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It's been great to know that we have a COVID-19 vaccine in our grasp-two versions for that matter.
It was an awesome opportunity to speak to local physicians who have put in ridiculous hours to educate us on the coronavirus itself, and have risked their lives to give us necessary care while we navigate a strange time in our history.
I sit and ponder on the last 10 months that our lives forever changed. Day one a society was in fear of the unknown on how this new virus would affect our lives. The vaccinations didn't even exist at that time and it made people think critically on their next decisions.
This virus has taken much from many: health, a sense of safety, students receiving rites of passages, athletes participating in sports they're passionate about, livestock showers not being able to have a state fair in numerous states, businesses having to shut their dreams they have worked their lifetime for, families wondering if they could afford Christmas gifts, families losing loved ones, division caused by whether or not the virus exist, division on whether face coverings work or not, the list goes on.
However the virus did shed light on some gains. We learned how to adapt to change, we asked families to make sacrifices overnight for the good of their community, we witnessed community members step out and provide fragments of hope in troubling times, we utlized technology as a way to conduct business and communicate when face to face conversation was not always possible, we learned different ways we can use our time, how to refocus on what's most important, and how communities can come together in times of crisis.
No matter how you look at it, last year has been....different. We each have our own experience with how we navigated the pandemic for many months, and its important to remember that our stories matter. The pandemic may have been good for some, and for some not so much.
All I can say is, I am thankful that we now have some hope through this vaccination. When I was younger, I was on the fence as to whether or not vaccinations work. That was until I received a flu vaccination for the first time. I have been very lucky to have had great health and I also need to remember that I am not invincible.
I am incredibly happy for our healthcare workers who have received the vaccination, and I can't wait for the call that tells me I am next in line to receive mine. Just remember, we are almost there.
And to those who believe I shouldn't take the vaccine, just remember this space is where I share my opinion. I am willing to take the vaccine if it means protecting my loved ones. In the meantime I will continue listening to the guidelines, as we are not out of the woods yet.