a better knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done in order to take care of an elderly parent. After all, did'nt your Parents take care of you the best they knew how? Thank you for sharing some of your families life with the reader, and thank you for sharing the hard earned information that you learned the hard way, which is by experincing it. Again, Thank you Mr. Eide for not only a great story, but the very valuable information contained in the book.

A Must Read!!

As a baby boomer I totally enjoyed, and appeciated, Orphaned at 39.It is a true story of a middle-aged baby boomer who gets involved with the health care of his elderly father. During the process, the author tells a moving story about how the experience has so incredibly affected him.The author, while telling this story, also helps the reader with how best to deal with the many issues that face a care-provider -Medicare, locating a quality nursing home, dealing with medical insurance companies, and many other pertinent issues are discussed from a "been there, done that" perspective.The book also provides many (and I mean many) touching stories about his relationship with his now deceased (hence, the "Orphan" moniker)parents. Many a tear was shed while I read this book.But the message of the book is simple - WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR PARENTS AS WELL AS THEY TOOK CARE OF US WHILE WE WERE CHILDREN!!!This is an awesome book - a real page-turner that you will not want to put down.