Book Reviewed
By Darold H. Morgan
Burden of a Secret
By Jimmy Allen
Mooring, Nashville, TN 1995 — $17.99
This is one of those books so gripping in its unfolding story that this reviewer read it through in one sitting. Its subtitle is “A Story of Truth and Mercy in the Face of AIDS.”
Because the book deals honestly and forthrightly with one of the most urgent problems of our day, it should be read and reread and shared far and wide. Sooner or later, this problem will come home to most of us.
Despite the depressing pathos of the story, the book ends on a vibrant note of Christian faith and a convincing plea for understanding and involvement in this major social concern.
Jimmy Allen is the father and grandfather in this true experience which documents the HIV/AIDS incidence in his son’s family.
Due to a transfusion of AIDS-tainted blood, there comes in sequence the heartbreaking experiences chronicled in the book. Initially they had to be faced in gut-wrenching secrecy because of the then-current ignorance and inordinate fear of the disease. Though some churches and friends came ˆ through with help and encouragement, the first reactions of rejection and alienation were crushing and tragic. The birth and death of a second son revealed the presence of the HIV virus which sealed the doom of the mother and years later the fateful death of Matthew, the firstborn son. The story is exceptionally well written, not in maudlin terms, but openly and honestly. Jimmy and Wanda Allen’s son, Scott, the husband and father, Lydia, the wife and mother, and Matthew, the remaining son inexorably emerge as the unforgettable core of this heart-wrenching family drama. Without question, Lydia comes through these pages as an exceptional person of towering, incredible bravery, honesty, and fantastic commitment. Her role in establishing “Bryan’s House,” a haven for children infected by the HIV virus, is highlighted. Its name commemorates Scott and Lydia’s second son who was the first in the family to die from this modern scourge.
Dr. Allen’s account is a moving documentary of the changes in attitudes toward the HIV/AIDS issue. From the excruciating rejections first faced from people and churches to a measure of understanding and acceptance is one of the main contributions of this volume.
This gradual, near glacial, movement toward accepting the challenge flung to society and the churches by the AIDS disease becomes the basis of a measure of hope for others who now face the manifold problems related to AIDS. Despite the astonishing and unwarranted hurt of this extraordinary family, there is memorable movement to acceptance, love, and support from unexpected sources. Especially moving in this vein is the love and friendship Matthew experienced in his elementary school years.
Another obvious hero in all of this saga is Matthew, the son and grandson, who exhibited a rare combination of courage and humor. His death came shortly after this book was published. Jimmy handles this phase of the “Secret” with beautiful insight and appropriate restraint, as he blends a basic biblical theology with a strong ethical appeal for involvement and understanding whenever and wherever this death-dealing problem surfaces. This is especially appropriate since many of the real caregivers in this drama came from outside the so-called Christian family.
This is a book which deserves a wide reading, not primarily because the story is personally close to many; it deserves attention because no family ever again should have to suffer through such an overwhelming and secretive burden. Allen fully accomplishes the purpose of his writing and sharing.
