Deja vu? No, this is our reality. We were actually in the same exact position last year as we are now, except this time it was almost entirely preventable. The vaccine, along with following the guidelines set forth by the CDC, was supposed to be our light at the end of the tunnel. Now the light is dimming, and darkness is coming.
At the beginning of summer, we were so grateful to participate in some of the activities we had missed out on for more than a year. The kids waited so long to laugh, play, and run freely alongside their friends. The thought of their pure innocence chokes me up. Things slowly began to shift. We pulled both girls from swimming due to an uptick in children’s cases. And after several conversations, we also decided to withdraw our middle daughter from preschool. She was so excited to start in a couple weeks and to meet new friends, and expand her social and creative environment. We had to look into those precious blue eyes and tell her, ‘sorry baby, next year is your turn’. We’re hoping our eldest daughter can at least start in-person before inevitably switching to remote learning.
I have such a hard time comprehending and articulating how I feel. I thought it would be best to simply share a conversation I had with my 6 year old the other night. Maybe this will hit home for some, strike a nerve, spark a conversation and hopefully cause someone to get their vaccine.
Daughter: When is the coronavirus going to end, Mommy?
Me: That’s a great question. I wish I had an answer for you
Daughter: Why aren’t some people getting vaccinated? They’re making other people sick, and some are dying.
Me: That’s another great question sweetie (inside my head I’m having an internal rant with inappropriate language). We can only hope that they choose to do the right thing, so we can save people, heal people and end this.
Daughter: I really wish I could get the vaccine, Mommy. Why won’t others get the shot to protect me, my brother and sister?
Me: Well, some people feel their rights are being taken away, and they’re unable to see this for what it really is. The coronavirus is a health crisis.
Daughter: That’s so silly Mommy. It also makes me mad, and very sad.
Daniel Tiger ‘covid specials’ aren’t going to cut it anymore – in efforts to explain what’s happening in the world, because frankly it’s inexplicable.
I suffer from an autoimmune disease and I have an especially hard time understanding why people won’t get vaccinated. I’m asking you to look at the science. Follow the data. Listen to your children.
I am pleading with you, do it for our children.
If you need more information please go to the following links:
For the most current information on the coronavirus, please follow the CDC
To see up-to-date information in Dane County, see HERE
If you’re ready to get your vaccine today, call your local Walgreens, or click GETYOURSHOT, to set up your FREE appointment
