Hi Brenda. Nimkeek translates to the word thunder in the language of the indigenous Ottawa, Potawatomi and Chippewa people. (First Nations---Three Fires tribes of North America) My grandfather was indigenous Ottawa and taught me the word when I was a child.
I use a pseudonym because of the stigma that's attached to addiction and coming out about that could result in loss of employment and future opportunities.
I was inspired to come out by other addiction writers previously, and revealed my full name, but was reminded that a simple Google search of my name would lead to my articles, so I made a hasty edit. My dear friend Isak knows my name because she read the article where I came out. (She's a beacon and I trust her wholeheartedly) I feel safe in revealing to you that my first name is Robin. ✌️😊