It's my belief that everything we experience is for a purpose and shapes who we are in this moment and the next. Whether the result is positive or negative is completely up to the individual. With a case of acute Bronchitis that developed into an awful sinus infection, I had a packed schedule and pushed myself to honor my commitments. It became one of the most valuable learning experiences I could've asked for.
What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line is playing. How appropriate!
I won't go on to gloat about all that I managed to accomplish. I'm quite sure it would look like chump change in comparison to many others out there. However, I was determined to transform being festooned with viral plague into a performing bootcamp. Let's face it, when you have a gig, you do what you have to do to show up, at least if you're not in your death bed. The folks in charge may decide it's best for you not to go on, but you showed up! Ready to give them 100%. It shows you and the rest of the world just what you're made of.
Reflecting on Tuesday evening's rehearsal for a concert I'll be a part of in the coming week, I can hold my head a little higher. To hear me speak was to hear death on my voice. Congested would've have been a grave understatement. I sounded as though someone poured tar into my nasal cavity. But I showed up! I practiced my solos and went over the dance numbers and when it was time for rehearsal to start officially, I was determined to perform in such a manner that an audience would not be able to tell that I'm sick. Thankfully, I was successful.
When I felt the onset of all the symptoms, I remembered an experience I had when I saw my first Broadway show: Wicked. You're probably thinking, "Wait... your first show was whhhhaaat!?" It's true, my exposure to Broadway growing up was limited to soundtracks, but I'm cool with that because it gives me an element of shock when I say that to folks. But, getting back to the point, I had the privilege to see the original cast with no substitutions, though there very well could've been one.
That night, I remember being absolutely floored by Idina Menzel, I mean... the pipes! The pipes on that girl! Oh!... The pipes! Talk about a phenomenal voice. Throughout the show, though, I could hear a slight cough and throat clearing. So, I'm waiting outside with my friends for the cast to come out. Out she comes... you could tell that she was sick. Poor thing was still faithful signing autographs while desperately trying to make it to her car (which Taye Diggs was faithfully waiting inside of to pick her up... Awe!).
Seeing that kind of dedication and work ethic was incredible and I experienced it just for one day. I woke up Wednesday morning, pain making sure to clearly define itself to my body. I was proud of this soreness I felt because it brings me one step closer to being able to perform eight shows a week. As much as I was praying, asking God to help me heal quickly, I truly do believe this experience was to teach me the lengths I will go to in pursuit of what I love and to train me for what lies ahead in my life.
