I miss my relatives, my friends, even striking up a conversation with a stranger.
I long to hug somebody other than my husband. To have a shopping spree. To leave my local library with an armload of books. To stop at the local coffee shop. To have a girls’ night out. I want to go to a performance: a play, band concert, movie, anything.
I want to freely travel down the street, around the state, across the country, and I want to dream about traveling to other lands again. I want to complain about airline travel again, the inconveniences that we all notice.
I want my freedom back.
I crave the joy of not worrying.
That life starts again when I get the Covid19 vaccine. I turn 70 years old on January 23 and in Ohio that means I get my shot starting the week of February 1. I will so happily roll up my sleeve! I suspect I will tear-up as this blessed vaccine goes in my arm, and I will say a prayer of gratitude for the scientists who made this possible.
For me, the best part of getting the Corvid19 vaccine and its follow-up shot means I can travel in safety to see my grandkids. To hug and to hold, from that day forward. No quarantining necessary.
After the driving trip to see them — which will happen shortly after vaccinations — when we return home, my husband and I will once again know that if we are quickly needed at their Washington home in an emergency, we can book an airline ticket to be with them. We grandparents who are a plane ride away have sorely missed the security of knowing we could get to our grandkids within 24 hours if we had to.
I know many people have regarded the virus differently, and have continued to see their grandchildren whenever possible. We all chose our own path during this pandemic. I did the right thing for me — I hope you did the right thing for you.
Being a grandparent who lives miles away — which has so many challenges! — got substantially harder for millions of us when Covid19 hit our land. Let’s celebrate as this burden is lifted from us.
I’d love to know your (non-political) thoughts as this historic vaccine is rolled out. Please use the Comments section below.