My New Favorite Line…

             Agree to Disagree!

 

Wow…has this become a new mantra or what? It was first very apparent that friends and family of mine had different opinions about our political connections. Sadly, some people “let go” of the friendship but fortunately, most agreed with me…”No darn president is going to end our friendship!” No one is powerful enough for that to happen to me!

Then came the pandemic. At first, we were all pretty united about what to do…wear masks, stay safely separated, yadda yadda. Then, it began to drag on. As you all know, we got tired of the separation, tired of the “rules” and experiencing all the feels. It even got a name, Covid Fatigue. Many of us experienced covid personally, or within our small circles. We know that most everyone was touched by covid in some way.

Low and behold…the vaccine appeared! We were lining up to get the shots like we were being given a second chance at life. Soon the conversations were “Did you get Pfizer or Moderna?” The phrase, “I’m fully vaccinated” was heard as a victory cry! Signs of hope were there!

Slowly, businesses started to open, still with restrictions and caution, but we could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh, we were still hesitant but we started to venture out. Patios and decks were sight for sore eyes!

However, it soon became another “battle” of sorts. There were people choosing not to be vaccinated. Facebook filled up with the vaccinated vs. the non-vaccinated. Truths and lies were exchanged rapidly and most days, it was just plain ugly. As shocking as that was to me, I tried to respect those people, but I could not let my guard down and could not be around unvaccinated people, unless we (and they) were wearing masks.

As you know, I am especially careful because of my responsibilities to my parents and to my pregnant daughter (who is vaccinated by the way) and my sweet grandson, who is too young for the vaccine. I also know that I am not the healthiest specimen on the planet so for me to get covid, it could be a disaster for me and many around me.

I find myself not being as forgiving when it comes to the vaccine, but I am trying to better understand the resistance and I just haven’t found it. Fortunately, most of my friends and family have been vaccinated but those who have not, for the most part, we are still friends. Some have written me off and that’s okay. They have their reasons. Again, I don’t want anything to come between me and my friends, but if it’s not possible, I can handle it.

I’m coming to terms that this is not going to end anytime soon and I just have to hope that some of those who are not vaccinated will soon decide to become vaccinated. I realize that is a pipe dream but with many venues for events, workplaces, and restaurants asking for vaccine cards before admittance, it could convince some.

Side note…One of our clients at work who had sworn she wouldn’t get the vaccine because anyone who got it this year would die in 2025, came into the office today and showed me her card. I praised her and thanked her for doing the right thing. She said she was finally convinced because of the kids getting sick and she was afraid. I told her that we need the vaccines so we can protect those who can’t be vaccinated. She had no side effects and she was very proud. *Our clients are underserved so simple praise is like winning the lottery. She couldn’t stop smiling and she was so excited to tell me.

My vaccine card is in my purse, and a copy is on my phone. I have photo copies at home and I even have my vaccination record from the health department. I have no plans to be left out of anything that requires proof of my vaccine status.

When the time comes for me to be around Katie and the new baby, I am ready…flu vaccine and covid vaccine done. The only thing I need to do before heading to Pittsburgh when the time comes is to get a covid test. I want to be as safe as possible.

Despite all of our best efforts, we know we are still at risk. But, we are still having a life…even if there are some limits and inconveniences. I hope you are too!! xoxoxox