Let me start off my saying that I am fully vaccinated, and I don’t regret my decision for a minute. It took me months to arrive at that conclusion. Why? I wasn’t sure how my body would react to the vaccine since I had always gotten sick the first several years that I received the flu shot, so you can just imagine my trepidation. Not only that, it wasn’t approved by the FDA. However, after careful deliberation, I decided that the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweighed the risks.
Some of the people whom I knew that were vaccinated encouraged me to do so, but I always “politely declined.” I read article upon article on the effectiveness of each vaccine as well as any potential side effects as I wanted to be sure I was armed with all available information in order to make the best decision for me. I began to ask those who were vaccinated about any issues they might have had afterwards. Some had no side effects whatsoever while some had mild symptoms such as headache or injection site soreness. I don’t know anyone who had a severe reaction, thank God.
I remember sitting at work one day when I “suddenly” decided to take the “leap of faith.” I was able to get an appointment the very next day. I was anxious as all get out. I prayed and made sure that I had eaten and was hydrated as some had suggested. After receiving my shot, I had mild arm pain at the injection site and my entire shoulder was sore at the end of the night after receiving my second dose. I took Tylenol for the pain after both doses and no other problems. The vaccine was the right choice for me as I see my elderly parents regularly and am raising my granddaughter. I would feel really horrible if I contracted the coronavirus and spread it to any of them or anyone else for that matter.
Recently, I read an article that was rather disturbing. In the state of Missouri, some people were being vaccinated in “secret” because they didn’t want backlash from their families and/or friends after they had changed their minds to do so. I have a huge issue with this as no one should have to “sneak around like a thief in the night” because of their choice to do what they deem is best for them. Just like those of us who are vaccinated shouldn’t come at those who are unvaccinated sideways, no matter our stance on the matter.
I have to admit that I’m still in disbelief that there are those who are under the “foolish” assumption that this pandemic is a “hoax.” I wonder how they account for all of the deaths? Unfortunately, some aren’t believers until they or someone close to them contracts the virus and either gets deathly ill or actually passes away, which in some cases could have been avoided.
Sadly, we are still in a pandemic and, as we all know, the numbers are on the uptake. Some states are again mandating the use of masks for all indoor activities which, in my opinion, was stopped way too soon. Whether or not we are vaccinated, we must still exercise safety and take every precaution necessary for our personal safety and that of others. I, for one, have no plans on ditching my mask any time soon, and will continue wearing it indoors no matter what the CDC or anyone else says. I’d rather err on the side of safety. Do I enjoy wearing my mask? Of course not. Sometimes, it’s rather hot, but what alternative do we really have? We are all tired of these masks and most are ready to don them, but now is not the time to run around carelessly or recklessly, particularly with new variants on the horizon.
At the end of the day, it’s your choice to do what is right for you. However, I, respectfully, ask you that you consider others by continuing to practice safety measures (wearing of masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, etc.).
I want us all to remain safe as we continue to be plagued by this horrible pandemic that has claimed the lives of so many this past year and a half. Don’t you?
Love ya,
Grace ❤️
P.S.: I now have a podcast that is featured on Spotify, Anchor as well as Apple Podcasts and a few others, which you may find under Grace Deveraux or “Take A Leap With Grace.” Also, videos and other “tidbits” are uploaded to my Instagram account, @Gracedeveraux, or my Facebook page, Grace Deveraux, each Friday afternoon. Please stop by and check out what I’ve been up to. 😊
Grace Deveraux 