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Snippets from the Trenches
"Snippets from the Trenches, a mother's AIDS memoir", is a time line of the twelve-year journey of the author's son living with HIV/AIDS. Upon learning his diagnosis early in 1983, a time when treatment options were limited, she joined the fledgling AIDS Foundation Houston. Throughout the book, she tells of her involvement in helping other people, along with the hope of learning how to cope with her own impending loss.
With Gary living in San Francisco, and his mother in Houston, she monitors her only child's health and that of numerous people with AIDS whom she had grown to love. Even her fellow volunteers were succumbing to the illness, magnifying her sorrow to even greater heights.
The book is a reminder of both the tragedies and triumphs of a desperate period in the life of the gay community in Houston and the rest of the country. It was a time of fear, panic, and cruelty; a time when few healthcare practitioners and hospitals would treat these tragically sick people. Families disowned their sons for being gay, quite willing to let them die alone on the street, and friends ran in fear of being infected.
With Gary living in San Francisco, and his mother in Houston, she monitors her only child's health and that of numerous people with AIDS whom she had grown to love. Even her fellow volunteers were succumbing to the illness, magnifying her sorrow to even greater heights.
The book is a reminder of both the tragedies and triumphs of a desperate period in the life of the gay community in Houston and the rest of the country. It was a time of fear, panic, and cruelty; a time when few healthcare practitioners and hospitals would treat these tragically sick people. Families disowned their sons for being gay, quite willing to let them die alone on the street, and friends ran in fear of being infected.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 28, 2023
If everyone reacted to tragedy the way Freda did, this would be a different world.
January 21, 2023
I have read this book several times and still it affects me. Miss Wagman told a touching story of her son that is unforgettable. It is must read.
March 5, 2013
Freda Wagman is a noted, award-winning author. She lost her only son, Gary to HIV/AIDS in 1995. She has not only been an active supporter of gay rights today, but was one of the wonderful, compassionate front line volunteers in the early years of AIDS with Houston AIDS Foundation. Her story is inspiring, beautiful, and compassionate.
Ms. Wagman does an excellent job of giving her account of the reality of this disease, true human emotions, and more importantly expressing her love for her son and the closeness they shared.
Please....to understand how each of us can become more compassionate, or to come to terms with losing someone you care about/love...Go to Freda's website, purchase her book...You will not regret it :-) You may also purchase on Amazon.
Ms. Wagman does an excellent job of giving her account of the reality of this disease, true human emotions, and more importantly expressing her love for her son and the closeness they shared.
Please....to understand how each of us can become more compassionate, or to come to terms with losing someone you care about/love...Go to Freda's website, purchase her book...You will not regret it :-) You may also purchase on Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews