Breaking news: Charlie and me got our first Moderna vaccine shot a week ago Friday. Wahoo! Next one’s scheduled for April 9th. That means that by the end of April, we’ll be able to get together inside with small groups of friends and family who’ve also been vaccinated. Hallelujah!
What a relief to be finally in the pipeline! On Charlie’s birthday we got the call that our names had come up, and I scheduled our appointment for the next day.
I says to Charlie, “What a great birthday present, huh?”
“Yup.”
“I’m not referring the fact that we got an appointment. I mean, that you won’t have to listen to me go on and on about it. Wondering why we haven’t been called. How I registered us at three different place and I’m seeing on Facebook that everyone and their dog is getting vaccinated, but not us. Didn’t I do it right?”
Charlie just looked at me and smiled. Smart man!
In actuality, our names came up just eight days after we became eligible. Couldn’t happen fast enough, far as I was concerned. Especially because, as a cashier down to the A&P, I’ve been on the front lines of this thing since the beginning. Through toilet paper shortages, wiping every cart and surface down, to having a plexiglass shield at my register, wearing a mask and having bouncers at the door to make sure people are sticking with the program. What a journey!
Charlie and me went to one of them mass vaccination sites in Bangor, and gotta say, it was pretty impressive. Though if you let your mind wander, it was a little otherworldly, like science fiction, if you know what I mean.
There was a line outside, but it moved along pretty quick. A friendly fella holding the door open. Inside, there were different stations they moved you through, smooth like butter. Questions here, then registration and getting some paperwork including your vaccine card, then reading about the vaccine and signing off, then getting a shot by a paramedic with dreamy blue eyes. (Now that’s value added!) Then on to scheduling the second appointment while you waited for your fifteen minute grace period to be over. Must have been forty minutes max, start to finish. Whoever put all that together did an amazing job.
Charlie goes, “That was smooth, but not slick, you know?”
Meaning, it didn’t feel cold. Just the opposite. Everyone who worked there was super-friendly and so
kind. Plus, there was this sort of celebration feeling in the air, because folks were just so gosh darn happy to be there, working their way one step closer to being able to connect physically with family and friends.
More good news: Except for the usual sore arm where we got the shot, Charlie and I didn’t have any side effects. Zip!
I’m also proud to say all the Women Who Run With the Moose have gotten their first shot, too. Even Shirley, who can be kinda skeptical. I mean she doesn’t even like taking an aspirin when she has a headache. But she got her vaccine, and I’m glad she did. The thought of having a girls night in-person, inside, no zoom, blows my mind! Counting the days.
Folks, I can’t encourage you enough to sign up as soon as you’re able, get your shot, wear your mask, wash your hands and avoid large gatherings. Be smart. Be thoughtful. Remember, we’re staying apart now, so we can get together sooner rather than later, right?
That’s if for now. Stay safe and I’ll catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: One Down, One to Go!