I hesitate to give 5 star reviews; it's rare that I feel a piece couldn't be improved in some way. But I've listened to this piece four times - twice on my own, and twice in showing it to other people - and even on that fourth listen, I was riveted. The contrast between the extreme emotional content and the monotone of Jade's computer-assisted narration is very effective, and you can tell that he constructs his phrases carefully. A painful, beautifully-made piece.

This piece is timed at just under 13 minutes, but it is so absorbing, the listener's awareness of time disappears.
It's the very sad yet uplifting story of Jade Bell and what he has become - blind, can't talk or control his movements - after an overdose of heroin and cocaine. Trisha Wilson's narrative, combined with the computer voice for Jade and music that keeps the intensity, gives us a glimpse into his world then and now.
Despite his lost skills, Jade is witty, sharing his thoughts and life lessons with the listener.
He visits high schools to tell his story and warn the kids it could happen to them.
His success at dealing with life's struggles had an uplifting affect on me. When he tapped in the message to have his computer voice an outcue to the piece, I laughed and felt grateful to have heard the story Trisha helped Jade tell.