Peripheral Neuropathy – Page 5

Happy Time: A Friend Visits

Since moving to Florida, our two daughters and grandchildren visit for a week during their spring break in May every year. For the first time in four years, they couldn’t come. My youngest daughter had just been released from the hospital. And, her doctor didn’t want her to travel for a while. Though disappointed, I was happy my eldest daughter decided to stay in Wisconsin to support and spend the spring break with her sister and the grands.

The daughters didn’t come, as planned. Yet, I had a great spring break, filled with an abundance of happiness and joy.

Thanks to The Librarian who has been a great friend for more than fifteen years. Needing a break from Wisconsin’s cold weather, she accepted my invitation to visit. And, I needed someone other than Hubby to spend quality time with. Now, I love the time spent with Hubby. However, I enjoy doing some things that he dislikes and prefers not to do. Although, I did give him the option to join us on any of our planned outings over the next three days. He chose not to commit.

The First Day – Happy Time on the Lanai

The Librarian and I spent the evening on the lanai relaxing, catching up, and enjoying the stillness of a quiet space.

The Second Day – Happy Time at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Though it was raining, we decided to follow the planned agenda — a visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens. First, I had to pick up the rental car. I showed up promptly at 9:00 a.m., the rental car company’s opening time, with my driver’s license and credit card. I couldn’t rent the car. Because, I didn’t bring a lease, utility bill, or cable bill to show proof of residency. Yet, The Librarian, who lives in Wisconsin could rent the car using only her credit card and driver’s license. She lives two thousand miles away, I live twenty minutes away. It didn’t make sense then. It doesn’t make sense now. But, she rented the car, that I could neither rent nor drive, and we were off to start our day.

Before heading out to Harry P. Leu Gardens, we stopped to pick up a few groceries. Of course, we added several bottles of wine for the evening serenity times on the lanai. Shopping went quickly. Found all the groceries, but we couldn’t find the rental car. We searched aisle after aisle of the parking lot, with no luck. Finally, a man approached us saying he had noticed when we arrived. He took us to the car and we took a photo of the license plate so we wouldn’t lose it again. This was a laughable moment.

Unloaded the groceries at the house and set the GPS to take us where we needed to go. I have lived in this city for more than four years. However, if I venture outside of my very limited driving range, I needed a GPS. The Librarian had never used one; and, I only knew how to use the one in our car. So, the setup wasn’t that easy for us. But, we did it.

At last, we were off to Harry P. Leu Gardens in pouring rain. After driving for more than a half hour, we noticed we were getting farther away from the city. Having visited the Leu Gardens’ website, we knew it was close to the downtown area. So, we pulled over at a gas station and reset the GPS. There was a lot of laughter after discovering, we were going in the wrong direction.

About forty-five minutes later, we arrived at Happy P. Leu Gardens and it was still raining heavily. We had been smart enough to bring two umbrellas from home. When we opened them, they were both broken and virtually useless. But, that didn’t stop us.

At s soon as we entered the Hospitality Building, a very nice receptionist told us the Gardens were closed due to rain. And, to our surprise, there wasn’t an indoor garden as we had expected.

We did spend time browsing around in the Gift Shop; and, I bought two flags for the front yard. I have to decide which to hang first.

We, also, toured the Art Gallery and took photos of the art on display.

The tour, for us, ended on the rear screened-in porch, which overlooks a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. We relaxed in rocking chairs and enjoyed the scenic view.

We didn’t get to tour the Harry P. Leu Gardens, but it was wonderful to spend quality, face-to-face time with a kind and loving friend. I am Grateful to The Librarian for this happy and fun-filled day — mishaps and all.

In the next post, I will write about and share photos on our Third Day – Happy Time at Cocoa Beach.

Mother’s Day – Expressing Gratitude and Thankfulness

I received this floral arrangement yesterday, a Mother’s Day Gift from our three children. One of the downsides of retirement in Florida is not enjoying this special day with them. Four years ago, we moved 2,000 miles away from our offsprings. While we miss them, each year the “separation anxiety” lessens.

This Mother’s Day, I express gratitude and thankfulness to God for blessing me with three wonderful children, five grandchildren and, of course, the greatest Hubby.

Given my recent posts, believe it or not, this one isn’t about me. This is about three mothers; and, each played different roles in different seasons of my life.

Unconditional Love – Happy Mother’s Day MAMA

Mama you blessed me with unconditional love from the day I was born until your death in 1967. Though, I wish you had stayed with me longer, I am grateful for our years together. You left, but I kept the memories and these memories will always keep me connected to you. “As is the mother, so is her daughter.” (Ezekiel 16:4)

Maternal Tenderness – Happy Mother’s Day CARRIE

I was only 25-years-old when MAMA died. While no one will ever replace her, I will be forever grateful for the gift of Maternal Tenderness from my mother-in-law . She helped to fill the “mother void” in my life until her death in 1980. She will always have a special place in my heart. And, I cherish the many memories of our times together.

Led By Examples – Happy Mothers Day Shirley

This is a photo taken on June 25, 1988, at my eldest daughter’s wedding ceremony. Realizing, my sister-in-law would not live to attend her own daughter’s wedding, we invited her to share the mother’s role with me. Having survived breast cancer for more than five years, she was undergoing treatment due to a recurrence two years earlier. Six months after the wedding, she died in our spare bedroom. So grateful God gifted us with the opportunity to serve as caregivers during the last months of her life.

I was “Led by Examples” of this beautiful woman from the age of 17 when I married her brother through middle-aged. Though only four years my senior, she was my mentor, advisor and counselor.

On March 8, 2008, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I relied upon examples of her strength and courage as she battled this condition to carry me through a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and life after breast cancer.

My ability to deal with a health condition for which there is no cure is because I was “Led by Examples” of a brave Breast Cancer Warrior, a sister-in-law, who fought to survive, but lost the battle.

I honor these three mothers who are no longer with me on this Mother’s Day.

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I also honor my two daughters for being outstanding mothers to three of my grandchildren. I am ever so grateful for their unconditional love, nurturing, and support.

Pamela Thomas-King, M.D.

Kimberly Eccleston, Attorney-at-Law

Showing Off: DIY Project and Container Gardening

I am showing off in this week’s post and sharing photos of my DIY Project and Container Garden.

DIY Project

After many years of trying, I finally completed a DIY Project that makes me proud. As you can see from the photos below the furniture on our front porch needed either a makeover or removal.

Since, the pieces were only three years old, I chose the makeover option. Even though I was treading into unknown territory, I was confident.

First, I needed to find out what to do. I didn’t know anyone to ask. So, I went to Google for an answer and asked, “how to refinish metal furniture pieces”. Google directed me to detailed written instructions as well as video step-by-step demonstrations via You Tube. The only supplies I needed were sandpaper and spray paint. Sanding was the most difficult. Spray painting was the messiest. I must have overlooked the directions to wear rubber gloves and my hands sported green paint for almost a week.

What do you think of my first DIY Project?

Container Garden

We retired and purchased our home in Florida a little over four years ago. During our fifty-four years of marriage, we lived in many homes. Some were rentals and others we owned; but they were all viewed as our sanctuary for peace, joy and happiness.

This home, for the first time, had an outdoor space that was livable year-round. I wanted to make the lanai, my special haven to retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. I took the photos below on our first walk-through before purchasing the house. The lanai area was spacious, but barren. And, it remained that way for the first year while I was in recovery from a very serious and life-threatening illness.

During this recovery, I learned to appreciate and value the beauty of nature; and, I decided to fill my haven with flowers and plants. And, I spent many hours picturing how it was going to look. These are photos of my dream Container Garden which has grown bigger and bigger each year.

This year, Hubby invaded my haven and convinced me to add two tomato plants.

And, I added the small herb garden.

We are contemplating expanding the Container Garden, herbs and vegetables only, to the backyard. Gardening is a new venture; and, I love it. To become a better gardener, I seek the advice of other experienced gardeners and self-educate via books and the Internet.

What do you think of my Container Gardening efforts?

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Post Script: Photography is a work-in progress, too. But, I am not ready to show off yet. Still taking photos on my IPad or telephone. New digital camera purchased months ago is on the learn-to-do list.

RETIRED AND LOVING EVERY MOMENT

I retired in 2010. Mind you, it was not a planned retirement. Just the opposite, MY goal was to work until MY mind and MY body deteriorated to a point, which made it impossible to continue working. But things happen.

In 2010, after surviving a life-threatening illness, Hubby and I decided retire and move to Florida. Leaving our:

family owned business that we had nurtured for more than sixteen years;
three children who were also our co-workers;
four grandchildren who spent a lot of time with us; and
extended family and friends that we had known for many years.

Four years later I can honestly say, “there are no regrets”. I entered a whole new world as a retiree. And, traveling through the first four years has been both exciting and enlightening. On this new journey, I made many stops along the way.

I undertook new challenges; and, the old fears of “stepping outside of MY comfort zone” disappeared. The inquisitive mind appeared, which had been latent for far too many years.

This inquisitive mind led ME to:

Yoga Classes
Aqua Zumba
Daily Meditations
Daily Affirmations
Blogging
Facebook
Texting
Container Gardening (flowers, herbs and vegetables)
Journaling
On-line Church Services
Bible Study

These new activities improved the QUALITY OF MY LIFE —spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Most days, serenity and tranquility are present. On those rare days when they take a break, I still express gratitude and thankfulness. For I believe, in every day, there is something that we can be grateful and thankful for.

Since retiring, MY life is filled with peace, joy and happiness. I

welcome every moment,
embrace every moment, and
live every moment.

Awesome Side Effects

In the more than 60+ years of taking medications, I never experienced “side effects.” But, since 2008, I have faced several serious health issues that related to “medication side effects.” I always knew there were side effects to medications. I just never bothered to check. Thinking, the doctor prescribed the medication, so it’s okay.

In a ten-year period, I took four different medications to treat conditions, which later turned into creating new conditions. After the first incident, I should have learned a lesson. Well, I didn’t.

First Incident – Humira

About ten years ago I was prescribed a weekly self-injection of the drug, Humira, to treat MY Rheumatoid Arthritis. The “risks and benefits” expert in the family was Hubby’s 83-year-old aunt. For more years than I can remember, she wouldn’t take a prescribed or over-the-county medication without researching the “risks and benefits”. A long-time RA survivor, I asked her what she thought of this drug. And Auntie said, “There are too many risks.” I listened. But, it didn’t change my mind.

During that time, I made bi-monthly visits, to the hospital for a four-hour infusion of Remicade to treat MY RA. The “benefits” of the weekly at-home injections of Humira versus a four-hour stay at the hospital outweighed, in MY mind, any “risks.”

Five years later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which according to the literature and confirmed by both MY then treating oncologist and rheumatologist was due to the “side effects” of Humira.

(Thankful for the Humira medication, which significantly reduced MY pain levels. Living this new life as a Breast Cancer Survivor opened ME up to receiving and expressing Gratitude everyday for the Gift of Life.)

Second Incident – Chemotherapy

Following a lumpectomy, I was scheduled to have 12 weeks of chemotherapy. After eight treatments, I noticed “tingling and burning in both feet.” I brought this to the attention of MY oncologist.

He diagnosed the condition as peripheral neuropathy due to a side effect of chemotherapy and immediately discontinued the treatments. Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic condition that will be a part of MY life for the rest of MY life.

(I move a little slower on feet that are continuously burning, stabbing, or freezing. But, I am so appreciative for I am still able to walk. Grateful.)

Third Incident – Orencia

For two years, after the Humira was discontinued, I relied on prednisone, plaquenil and weekly injections of methroxate to treat MY rheumatoid arthritis. MY rheumatologist and oncologist researched different medications looking for one to adequately treat MY RA condition without putting ME at “risk” for a cancer recurrence. They both felt Orencia was the answer.

In late January 2010, I had the first infusion of Orencia at MY rheumatologist’s office. The second one never happened. One week later, I was hospitalized with a life-threatening case of epiglottitis. The pulmonologist who treated ME at the hospital and MY rheumatologist agreed this newly diagnosed condition was due to a side effect of Orencia.

I left the hospital with a multitude of new diagnoses: asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, hypersensitive airways, swallowing difficulties, vocal problems, and allergies. All of these conditions are chronic and will remain with ME for the rest of MY life.

(Following such a serious and life-threatening illness, I still breathe. Thankful for God’s Grace and Mercy.)

Fourth Incident – Methotrexate

Since the Orencia was no longer an option, the prescribed medications to treat MY rheumatoid arthritis are plaquenil, prednisone, and methotrexate.

I spent seven days in the hospital in late November, including Thanksgiving Day. I was being treated for bronchitis. Because bronchitis and other upper respiratory problems had been a recurring problem since 2010, the pulmonologist performed a bronchosphy. The results showed scarring on the lungs. This newly diagnosed condition was related to a “side effect” of methotrexate. The medication was discontinued.

(Grateful for the many years, I was able to use methotrexate to reduce further joint degeneration associated with MY rheumatoid arthritis.)

Closing

With each “new side effect”, I faced a “new challenge.” And, I am grateful for each of those new challenges for I was re-directed down a new path, which re-created a better ME.

So inspired to live life to its fullest, I gladly embrace MY latest “side effect”, the “Side Effects of Kindness”. It’s AWESOME.

Pain, Pain Go Away – Come Again Another Day

Introduction

For more than fourteen years, I believed MY Pain had “Gone Away”. But, in December 2013, the Pain decided to “Come Again Another Day”. And, I started to experience both intermittent and continuous pain daily and nightly. The levels ranged from “five” to “ten” on the “standardized pain management scale.”

Why the Pain Came Back

This “pain flare-up” occurred when I quit taking the injectable drug, Methotrexate, to treat MY Rheumatoid Arthritis. I injected the first dose in 1997 and once a week thereafter until it was discontinued in December 2013.

Toward the end of November 2013, I was hospitalized for treatment of bronchitis. The pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy procedure while I was in the hospital. Several weeks after being released from the hospital, I followed up with the pulmonologist; and, he shared the results of the bronchoscopy procedure. It showed scarring on MY lungs. Prior to MY follow-up visit, the pulmonologist spoke with MY rheumatologist . Both agreed, this newly diagnosed lung condition was due to the side effects of Methotrexate I was told to immediately discontinue the medication. They offered no options for alternative treatments.

When the Pain Came Back

Shortly after discontinuing the medication, the years of living virtually pain-free ended. I was in pain. I mean really, really severe pain. I first went to see MY rheumatologist and followed up with a visit to MY primary care physician.

The rheumatologist increased my prednisone prescription from 5 to 7-½mg. Several weeks passed with no pain relief; so, he increased the prednisone from 7-½ to10 mg. Still there was no pain relief. Finally, the rheumatologist prescribed Leflunomide, 20mg. But, he cautioned it could take at least four weeks before I saw any improvements. Could I live with this unbearable pain for four weeks? No!!!! I had to look elsewhere.

So, I went to see MY primary care physician for advice and to, specifically ask, if it was okay to take Vicodan. I had eleven pills left from the thirty prescribed in February 2010; when I was discharged from the hospital after an extended stay for the treatment of epiglottitis. He responded in a very patronizing voice, “stay away from pain medications they are not good for you.”

I couldn’t believe he said that!!! Had he bothered to look at MY past medical records? If he had taken the time, he would have noted that during MY more than 20 years as a chronic pain patient (other than the 2010 hospitalization); I never received a prescription for an opioid/narcotic medication When he offered no alternatives for dealing with the pain, I knew it was time to step outside the box.

The Pain Goes Away

I reached out to MY pain management doctor in Wisconsin. She is fellowship-trained in pain management as well as board certified in both anesthesia and pain management. I have been under her care for more than seventeen years. I schedule follow-up visits at least 2-3 times a year when I return to Wisconsin. Under her care, I had managed MY chronic pain without opioid medication and invasive procedures for more than seventeen years. Through a multidisciplinary approach, working together, we developed a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan focusing on: medication management, physical therapy, nutrition/diet, psychological counseling, and a variety of self management tools (exercise, mindfulness, diet/nutrition, sleeping habits, music, relaxation, distractions, etc).

On Tuesday, I telephoned her. She listened to ME. She empathized with ME. She responded to MY needs. She prescribed a non-narcotic pain medication to help ME.

I started taking it on Wednesday. Today, Sunday, as I write this post; I am virtually pain-free. I am able to:

prepare meals,
perform housekeeping chores,
exercise at the YMCA
shop for groceries and flowers to plant, and
water and tidy up around our container flower garden.

Come Again Another Day

Since there is no known cure for chronic pain, I am certain it will return. In the meantime, I will search for two new doctors in Florida. Doctors who, I believe, have the capacity to understand and respond to the unique needs of a chronic pain patient.

“Few things a doctor does are more important than relieving pain… pain is soul destroying. No patient should have to endure intense pain unnecessarily. The quality of mercy is essential to the practice of medicine; here, of all places, it should not be strained.” (Marcia Angell)

Who Am I?

My response to Who Am I before embarking on a new journey to find ME would have been I AM a:

Wife

Mother

Grandmother

Friend to…

Relative of …

In this Season of Life, I made the choice to look beyond attachment to anyone other than ME to define ME.

On my new journey, I want to discover how to love and embrace ME.

With each step along the way, I will read, learn and try new and different things in search of ME.

Shortly after beginning MY journey, I discovered the stillness of meditation, I Am Grateful for this Gift that allows ME to

live in the present moment;
let go of the past; and
trust in God’s plan for the future.

By living, letting go, and trusting, I Am Empowered to search for the Authentic ME.

Now, if asked Who Am I, the answer is “I Am My Deepest Desire and the Possibilities are Unlimited.”

Today: Pain and Happiness

I woke up this morning in pain. It’s been a long-time since I experienced the long lasting, penetrating, stabbing and burning pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis. But, I was determined to stick with my “routine” – 5:00 a.m. morning meditation, inspirational/spiritual reading, and quiet time. While this was spiritually and inspirationally uplifting, the pain remained.

So, I returned to the bedroom, looked at the unmade bed, and crawled under the covers. This lasted for no more than five minutes; I hopped out, made the bed, and said “not going to let this happen.” I began thinking back to those days when I allowed pain to control my life. The many days of lying in bed, the darkened room, the heating pads/ice packs and receiving no relief from the prescribed medications. These memories were enough to get ME up and moving for breakfast. Even though the pain was more severe with walking, arm movements, sitting down, and getting up, I joined Hubby at the table.

After breakfast, Hubby encouraged me to at least lie back on the recliner chair in our bedroom. Within five minutes, I was asleep. One hour later, I woke up. The pain was still there, but bearable. Bearable pain, for me, is doable pain. I can function.

Dressed in outdoor work clothes, I began the long-delayed job of cleaning out our container flower garden area around the pool. The pruning, cutting, and bending, though far from pain-free, distracted ME from focusing on the pain. When finished, I immediately cleaned up the area, stood back and admired MY work.

Following lunch, I was geared up to complete the remainder of the job; but Hubby said, “let it wait until tomorrow.” I took his advice.

I am thankful for a Hubby who reminds ME to stop, rest, and pace as I carry out these many different projects that I proclaim will make ME happy.

I learned today it is not necessary to “finish” a “happiness” project. There are times when happiness will come from just “doing” the project.

The movement today as I gardened brought pain relief. The distraction of gardening brought ME pain relief. Just the “doing” of gardening brought ME happiness.

Fibro Treatment: Pending

Last Monday, a visit to MY Primary Care Physician left ME feeling frustrated and concerned. Why? When I requested a new Rheumatology referral, he responded,

“If You Find A New Rheumatologist, Do Not Mention You Have Fibromyalgia.”

I was Silenced. What’s a polite way to say, “Doctor, I need a Rheumatologist who wants to treat Fibromyalgia”?

Satisfied with the current Rheumatologist’s treatment for MY Rheumatoid Arthritis; but, I was disappointed with his failure to address MY Fibromyalgia. Even though, I mentioned this on more than one occasion.

I left the Primary Care Physician’s office, without a new referral, unsure of what to do next.

Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia more than sixteen years ago, I was able to get access to quality health care when I lived in Wisconsin. I was blessed with empathetic, compassionate and highly trained health care providers — PCP, Pain Specialist, Rheumatologist, Psychologist, and Physical Therapists. They respected, validated and treated Fibromyalgia. Though I continued to rely on these health providers for more than three years after retiring in Florida, this is no longer practical.

When I reached out for treatment in Florida; two of physicians sent different messages: (1) Ignore the Condition and (2) Hide the Condition.

Are there health care providers who think Fibromyalgia is a “wastebasket syndrome?” Is it possible that they still Believe the Myths and Disregard the Facts as reported on:

www.fibrocenter.co

Myth: Fibromyalgia is rare.

Fact: Fibromyalgia is one of the most common types of chronic pain disorders. More than 5 million people in the United States have fibromyalgia.

Myth: Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia when they can’t find a “real” diagnosis.

Fact: Fibromyalgia is very much a real condition. In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology developed guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Today, these guidelines are widely applied. Today there are more than 4,000 published fibromyalgia studies.

Myth: Fibromyalgia is a “woman’s disease.”

Fact: The majority of people with fibromyalgia are women (about 80%). But, remember that fibromyalgia is a common condition. That means many men are diagnosed as well.

Myth: The pain of fibromyalgia is mild.

Fact: Some people only experience mild symptoms, especially when they are being properly treated. For others, the pain can be severe. It can have a significant impact on quality of life.

www.sharecare.com

MYTH: Your Fibro Symptoms Are All in Your Head 

FACT: Fibromyalgia is a real medical condition, which includes specific medical criteria for diagnosis.

MYTH: Only Lazy, Inactive People Get Fibromyalgia 

Fact: Researchers actually suspect that many people who develop fibromyalgia are driven people, and that the stress of that drive may play a role in wearing away a person’s defenses against fibro symptoms.

MYTH: There Are No Effective Fibro Treatments 

Fact: Here’s the good news. As more and more research is being done on fibromyalgia, we’re learning more about it. And that’s helping doctors pinpoint better, more effective fibro treatments. The catch is that what works for one person may not work for another, so you need to work closely with a doctor to refine and modify your fibromyalgia treatment.

The denial of health care for Fibromyalgia is probably not covered under existing anti-discrimination laws. Yet, I felt discriminated against. The same feelings of “unworthiness”, “loss of self esteem”, “powerlessness” and “helplessness”, that I experienced when faced with discriminatory practices in the past because of MY race, age, sex, and/or disability.

Yes, I definitely need health care for both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Over MY 70+ years, I have learned to pick my battles. Therefore, I decided to focus on the RA treatment. Exacerbated pain levels and joint degeneration leaves ME little choice. For now, I will not “burn bridges” and/or “voice opposition” because of inaccessible health care for Fibro. But, I will re-visit this issue at a later date. Not sure how, but MY voice shall be heard.

MY Choice – Online Church

Six months ago, I made the choice to visit an on-line church service. Nowadays, Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., I am in front of the computer.

What Critics Say

To find out, I did a Google Search. I found critics, both pastors and parishioners, who felt there were major missing elements within the on-line churches. For example,

Corporate worship, praying and studying the bible together.
Serving one another and reaching out in mission together.
Encouraging each other through personal face-to-face interactions.
Taking Communion.
God needing your physical presence in the church.

Why I Made the Choice

Hubby and I retired and relocated to Florida four years ago; and, we spent the first three years visiting church after church looking for the right one to call our home. Unsuccessful, I decided to accept a cousin’s invitation to visit her church service online in Chicago. I had two options to worship:

On-Demand Recording at my convenience; or
Live Video Streaming during the actual church service.

Because, I wanted to hold on to the tradition of attending church on Sunday mornings, I chose the Live Video Streaming option.

After the first visit, I knew this was the church for ME.

First, the biblical teachings, mission, and focus on social justice mirrored MY former church. I wanted to keep worshipping within the “comfort zone” I had grown accustomed to. And, these two churches embraced MY religious needs as a Black Christian seeking a positive spiritual, ethnic, and cultural experience within a church environment.

Second, the weekly Live Video Streaming church services connects ME with family members who attend this church. The opportunity to build a stronger religious relationship, though we are separated by thousands of miles, has improved the quality of my life. On any given Sunday it is possible to briefly connect with:

Cousin G, a Deacon in the church, singing in the Men’s Choir.
Cousin S’s young granddaughter, member, Children’s Praise Dance Team.
Cousin S, an Ordained Minister and long-time church member.
Cousin-In-Law D, a Deacon in the church, sitting in his designated pew.

Oftentimes, I will text, telephone, or e-mail Cousin S about a service.

Initially I had serious reservations about worshipping at an on-line church:

Self-Doubt made me ask, “How will others view this decision?”
Self-Awareness stepped in saying, “Who cares, it’s your choice.”
Self-Empowerment gave ME the courage to accept, acknowledge, and embrace MY choice.

Though HUBBY supports MY decision, HE has yet to join ME for an on-line church service. I’m just waiting. After all, we have been partnering as a married couple for almost fifty-four years. He’ll come around.