An Open Thank You To Those Who Brought Us COVID-19 Vaccines

From those who created it, researched it, were the first to get it, who administer it and far more that I know often get left out of the conversation, this is a major thank you.

I got my first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine today and it was exciting, emotional, stressful, nerve-wracking and relieving all at once. However, I stopped thinking about how I personally felt the second I walked into the clinic area at Meijer and sat down with the woman who would be giving me my vaccine.

After what seemed like a busy day of poking people, she still was able to have such a kind expression but also a quiet determination about her and that's when I realized this is bigger than any single one of us.

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Why It Means So Much

There have been people who have been working tirelessly for over a year now fighting this virus. Be that medical staff at all levels, corrections officers, nursing home staff, scientists, researchers, vaccine developers, and countless others. This vaccine, at least to me, symbolizes the culmination of all of that.

My own mother is a labor and delivery nurse and actually told me "thank you" for getting vaccinated. At first I wondered "why the heck is she thanking ME!?" Then I realized, it's one step closer to this nightmare finally being over for the ones who have been on the front lines.

Administering The Vaccines

While it took a while to get to this point, now that we are here there are so many people getting involved and making it so more and more people can get this potentially life-saving vaccine...and they may not be as appreciated as we think.

I don't know how long the vaccination crew had been at Meijer when I finally got there in the afternoon to get mine; however, I know it must be exhausting.

Physically, emotionally, I just could not imagine what they are dealing with.

However, they are all so determined. They know what they are doing is important.

What I Really Am Trying To Say

Look, I'm a bit emotional right now and my arm does hurt a little but it is so, so worth it. I know how much pain, stress, PTSD and more this virus has caused and this vaccine really is like a "light at the end of the tunnel."

This post really is not meant to shame anyone who chooses not to get any of the COVID vaccines, this is just a major thank you to those who are putting themselves out there to make any kind of difference they can.

All in all, now that I have my first vaccine down, here's to being a "sheep". Here's to science and health and getting back to normal. Here's to my family and friends in the medical field who have worked themselves to the bone over this virus. Here's to being able to travel, visit more with family and especially finally being able to give HUGS!

Thank you to every single person who made this possible. Only complaint is the microchip is a little itchy...I kid, I kid...but in all seriousness, THANK YOU.

If you have any questions about the vaccine, here's a good place to start:

Not sure where you want to get the vaccine? Here's what it looks like to get yours at the MSU Pavillion: