@lioness I've never liked playing solos. I don't know why it makes me so nervous. But it's always been a pleasure accompanying others, including my wife, who has a beautiful soprano voice. I don't usually get nervous playing background music or the occasional offertory. When I'm playing, I don't notice pain, except for my right thumb. I hurts when I play scales, reaching under my 2nd and 3rd fingers. I have the beginning of autonomic neuropathy, which I really hope will progress slowly. I guess it's peripheral polyneuropathy that is numbing my fingertips and face. Autonomic may be involved in my double vision and a few other places. It means that I need to be more careful with driving, standing up from a chair, staying upright while walking...

You were a true blessing to your pastor and congregation by sharing your gift of music with them. One of the compelling reasons for going on Sunday evenings is that I know that the music ministers to him. I'll keep going with or without pain, vision problems, depression, just for his sake. He's 59, and was diagnosed ten years ago with leukemia, and some of the treatments have been pretty rough for him, along with the 120 mile (each way) commute to the doctor. I think I probably sense more than others, the signs of depression and fatigue. Been there. Still there most days. It reminds me of the importance to King Saul having David come to play his string instrument. Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.

Jim