A Shot in the Arm

 

As I shared in Fear or Faith, my daughter and I struggled with my decision about whether or not to receive the vaccine to help end the pandemic. Last Sunday, Ruth Anne and Tom went to Gillette Stadium where Ruth Anne received her first shot of Moderna. Her brother and his girlfriend, and our friends on social media celebrated with us. 

On Tuesday, Tom had his 2nd Pfizer shot at Mass. General Hospital at Assembly Row, and I was on deck for my first shot on Wednesday at Mass. General Hospital/Brigham.

I was blessed to receive two signs that I made the right decision to move ahead with the vaccine:

 I found a dime on our run and then later that day saw a post on Twitter about the anniversary of when the Salk vaccine was approved in 1955.

 

 

As a good runner gets ready for an event, I hydrated and fueled and got myself mentally prepared for the 'event.' I visualized how I wanted things to go from start to finish.

We went on a run to start the day and the weather was glorious!

There was no traffic and we arrived a few minutes before my appointment. We found a parking space with ease after being given masks by the attendant as we entered the parking garage.

We were directed to Station #5 where we were warmly greeted by Emily. As she took my information, I became tearful. 'This is quite emotional for me,' and I explained that I contracted polio in one of the last epidemics in 1959.

She exuded compassion from every fiber of her being. She shared with us that being able to work in the vaccine clinic has been a God send. She is pregnant with twins. We shared our experience as parents of boy/girl twins and I relaxed.

"I believe some people are just sent my way," she said. 

As we finished the pre-vaccine interview, she asked me which arm I wanted to use. She came up behind me because she's a lefty. 

"You're going to feel so much better after this. Just think about all the things you are going to be able to do once you're fully vaccinated."

What an incredible intention to set as she gave me the vaccine focused on, as she said, "only good energy here."

While we waited for 15 minutes, I cried tears of joy and a feeling of strength and courage surge through me saying, "I did it!"

One of my dear friends from our running club commented on the photo's Facebook post, "Brave girls lead the way."

Emily was an earth angel who gave me a shot in the arm as we all work together to end this pandemic and joyfully move forward in our lives.

Fear or Faith from Hope is a  Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic":

 

Invisible to eye yet a powerful force

one comes from our mind the other from Source.

Counting blessings and feel gratitude deep in heart

although from our loved ones we must keep apart.

 

Riding waves of emotion we've never known before

the rhythm of our lives shaken to the core.

What do we believe how to feel hope and grace

in the midst of the darkness much adversity to face.

 

When we get out of head let peace settle in soul

faith lights the way the path to feeling whole.

Guardian angels feel gift of presence surround

treasures in these moments can always be found.

 

Friendships rekindled tapestry of love woven tight

trusting and knowing we all are all right.

Believing in something the eye cannot see

choosing faith from our fear now sets us free.

  

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness 

Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.