Character is the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their work.
The shock of any trauma I think changes your life. It's more acute in the beginning and after a little time you settle back to what you were. However it leaves an indelible mark on your psyche.
My four years in the Marine Corps left me with an indelible understanding of the value of leadership skills.
When I tried to play something and screwed up I'd hear some other note that would come into play. Then I started trying different things to find the beauty in it.