Aria
  

Hello, my name is Rain and I was medically diagnosed with M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis) in 1986 and FM in 1990. The onset of these diseases brought with them a cluster of medical and physical problems, including seizures and a coma that lasted 2 days.  I struggled at work from 1986 to 2002.   I went on Permanent Disability in 2002 after a total collapse at work put me in the hospital for several days.   Currently, the seizures are under control.

I live in Camarillo , California in a small room that I rent from a very nice family in a very nice part of town.  I’ve had to scale my life down dramatically. I live as simply as possible and find that being alone is best for me, due to what I deal with everyday. After 15 years of marriage, I divorced and had to move a few times before settling here.

I am 55 years old, and over the last two years found my passion for music.  I have written upwards of 30 songs in the last year and am working on putting 2 CD’s together. I’ve played guitar for over 30 years and I have performed for the last year in Ventura County at coffee houses, parties, and open mics but because it’s so physically demanding, I’ve had to stop.  Now I perform for Senior Facilities and work on the CD’s when I have the energy.

I have a 25 year old daughter and best friend named Aria and she is in her last year of college.  Her major is music and theatre arts . . . chip off the old block. 

I have been a minister, a poet and writer for many years and some of my poetry is on this site, which Val has generously posted faithfully as I give her things.  This is a wonderful site and I am so grateful to her for bringing it to the women (and man) here, so we can relax and enjoy everyone’s creativity and input.

I have known the people on this chat since 1998 when I was desperately trying to find a support group and was having little luck in the outside world.  I turned to the internet and found this amazing chat that offers a world of concise education and information, emotional support and ongoing friendships, making life with chronic diseases less hopeless.