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Their Wedding Day Was ‘Divinely Appointed’ Their Wedding Day Was ‘Divinely Appointed’
(about 16 hours later)
Sparks were flying between Melody Thuston and Damion Cowan even before they attended the 2018 New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla.Sparks were flying between Melody Thuston and Damion Cowan even before they attended the 2018 New Year’s Eve fireworks show at Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla.
“That’s the night Damion first told me he loved me,” said Ms. Thuston, 32. “It was a wonderful way to start 2019.”“That’s the night Damion first told me he loved me,” said Ms. Thuston, 32. “It was a wonderful way to start 2019.”
Mr. Cowan, 33, a management and program analyst for the Internal Revenue Service, also in Atlanta, first traded glances with Ms. Thuston in August 2006, when he was a sophomore and she a freshman at Alabama A&M University.Mr. Cowan, 33, a management and program analyst for the Internal Revenue Service, also in Atlanta, first traded glances with Ms. Thuston in August 2006, when he was a sophomore and she a freshman at Alabama A&M University.
“When we were first introduced, I didn’t know very much about Melody Thuston,” said Mr. Cowan, who began to chuckle, “but I do remember her radiant smile.”“When we were first introduced, I didn’t know very much about Melody Thuston,” said Mr. Cowan, who began to chuckle, “but I do remember her radiant smile.”
Ms. Thuston, who left the school after a year to enroll at Temple University, knew a lot more about Mr. Cowan. He happened to be dating one of her friends.Ms. Thuston, who left the school after a year to enroll at Temple University, knew a lot more about Mr. Cowan. He happened to be dating one of her friends.
“I would hear the most wonderful things about him,” she said. “My friend told me how hardworking he is, how respectful and polite he is, on and on. So I wasn’t really attracted to him early on as much as I was intrigued by him.”“I would hear the most wonderful things about him,” she said. “My friend told me how hardworking he is, how respectful and polite he is, on and on. So I wasn’t really attracted to him early on as much as I was intrigued by him.”
They were both intrigued enough “to communicate lightly in the ensuing years,” said Ms. Thuston, who graduated from Temple and received a master’s degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University. She is now a senior public affairs specialist in Atlanta for the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid.They were both intrigued enough “to communicate lightly in the ensuing years,” said Ms. Thuston, who graduated from Temple and received a master’s degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University. She is now a senior public affairs specialist in Atlanta for the Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid.
“We both continued to date other people,” she said, “but at the same time, we also managed to keep an eye on each other’s social movements as well.”“We both continued to date other people,” she said, “but at the same time, we also managed to keep an eye on each other’s social movements as well.”
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In October 2017, both returned to Alabama A&M to attend the university’s annual homecoming celebration, and their paths crossed again. (Mr. Cowan finished his undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees at A&M.)In October 2017, both returned to Alabama A&M to attend the university’s annual homecoming celebration, and their paths crossed again. (Mr. Cowan finished his undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees at A&M.)
He was now living in Washington, and she in Chicago, though she would move to Charlotte, N.C., the following month. They were still dating other people, but Mr. Cowan now seemed more mesmerized than amused by Ms. Thuston.He was now living in Washington, and she in Chicago, though she would move to Charlotte, N.C., the following month. They were still dating other people, but Mr. Cowan now seemed more mesmerized than amused by Ms. Thuston.
“I couldn’t help but notice her, she was actually wearing gold boots,” said Mr. Cowan, chuckling some more. “But man, she was one beautiful woman.”“I couldn’t help but notice her, she was actually wearing gold boots,” said Mr. Cowan, chuckling some more. “But man, she was one beautiful woman.”
Ms. Huston recalled “being taken aback, just a little bit,” by Mr. Cowan’s confident approach that night. “He just came at me with this swagger, like he had known me intimately forever and a day,” she said.Ms. Huston recalled “being taken aback, just a little bit,” by Mr. Cowan’s confident approach that night. “He just came at me with this swagger, like he had known me intimately forever and a day,” she said.
He invited her to a fraternity party happening later that evening, and asked if she could provide him with proper contact information to ensure that she received her electronic invite needed for entry.He invited her to a fraternity party happening later that evening, and asked if she could provide him with proper contact information to ensure that she received her electronic invite needed for entry.
“That was just a slick way to get my phone number,” Ms. Thuston said.“That was just a slick way to get my phone number,” Ms. Thuston said.
After a weekend filled with conversations that ranged from casual to what Mr. Cowan described as “impressive and extremely deep,” they stayed in closer touch and became good friends.After a weekend filled with conversations that ranged from casual to what Mr. Cowan described as “impressive and extremely deep,” they stayed in closer touch and became good friends.
“Despite the fact that I was seeing someone else during our friendship, Damion always remained very respectful and very, very kind,” Ms. Thuston said. “I think his kindness, plus the fact that he has a deep relationship with God, as I do, is what ultimately drew me into a relationship with him. I see him as a tethered spirit and a hardworking partner.”“Despite the fact that I was seeing someone else during our friendship, Damion always remained very respectful and very, very kind,” Ms. Thuston said. “I think his kindness, plus the fact that he has a deep relationship with God, as I do, is what ultimately drew me into a relationship with him. I see him as a tethered spirit and a hardworking partner.”
In early 2018, they had ended their previous relationships, and by July they were an item, albeit long-distance.In early 2018, they had ended their previous relationships, and by July they were an item, albeit long-distance.
“There is a certain aura that surrounds Melody, a high-energy person who brings me a sense of peace like no one else ever has,” Mr. Cowan said. “Beyond her beauty, her love of God was immediately attractive to me, as were the facts that she is a loyal, trusting and loving person.”“There is a certain aura that surrounds Melody, a high-energy person who brings me a sense of peace like no one else ever has,” Mr. Cowan said. “Beyond her beauty, her love of God was immediately attractive to me, as were the facts that she is a loyal, trusting and loving person.”
Mr. Cowan also credited Ms. Thuston with “helping me get out of my box,” as he put it. “Since we’ve been together, she has helped me discover a different, friendlier and more loving side of myself,” he said.”Mr. Cowan also credited Ms. Thuston with “helping me get out of my box,” as he put it. “Since we’ve been together, she has helped me discover a different, friendlier and more loving side of myself,” he said.”
When asked what Mr. Cowan had brought to their relationship that she had not experienced before, Ms. Thuston quickly responded: “It’s just the way he looks at me, as if no one else is there and nothing else matters. No man has ever looked at me that way.”When asked what Mr. Cowan had brought to their relationship that she had not experienced before, Ms. Thuston quickly responded: “It’s just the way he looks at me, as if no one else is there and nothing else matters. No man has ever looked at me that way.”
In August, Mr. Cowan accepted an invitation to join Ms. Thuston and her family on their annual vacation to Orlando. It was one of two trips the couple took to Disney World that year.In August, Mr. Cowan accepted an invitation to join Ms. Thuston and her family on their annual vacation to Orlando. It was one of two trips the couple took to Disney World that year.
They took yet another Orlando trip, in August 2019, with both their families — it was the first time everyone had met. “My family absolutely fell in love with him,” said Ms. Thuston, who became engaged to Mr. Cowan on Aug. 10.They took yet another Orlando trip, in August 2019, with both their families — it was the first time everyone had met. “My family absolutely fell in love with him,” said Ms. Thuston, who became engaged to Mr. Cowan on Aug. 10.
“They were able to see in Damion what I saw, an extremely take-charge kind of man, but one who is always willing to let me lead, if need be.” she said. “For Damion, it’s not about suppressing my strength in life, but rather, to put my strengths to good use in helping to solve any problems that might come our way.”“They were able to see in Damion what I saw, an extremely take-charge kind of man, but one who is always willing to let me lead, if need be.” she said. “For Damion, it’s not about suppressing my strength in life, but rather, to put my strengths to good use in helping to solve any problems that might come our way.”
The two were married April 25 at Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Mo., where Ms. Thuston’s parents live and where she had grown up. About 400 guests were originally invited, though the number was reduced to nine, including both sets of parents. The threats posed by the coronavirus also caused some scheduling snafus. Flight restrictions prevented their original officiant, Bishop Tommie Murphy, who lives in Charlotte, from performing the ceremony.The two were married April 25 at Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Kansas City, Mo., where Ms. Thuston’s parents live and where she had grown up. About 400 guests were originally invited, though the number was reduced to nine, including both sets of parents. The threats posed by the coronavirus also caused some scheduling snafus. Flight restrictions prevented their original officiant, Bishop Tommie Murphy, who lives in Charlotte, from performing the ceremony.
But the bride did not have to look very far for a new officiant. Filling that role was her father, Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston, a senior leader in the Churches of God in Christ, who also serves as the chairman of the General Assembly, representing nearly six million parishioners globally. Ms. Thuston’s mother is Marian R. Thuston, who owns a home health care business in Kansas City.But the bride did not have to look very far for a new officiant. Filling that role was her father, Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston, a senior leader in the Churches of God in Christ, who also serves as the chairman of the General Assembly, representing nearly six million parishioners globally. Ms. Thuston’s mother is Marian R. Thuston, who owns a home health care business in Kansas City.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. Cowan is the son of Dwanna K. Green of Birmingham, Ala., and the stepson of Philip H. Green. His stepfather is a captain of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. His mother is an executive assistant for A.I. Corporate Interiors in Birmingham.Mr. Cowan is the son of Dwanna K. Green of Birmingham, Ala., and the stepson of Philip H. Green. His stepfather is a captain of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. His mother is an executive assistant for A.I. Corporate Interiors in Birmingham.
Ms. Green said that her son and Ms. Thuston “work well as a couple because they have a relationship with Christ that is their foundation.”Ms. Green said that her son and Ms. Thuston “work well as a couple because they have a relationship with Christ that is their foundation.”
“They both know that marriage takes work,” she said, “and they are dedicated to the lifelong commitment that is required.”“They both know that marriage takes work,” she said, “and they are dedicated to the lifelong commitment that is required.”
Bishop Thuston was also impressed with his new son-in-law. “He’s respectful, levelheaded, spiritually minded and smart. I believe he will care for Melody in a way I can be at peace at night, 800 miles away.”Bishop Thuston was also impressed with his new son-in-law. “He’s respectful, levelheaded, spiritually minded and smart. I believe he will care for Melody in a way I can be at peace at night, 800 miles away.”
Standing before them at their ceremony, Bishop Thuston looked up from his wedding charge and said, “Melody and Damion, this is your divinely appointed moment, this splendid day has been reserved from the beginning of creation, by the creator, for you.”Standing before them at their ceremony, Bishop Thuston looked up from his wedding charge and said, “Melody and Damion, this is your divinely appointed moment, this splendid day has been reserved from the beginning of creation, by the creator, for you.”
“Sure, life brings some disappointments, haters, misunderstandings, monstrous epidemics,” he added. “Expect some unhappy moments as you adjust to covenant living, and always remember that nothing has been able to interrupt your divine wedding date, not even Covid-19.”“Sure, life brings some disappointments, haters, misunderstandings, monstrous epidemics,” he added. “Expect some unhappy moments as you adjust to covenant living, and always remember that nothing has been able to interrupt your divine wedding date, not even Covid-19.”
When April 25, 2020When April 25, 2020
Where Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Kansas City, Mo.Where Boone Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Kansas City, Mo.
Something Old and Blue The bride donned an ivory silk dress from BHLDN, as well as earrings and a necklace worn by her mother on her wedding day, 34 years ago. A handkerchief once owned by one of the bride’s great-aunts was sown into her wedding dress. The groom wore a navy blue suit from the Jos. A. Bank reserve collection, with a shirt and tie from Charles Tyrwhitt London.Something Old and Blue The bride donned an ivory silk dress from BHLDN, as well as earrings and a necklace worn by her mother on her wedding day, 34 years ago. A handkerchief once owned by one of the bride’s great-aunts was sown into her wedding dress. The groom wore a navy blue suit from the Jos. A. Bank reserve collection, with a shirt and tie from Charles Tyrwhitt London.
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