Paul Michael Glaser faced every husband and father’s worst nightmare when his wife, Elizabeth, contracted HIV during an emergency blood transfusion after the birth of their first child, Ariel. Elizabeth unknowingly passed the virus onto Ariel while nursing and then to their unborn son, Jake, three years later.
Ariel developed AIDS and passed away in 1988 at the age of 7. Elizabeth died a few years later in 1994. Jake, now 30, continues to live with HIV.
Paul spent the ensuing years battling the various stages of grief, rage and fear. He had to find a way to continue with his life, while supporting his son through his own feelings of loss and anger. In his book, Chrystallia, Paul explores the depths of helplessness and powerlessness that come with dealing with the imminent loss of a loved one through a magical story of light and love.
To view Paul’s artwork or to purchase his new book of poetry and art, The Edge of Whimsy, visit his website at pmglaserart.com.