Brushing Away The Tears

"Brushing Away the Tears" paints a portrait of a life lived with and taken by AIDS. It is the true story of Christopher Colt's journey through HIV/AIDS, and it is told in his own words, through his journals and letters, and through the journals and letters of his mother. The entries begin in 1989 when Christopher was diagnosed with HIV and ends a few months before his death in 1992 at age 39. A budding artist, Christopher details the heartbreaking fear of knowing that his time is limited and that his life is more than likely coming to an end. The footnote narrative is provided by Christopher's sister, Debbie Wilson, who holds a BA in journalism. The subject of AIDS has been written about numerous times from a medical standpoint, but few times from the victim's view. "Brushing Away the Tears," written in these firsthand accounts, stimulates the curiosity of those who wish to probe the very personal side of coping with a terminal illness. Christopher was a radiant star whose spirit lives on through his art and whose story will inspire others to "live like you are dying." This book speaks to the social stigma of AIDS without preaching or malice and seeks to put a face on AIDS. The face is that of a man in the prime of his life, someone who is loved by his family and who has friends and colleagues. His story is tragic, but in the midst of the narrative of terrible physical pain and tremendous fear, there is humor in the writing and in the business of everyday living. The title "Brushing Away the Tears" is derived from Christopher's passion as an artist. Every life is painted with the artistic hand of God, and Christopher's life was no different. He just lived his life differently, and sometimes difference is good, especially if that difference is family and love.