Whenever people first see me, they either do one of several things: either they turn away, stare as though I am growing horns right out of the middle of my forehead, point and/or say things, or act embarrassed.

I'm used to it.  

I try not to let it bother me, but sometimes it does, especially when rude comments are flung my way.  I know it isn't my fault, but I still feel guilty for being the way I am, especially when people point it out to me.

My name is Nathan Lake.  I was born with Apert syndrome, which left me with facial disfigurements, excepting in my case, they were rather extreme.  I got teased horribly as a child and even as a teenager.  I'm now on the cusp of graduating from high school this coming May; I'll be eighteen a week before then.  Now that I have had my eyes fixed (and can now see beter than I ever have in a long while), I am thinking of becoming a writer and tell my story in a book.  

I was teased so much, in fact, that kids (and even some adults) called me Monster, Freak, or The Creature.  The Creature was probably the most common nickname I heard.  I had very few friends, and people didn't want to associate with the likes of me.  It was really bad.  But then I started going to church (and also to counseling), and it's made a world of difference.  I am a completely different person and I have set some lofty goals for myself, among them going to college and working on my life story.

Now I still don't look like something to talk about, but compared to where I was, I look like a million bucks.  My eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc are all where they are supposed to be, and I look more normal than not.  But I sitll need more surgeries down the road; but at least the giantic stuff is out of the way; the rest will be a piece of cake; it's all gravy from here on out.

I don't like the thought of more surgery, but hey: as long as it helps me and makes me look better, than I'm all for it.  I shouldn't have to be in the hospital for more than a few days to a week or two and then after a relatively short recuperation time, I should be able to resume my happy, joy-filled life.

So that's where things stand with me at the current time.  I thought I would write to let you know that I am still alive and not buried someplace in a spooky cemetary.  I am now close to being an adult and am about to start a whole new chapter in my life when I start college and work on my book.  Wish me all the best, and say some prayers on my behalf; I could really use 'em!  Thanks in advance, and may God bless you always!

~Nathan Lake, Nashville, Tennessee.  :)