Today was the day. I received the first dose of the Covid Vaccine. March 1 marked the day that educators were finally eligible to sign up in the State of Connecticut. March 1 also opened up the eligibility window for my mom, for both her age and her job as a child care provider. My mom and I arrived thirty minutes early for our appointments only to find a long line, wrapping around the outside of the building. I saw two friends from school in line. I waved, happy to see familiar faces. Happy to be in the company of people I cared about. Happy to see so many people coming out to take this important next step.
We stood in the slow moving line for close to an hour, the wind whipping and no sunshine in sight. I was warmed by hope. Hope that this action mattered. Hope that there would be others standing in a similar line in the days and weeks to come. Hope that there will be better days ahead.
When we finally stepped into the building, there was more waiting. Registering. Then waiting in line for the actual vaccine. I silently thanked all of the workers, busy around the room. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for giving your time, your patience, and your expertise to help so many.” I hoped they saw gratitude in my eyes.
Then it was my turn for my vaccine. I was seated next to my mom. “Are your ready?” the nurse asked.
I nodded. “Just a pinch,” she said.
My eyes brimmed with tears, not from the pinch, but for the last year. The challenges. The struggles. The loss. All of those who didn’t make it to see a vaccine.
My eyes brimmed with tears for the future.
Where There Is Joy 
As this came through, I was just talking with the kids about last March and remembering what the month and the year were like. I am happy for you and the world!
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Here’s to hope!
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Here’s to a brighter future! I love how you chose to end this piece.
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A beautiful and meaningful slice. There is a lot to be thankful for. This sentence was very significant, “I was warmed by hope,” shows the importance (of the purpose) of being there.
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This is really full of hope. Appreciate the reflective moment at the end and the descriptive tears. Sharing your hope that we’re turning a corner! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this experience. I think my turn will come only in a few months but, yes, I do have hope. I am happy that this process has started.
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Today is the day for me. I am receiving the single dose at 1 pm today. Just thinking about it makes me tear up. You capture our collective bundle of feelings from this year, so much in the last 12 months, so many questions for the future, so much in the present. I will be happier when my whole family is protected, but for now I know that their anxiety is reduced a little because they can worry less about me. Glad you’re safer too.
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“My eyes brimmed with tears, not from the pinch, but from the last year.” This, this this. I feel this so deeply. And I think your capture of this moment is important for progeny. Thank you for sharing this seminal moment in your life!
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You captured that waiting feeling all the way to the end, anticipating and hoping with gratitude too! I may just cry as well. It’s been a year of change and waiting and worry for us all. As a world we hope!
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You summed up what I imagine will be my exact feelings this afternoon at 1:30 when I receive my first of two doses. Here’s to a brighter future ahead.
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Not sure if I’ve stopped by this year, but this slice captures the hope, the happiness and the tears. Thank you!
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Yay you. Yay Mom! Jane said that she had many in her chair last Wednesday who shed tears as they, too, received their shot! There is ALWAYS hope!
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Here’s to hope. That was my feeling as well, like we were all taking a big step. This is a healthy counterpoint to my post. It’s that tug of war of our emotions. We need optimism tempered by some restraint and patience. It’s still a marathon, but maybe we’re starting to get a glimpse of the finish line.
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Happy for you and your mom and the prospect of a different next year. Thanks for sharing the experience.
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Such a powerful slice!
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Oh I’ve finally heard from someone who’s had a shot!
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These posts never fail to bring me to tears. So happy for you and your mom.
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