I Have Been Chosen

The COVID-19 Vaccine, Three Days Shy of a Year

Looking back, it was fitting that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic started in earnest for me and my family on a Friday the 13th. Not that I believe the “unlucky day” superstition, but, hey, if ever there was a day for beginning a horrible time in your personal history, it might as well be a Friday the 13th.

It was Friday the 13th of March 2020, to be exact. Since we pay attention to the news and, you know, believe scientists, we understood by then that the pandemic was coming and it was going to seriously impact our lives. We mark that date as beginning for us because my kids came home from school that afternoon and did not return for the remainder of the school year.

Here we are, just four days shy of a year from that unlucky Friday. The past 361 days have been something else, and we’re all suffering from COVID Caution Fatigue. But it’s been a challenging year for everyone around the world. We’ve survived (so far). No complaints here.

Then, yesterday, something to celebrate. I received the text for which I’ve been anxiously hoping and waiting, from Sanford Health:

COVID vaccine.

I’ve been chosen.

Thanks to a couple of underlying health conditions, I’m probably getting my first dose sooner than I would have otherwise. Who would’ve thought I’d count having rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes me pain every single day, as a lucky break?

I’m thankful. Somewhat relieved. Guardedly happy.

Any time one of my friends, followers or contacts has shared that their turn had come, I cheered. Now I’m up.

My wife, an RN, received her first dose a couple of months ago and her second two weeks later. Hopefully it won’t bee too long after me for my kids, but according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, college kids and high schoolers probably won’t get their COVID vaccinations until the fall. He’s the guy I’ve been listening to all along (seeing as he’s an immunology expert and scientist and all) so I’ll go with his best guess.

It’s astounding that just about a year after the commencement of the pandemic for my family, I’ll get my first dose of vaccine.

Science and scientists, man. Amazing!

Anyone left standing when this COVID pandemic is all over (if it ever is entirely) will owe them our lives.

I hope you will be vaccinated soon, too, Dear Reader.

If you already have been, Bravo! If not, Bravo! to you, too; you’re surviving. And whether you have or you haven’t, stay safe: keep wearing your mask (or two), social distancing and listening to the experts.

Meanwhile, pay me no mind – I’ll just be over here, doing my little COVID vaccine happy dance. When you’re chosen, let me know; I’ll add a little extra shimmy-shake for you.

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Featured image by memegenerator.net.