Books by Debbie Wilson

"Brushing Away the Tears" paints a portrait of a life lived with andtaken by AIDS. It is the true story of Christopher Colt's journeythrough HIV/AIDS, and it is told in his own words, through hisjournals and letters, and through the journals and letters of hismother. The entries begin in 1989 when Christopher was diagnosedwith HIV and ends a few months before his death in 1992 at age39. A budding artist, Christopher details the heartbreaking fear ofknowing that his time is limited and that his life is more than likelycoming to an end. The footnote narrative is provided byChristopher's sister, Debbie Wilson, who holds a BA in journalism.The subject of AIDS has been written about numerous times from amedical 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 verypersonal side of coping with a terminal illness.Christopher was a radiant star whose spirit lives on through his artand whose story will inspire others to "live like you are dying."This book speaks to the social stigma of AIDS without preaching ormalice and seeks to put a face on AIDS. The face is that of a manin the prime of his life, someone who is loved by his family andwho has friends and colleagues. His story is tragic, but in the midstof the narrative of terrible physical pain and tremendous fear, thereis humor in the writing and in the business of everyday living.The title "Brushing Away the Tears" is derived from Christopher'spassion as an artist. Every life is painted with the artistic hand ofGod, and Christopher's life was no different. He just lived his lifedifferently, and sometimes difference is good, especially if thatdifference is family and love.

Offering advice on the special educational needs of girls with Rett syndrome, this volume aims to assist teachers in developing a working knowledge of the syndrome and suggests particular strategies in planning a curriculum which may help overcome the specific difficulties within the diagnosis.