Weeding Out the Tears: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Renewal

by Jeanne White, Susan Dworkin

The inspiring true story of an extraordinary woman who never faltered in the face of tragedy -- and who taught the world about courage, grace, dignity and a mother's love.

Thirteen-year-old Ryan White contracted AIDS through tainted Factor VIII administered for his hemophilia, and became nationally known through his family's fight against the bigotry and ignorance his illness revealed in their community. This is the poignant and uplifting story of Jeanne White, Ryan's mother, who helped her son discover the strength to overcome prejudice and the courage to face death; and who remained resolute in her determination to educate a nation for the sake of justice and to honor the memory of a remarkable boy.

225 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that jerks at your heartstrings. Not much is heard today about Hemophiliacs, the connection to AIDS, and those who were pioneers and guinea pigs for these diseases. I did not know the connection till I read Ryan White's story, that his mom, Jeanne, wrote. What they went through still continues today in the mode of bigotry-of the unknown, needing famous people to get involved before something is done, and the cost of medical care that is so prohibitive that too many who need help don't receive it. Research continues, I am sure, but again, new diseases are rising up all the time, which takes the limelight away from those who are still struggling with old-well-known diseases, which still don't have a cure.

[Nicci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sad, true story of the mother of Ryan White, a young boy whose life was tragically cut short by the diagnosis of AIDS. A hemophiliac since birth, Ryan had to receive frequent blood transfusions. In a time before anyone thought of testing donar blood, Ryan was diagnosed with aids. In this book, his mother chronicles his life, struggle, and character. Breath-takingly tragic at times, it does have some slow points (like most auto-biographies) but makes up for what it is lacking in literature with sheer simplicity and beauty of emotion.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading Ryan's mom perspective and learning more about her, as well as Ryan's sister, Andrea.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart felt true story about a hemophiliac contracting AIDS through blood transfusions. The ignorance of people who had no idea how to be around a boy with the disease. Ryan became a poster child as well as helped create a bill in the US to help families dealing with AIDS. His mother, Jeanne, wrote the story and still actively speaks and continues support for her son Ryan and others affected.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read but sad in places. Felt like it was book Jeanne White needed to write to help herself get thru her sad times on death of her son Ryan.