“In 1736, I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old, by the smallpox, taken in the common way. I long regretted bitterly, and still regret that I had not given it to him by inoculation. This I mention for the sake of parents who omit that operation, on the supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a child died under it; my example showing that the regret may be the same either way, and that, therefore, the safer should be chosen.”
Benjamin Franklin
Good news is always great to share, and today, I have great news. Yesterday, I received my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. I had to wait 12 weeks for it since Canada is trying hard to get a first dose into as many people as they can, but there were extra doses available, and I was able to get one. May 11th will go into the annals of great days in my life, which means that on June 1st, I will be as protected as my immune system can make me.
I can’t begin to describe the incredible joy and confidence I’ve gotten knowing that while I am not 100% immune to COVID 19, if I do get it because it is still out there and will be as long as procrastinators continue to refuse the vaccine, it will not kill me. As an overweight, elderly, asthmatic person, my odds of survival weren’t great without the vaccine, but now, they are much better. I thank God for giving the necessary skills and wisdom to those who created this life saving vaccine.
I realize that not everyone believes the pandemic is real, that masks, social distancing, and vaccines are necessary, but I do. There are some people out there with wild, unusual, and downright hilarious reasons why getting the vaccine isn’t good, but I trust the science.
I trust the science that dragged us kicking an screaming out of the dark ages. The science that taught doctors to wash their hands before performing surgery. The science that developed antibiotics and analgesics to help us fight pain and infection. The science that discovered the different blood types and the Rhesus factor so that safe, life-saving transfusions could be given when necessary. The science that developed treatments for cancer, leukaemia, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, and asthma and gave us a fighting chance to survive. The science that created vaccines for rabies, tetanus, polio, diphtheria, whopping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumonia, chicken pox, shingles and countless other illnesses that caused enormous pain, discomfort and eventually death. Now, thanks to advances in science, we can add the Coronavirus vaccine to that impressive list.
It’s strange how people will accept that science is real only when it develops things like gunpowder, the internal combustion engine, microwave ovens, or a better strain of coffee bean for their coffeemakers.
So far, the only side effect I have is a slightly sore arm. I am anxious now for the light at the end of the tunnel to be the sign of an exit, not an oncoming train. I look forward to seeing the rest of my family–not in the near future, but maybe before the year is out. Yes, I still need to wear a mask and socially distance. Yes, I still need to be rapid tested each time I see my mother, and yes, we can’t travel or go anywhere yet, but the day is coming when I can flash my proof of vaccine and pick up the pieces of what’s left of normal life again.
So trust the science. Get your shots, and lets try to salvage some of 2021.
Living the Dream 