THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY

What is new with the project? Well, we are right on schedule for my three month goals of getting the book series onto their new expanded platform, complete with their own ISBN – International Standard Book Number (ISBN), and their own barcodes that I will own. This will open the books up to be added to shelves in stores etc., and to be able to do book signings in those stores.

But along with all of that what is most important for me, is to get my health back. I am steadily working on it that is for sure. I am in Physical Therapy twice a week, stretching, walking and I am desperately trying to learn about diet and nutrition. I have not skated in over a month. I am in the process of buying new skates soon and perhaps, I just needed to not skate for a little bit. Exercise intolerance is a horrific symptom of Long Term Covid.

“Long COVID is often marked by persistent fatigue and a loss of stamina. Several readers have asked if exercise in itself might be a useful therapy. “Could it be a question of powering through to regain strength and endurance, like you do in rehab?” a reader asked. Unfortunately, newer research suggests that the answer is no. It turns out that strenuous exercise often leads to a flare of long COVID symptoms. This phenomenon has earned the name “post-exertional malaise.”

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT – IF I COULD JUST POWER THROUGH I WOULD GET BETTER.

BUT I WAS MAKING MYSELF WORSE!

“In a new study, researchers looked at whether oxygen deficit plays a role in post-exertional malaise. They found that although oxygen was successfully transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream, the tissues of the bodies of long COVID patients were unable to access and use it. Another study hints at the reason why: Researchers found that in long COVID patients with exercise intolerance, mitochondria behaved abnormally. Mitochondria are cellular structures that use oxygen to generate a molecule known as ATP, which the muscles use for energy. These are surprising developments. They expand our understanding of long COVID and open new avenues of inquiry that may point to effective treatment.“

In a few weeks, I am doing a Long Term Covid study. I am in Behavioral Counseling because my strength and stamina were stolen. But then millions lost their lives. So, how can I be angry? I am learning how to cope with better management skills, better nutrition, better diet, and exercise. But when I am able to do more – just a step more or a second more. It is a very hard and bitter fight. Then I have to work on Summer Ray and do other things. But there are times when I just do not feel like it. Then the guilt sets in. But I have learned through goal making that if I set a three month goal and I can’t do something one or two of those days, that I am not behind. I am just resting. I don’t like the medication I have to be on. But three Penn Med doctors expressed the need for it. So, I am listening. But the goal is to eventually stop it. I do not believe for one second that we are behind schedule with Summer Ray. I trust Almighty God and what the bible says:

 “He works out everything to fit his plan and purpose.” Ephesians 1:11 (NIRV)

“Him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” (ESV)

So somehow, He will make “everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ABCE) I guess my own impatience causes me frustration at times. But I want nothing more than for this film pilot to be ALL it needs to be. When you look at the scope of its mission and its purpose, we simply cannot wing it. There is a delicate balance of entertainment, divine inspiration and divine intervention in regard to this project. To God be the Glory!

Thank you for being a part of our Summer Ray world.

Reference: www.biblegateway.com; https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/strenuous-exercise-can-lead-flare-long-covid-symptoms