(Image by Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. from Pixabay)
“Choose to be optimistic. It feels better”.
(Dalai Lama)
I do not know if we have truly turned the corner on COVID-19 but it does feel like we have made some progress.
The rollout of the vaccine has been moving forward the past three months and my excitement is firmly rooted in the fact I have family and friends who are fully vaccinated. Happy to report I got my first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Friday and should be fully vaccinated by the time you read this article.
I realize there is more work to be done before we get to herd immunity but there are positive signs daily. We need to maintain a level of caution and not get too far ahead to ensure these positive vibes remains.
My excitement for turning the corner is because I was able to visit my family in northern Florida and did not feel like I was putting them at risk. My mom, aunts and uncles are completely vaccinated and this was the first visit where I did not have the same concerns about possibly bringing the virus into their homes. Please note, we still maintained physcial distancing and masks wearing but mentally it felt like we were safe again. I have not hugged my mom in months so a simple side hug this time was a welcomed aspect of the visit.
My goal is to have my second shot completed before I head back up to visit with family and friends again. The peace of mind knowing everyone has been vaccinated will allow us to spend a bit more time together and not worry about passing a virus on to a family member.
The concept of physical distancing and how we fellowship will probably be changed forever. Simple things we did around the holidays will most likely change—I do not know if I will ever be comfortable again with our large Thanksgiving gatherings again. We set up tables and chairs outside for Thanksgiving 2020 and this process went better than I expected. The weather was great and family was able to spend time together but not in a closed environment. I see this being the new tradition as long as the weather cooperates.
I hope the Walk into the Future blog readers are in the process of getting vaccinated.
I questioned the rapid pace of the vaccine creation and deployment but put those concerns aside in order to ensure I was protected. This protection extends to my family, friends and coworkers—getting the vaccine is my way to get closer to normal again. I would like to get back to being a running tourist again in 2021. This will only happen when more and more people get the vaccine—here’s hoping herd immunity is a real thing!
Note: I got sent home from work the day after I wrote this article due to contact tracing. COVID-19 is still alive and well—stay safe!
When are you getting the vaccine? What are you looking forward to once herd immunity is gained?
“The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength”.
(Marcus Aurelius)
Walk Into the Future 