Friends,

It looks like the weather is going to cooperate with us and we’ll be able to get back together Wednesday and Friday outside at the gym this week.  We need to be COVID safe and respectful of the virus and each other.

If you have been exposed to COVID, have a fever or any other symptoms, please do not come.  Let’s allow each other ample space between each other (6 feet is recommended).  We’ll need to disinfect any machine you use before and after you use it.  We’ll have disinfectant sprays available.  Be sure to wash your hands before and after you join us.  As far as wearing face coverings go, I’d suggest you wear a face covering whenever you’re in close proximity to someone else.  It’s hard to work out with a face covering on.  If nobody is near you, go ahead and pull your face covering down so you can breath.  When someone comes near you, pull it back over your mouth and nose.  We need to be respectful of the virus and of each other.

After learning all we’ve learned, I’m confident we can get back together safely if we just respect and follow these annoying but simple guidelines.  These inconveniences are much better than continuing to be isolated like too many of us have been for too long.  If you’re not comfortable with the virus and the precautions we’ll be taking, please hold of on joining us until you are comfortable.  I’m looking forward to seeing you again!  I hope we can help you in some way.

We still need to keep Connie in our prayers.  Here’s an update from Connie that she gave me permission to share:

Well my friend, MRI’S results not so good news. I have a lesion on my brain that is in the area that effects your eyesight, that has increased in size. I also have many more new lesions on my brain & brain stem. I haven’t had any lesions on my spine but now I do. I see an eye specialist, Dr Walsh (?) On Oct 6th. He will be checking into my double vision problem & conferring the results to my Neurologist. Then I will get a phone call from my Neurologist going over all the findings & talk about going on one of the newer drug treatment meds etc. My Neurologist is Dr Obidot & I like him & his assistant, Dr Sam very much. I’m having an active MS/ relapse right now. My movement is not 2 good right now but I still am planning 2 participate in Challenge Walk MS. I will be walking as much as I can with the use of my walking sticks or whatever device I need 2 help me accomplish this goal. I am pretty bummed out that this relapse has knocked me on my ass. With the help & support of many of my friends I will use that as my strength and spirit to “Just Keep Moving”! If anyone wants 2 support me with a donation please go to MS Challenge Walk Door County. My team name is: I walk Alone but Alone I am Knot. Anyone is welcome 2 join my team! I hope all is well with u & the entire group. Sending love & hugs. You may share this email with the group.  -Connie-

Here’s a link to Connie’s personal page of you’re willing to read her story and make a donation  https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=31265&pg=personal&px=18096390  Connie is walking for all of us.  All donations help.  We need to get this MS thing figured out.

We had a cold and damp week all last week.  The weather gave us a break with the rain but it was still plenty chilli at 7:00am Friday for our bike ride.  It just warms my heart when the parking lot starts filling up with people with MS and volunteers to ride with us.

Thanks to Jim and Cee Cee who donated their trikes (one being an e-trike); Ginger and Donna were able to ride together on their own last Friday for the first time.  Ginger was a little out of her comfort zone being the captain but they rode awesome together.  Donna’s always a great sport and up for an adventure.  Traci kept them safe and as always, was right there if they needed any help.

Shelli even joined us for her first ride of the year.  It was so awesome to see you riding Shelli!

It’s amazing to see so many people with MS riding and helping each other ride at 7:00am!

Do you want to ride bike with us?  Let’s hope the weather cooperates.  If it’s raining, we will not ride.  Please join us at 7:00am Friday morning at Nettesheim Park on the SE corner of Hwy SS and Oak Street in Pewaukee.  We’ll ride together on Friday mornings until it gets too cold this fall.  Each week is a bonus week at this point.  If you need me to bring a trike or two, please let me know.

Let’s keep riding!

Our prayer group on Wednesday mornings are a great place to get together virtually, catch up a bit and give thanks.  Even though we can’t get together physically, it’s so nice to see all that joins us virtually and learn how you’re doing and how this pandemic is affecting you.  I really like the good things coming out of this pandemic that are discussed…seeing God’s work as blessings.  It’s awesome seeing so many of you there laughing, listening, sharing, giving thanks and praying!   We have a lot to give thanks for, don’t we?

We’re going to be doing it again tomorrow (Wednesday) @ 11:30am even though we’re getting together in person in the parking lot.  We realize not everyone will be able to make it in person.  We’ll get together either via phone or computer (your choice) and share, talk, listen, give thanks, and pray in however God leads us.  It’s a way for all of us to get together virtually to catch up and be there for each other and with each other.  I hope you’ll join us!

Here’s a link to our Zoom Meeting that Ashley provided for us.  Thanks Ashley!  Just click or call @ 11:30am Wednesday and you’ll be connected.  I hope to “see” you there!

Topic: MS-Just Keep Moving Prayer Group

Time: This is a recurring meeting

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/786859505

Meeting ID: 786 859 505

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Meeting ID: 786 859 505

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acej2eGAIM

I hope you’ll join us on Zoom!

My heart goes out to all the people and families of the people that have been affected by COVID-19.  This is really getting serious and close to home.  Whether actually having it, being exposed to it, being affected by businesses being shut down, losing your job, working on the front line, etc.  These are tough times and we really need to take it seriously and do our part of practicing social distancing and all other recommendations.  I hope you and your family are safe.  Let’s keep everyone affected in our prayers and pray we all get through this as safely as we can.

As we all go through this pandemic together, I encourage you to share a smile with someone.  Perhaps you could give someone a call that you haven’t talked with for a while just to see how they’re doing.  This pandemic is tough in many ways.  We all could use a little extra love and encouragement during these times.

Let’s be thankful for all the doctors, nurses and everyone in the health care that are putting themselves at risk every day and every night as they serve those with the Coronavirus.  These are amazing, selfless, courageous people!  Let’s also give thanks to all the people in the world that are working diligently to develop testing equipment and ways to treat this Coronavirus.  Let’s also give thanks for all the people that are working diligently to produce protective gear, respirators, and any other medical equipment to help us get through this pandemic.

We may be inconvenienced in many ways but others have it much worse.  Let’s be thankful we have each other.  I know I’m thankful for you!

We will not be getting back together at the gym yet.  We’re going to get through this COVID-19 pandemic before we do.  I love you too much to put you at risk.

I hope you’re doing your part to “keep moving” and stay healthy during these unprecedented times we’re going through.  I’m hoping and praying that none of us get this virus and have to deal with it.

Let’s stay calm, focused, healthy, flexible, have faith and learn as much as we can about the challenges of each day and make good choices.  Hopefully we’ll be back at the gym together soon.

I love and miss you all!

Dan