Re: Co-Moderator Introduction

[Guest guest]

To: Chronic_painonelist

Date: Sunday, June 14, 1998 12:54 PM

Subject: Re: Co-Moderator Introduction

>Hello, everyone!

>I want to thank Ken for putting enough trust in me to let me give

>co-moderating the list a whirl. I am enjoying it! I only hope that I can

>be of help to each of you in dealing with your pain.

>

>It has been sometime since I introduced myself to you on this list.

>Therefore, I'll give you a brief intro:

>

>I am Ray Neal. I am 49 years old. My wife and I along with our youngest

>daughter, live in Abingdon, Virginia. Abingdon is located in the southwest

>corner of Virginia near Mt. , the highest peak in Virginia. My wife

>is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. I am currently a stay-at-home Dad. I

>retired from the pastorate of a local church I founded almost two years ago

>due to health problems related to my Reiters Syndrome. I have also been an

>elementary school teacher when I have not been in a ministry position and

>hope to return to teaching if a position opens up in our county.

>

>We have four children. Amy is age 24, married, and completing a degree in

>theatre & drama. , age 22, married, with two children and the third

>one due in August, just graduated from the University of Virginia with an

>English degree in American Studies. He will be a graduate teaching

>assistant in the English dept. at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and

>University (Virginia Tech) this fall. He will be teaching freshman

>composition. Becky, age 18, just graduated from high school and announced

>this past week at her birthday party that she is getting married in August

>just before she leaves for college. We are still in a state of shock over

>that! Alanna, our youngest, who will be nine soon, is an avid artist, and

>will be learning how to swim this summer.

>

>As a minister, I have been involved in pastoral counseling. My responses

to

>your e-mail will probably be pastoral in nature, without the biblical and

>theological content.

>

>I have lived with Reiters Syndrome for most of my life. I was diagnosed at

>the age of 25, but had lived with the symptoms since very early teen years.

>Like many of you, I was told that my problem was psychological until I

>hooked up with Vanderbilt University Medical Clinics some 24 years ago. I

>live with a great deal of pain everyday as my condition is chronic. Though

>I stay as active as possible with gardening, yard work, writing, housework,

>caring for my children and grandchildren, I deal with chronic fatigue also.

>

>I hope you enjoy my work with Ken and you.

>

>Sincerely,

>Ray in Virginia

>

>