"You're Coming To My World Now": Reflecting on Hidden Changes and the hazy path to addiction

Enter the shadowy world of the 1980s, where a potent force known as the crack epidemic surged through the veins of America. There was an insidious rise in crack cocaine consumption that captivated minds with its allure of instant gratification, economic accessibility, and lucrative rewards. Now, enter into the heart of urban landscapes, where African American communities bore the brunt of its wrath, experiencing a surge in addiction, a trail of fatalities, and a spike in drug-fueled crimes.

In Chapter One of Hidden Changes, the title "You're Coming To My World Now" emerges from the narrative, offering a glimpse into the year 1986 and the experiences of a young David Williams. Here, we witness his transition to a new realm of consciousness. Without giving away spoilers, it captures the painfully pivotal moment when Dave realizes that the support he once relied on may no longer suffice, signaling the need for self-reliance. Throughout the story, we witness Dave's perception of the world shifting, as he confronts its challenges head-on.

Recently, I reconnected with an old acquaintance who had fallen into addiction years after we last saw one another—a reminder to me of how easily one can slip into its grasp. It's a subtle descent, akin to losing one's balance without realizing it until it's too late. Imagine feeling powerless against the currents of life, trapped in a cycle with no clear way out. It's a haunting reality for many.

When Dave shared his writing ambitions with me, his enthusiasm was palpable. Despite my initial skepticism, his passion for Hidden Changes was infectious. As he proudly unveiled the title, "Hidden Changes," its significance resonated deeply. The phrase encapsulates the profound transformations we undergo, obscured by life's complexities.

Reading Dave’s handwritten pages of Chapter One–a feat he accomplished while in prison–I was captivated by the raw emotion within. Those pages marked the inception of both his story and ours. In honoring his memory, I made a solemn vow to complete what we started—a legacy for our children and a testament to Dave's journey.

Hidden Changes isn't just a story; it's a reminder to look beyond the surface, to empathize with others' struggles, and to offer support before it's too late. Through this narrative, I hope to inspire compassion, strengthen communities, and ignite conversations about addiction and recovery.

To those reading this, thank you. This project is not meant to be glamorous. My natural propensity is bent toward creativity, but that should never bely the hard truth about the destruction this drug has caused many communities across the United States.

I invite you to join me on this difficult journey—a journey of healing, understanding, and hope. You may laugh with Dave as he tells his story in a way only he could, or you may even mock our misfortune, but that doesn't change the fact that someone out there may need this. Let's be brave together and uncover the hidden changes within us all.