A Disastrous Surprise

In October 2009, I developed a condition called Bell's Palsy. This is where half of the face is temporarily or permanently paralyzed, and can be caused by a mere cold virus (it was for me). Lucky for me, it was only temporary, but I did not know that until I was (almost) completely recovered a year after it showed up. It was very challenging for me because I did not know what would become of my future. 

Click here for more info on Bell's Palsy

Up until that point in my life, I was dedicated to music and playing my Horn to the best of my ability. With half of my face paralyzed, that meant that half of my lips were too. I could not play my instrument at all. It also made social experiences very embarrassing because I "looked funny" every time I would smile, laugh, blink, and even talk. With this trial, I turned to the Lord and asked myself what I was supposed to learn from this. What could I do to make this into a good experience and a blessing? As I went to school, I smiled. I'm sure people noticed that only half of my face dimpled and my "smile" looked more like a menacing grin, but I was determined to be happy with who I was and not with what I looked like. I started to write lyrics about this life changing experience. That is how I began writing music. With a little bit of theory class, and some talent in writing poems, it came together. I now have written many songs and I am working on getting them published. After a little while, I found I could play my horn by fingering the notes with my left hand, resting my horn on my leg, and using my right hand to hold my lips closed so that air would not escape. It was quite an ordeal, but it was better than giving up! With much patience, I am now able to play my Horn again without taking such extreme measures.
I never did fully recover from this condition, but I consider it a blessing. It is how my unique sound on my instrument came to be. I learned never to give up and to take life one day at a time. 
I know with the Lord, we can overcome anything. Trials can produce strengths in us we never knew existed. With these strengths and gifts from the Lord, we are able to bless others. I believe the Lord gave me the talent of writing and performing music so that his spirit can be felt by others, and so that I can do his work through music and people will feel the Holy Ghost and the love of Christ. 
I would like to share with you the first recording of me playing my Horn with Bell's Palsy, and a recording of where I'm at today; 
With Bell's Palsy (about 3 months after it was developed. High notes were REALLY hard haha):  Amazing Grace
Now (5 years since):  A French Solo Piece
Thanks for reading!