Covidventures

Just about four months have passed since the world witnessed hope. How can we forget the day? In early December 2020 Margaret Keenan of the UK became the first person ever to receive the first vaccine dose in the fight against Covid-19. That light reached me today.

What a journey it has been for those few vaccine drops before they entered my body. Just thinking about the enormity of the moment gives me chills. Will there be pain, soreness? Who cares! The pain of the pandemic has made everything else pale in comparison. A door finally appeared in sight—half-opening, swaying back and forth, with the potential to stay ajar or shut tight again. Only the vaccine road more traveled can keep that door open.

As I was waiting for My Turn—as it said while registering—it seemed like everyone else had already scored a point in the form of an appointment or their first dose. Living in the bay area we always thought of ourselves as high and mighty. But like many people here, I got a reality check as to how non-essential or unfit for early vaccine my life was when I tried to get an appointment. Meanwhile, I bookmarked every vaccine site that ended in Spotter, Finder, Hunter etc. Gosh, that felt more adventurous than anything else during the pandemic.

I thanked my stars upon reaching the eligibility criteria for the vaccine. But I had read and heard all kinds of horror stories. So, on the day before the required date change, I spent an hour or so napping in the afternoon in anticipation of the dreaded appointment search. For some people staying past midnight takes prior preparation. As the midnight approached, I had all the relevant tabs open. Refreshing every page frantically I was exhausted in no time. Not willing to sacrifice all night on this appointment mania, I started shutting down. Then voila! I saw some slots open up and the night became bright. That half-hour effort was going to pay rich dividends.

Checking into the pharmacy, I followed the blue arrow marks to the vaccination corner and left waving to the blue skies with my decorated arm. As the sun peeked from behind the clouds, I felt its warmth again.