On Saturday morning I lined up with a lot of other people to get a Covid-19 test. I had flu-like symptoms and the online health check advised me to get tested, so I went.
Ahead of me in line was a father pushing a wheelchair designed for children with disabilities. In it was a boy who appeared to be about six or seven years old. He was so sound asleep that none of the nearby activities or the sounds of other, boisterous, children woke him up. He was wearing one-piece footed pyjamas and his arms had flopped over the sides of the chair.
I cannot get that boy and his dad out of my mind.
In all the discussions, scolding, and hand-wringing over the unvaccinated and those who refuse to wear masks, not enough attention has been paid to the most vulnerable people who could be negatively affected by our personal decisions. This boy and his father epitomized that for me.
No matter what reason a person might have to refuse the Covid-19 vaccine or to wear a mask, whether that is fear of adverse reactions, mistrust of the science, or resentment at being pressured, none of those justifications will matter to this boy if he has become infected.
We now know that any of us, vaccinated or not, can spread the Delta variant of Covid-19 so we all have to continue to be cautious. Yes, we are all fed up with the restrictions. And, yes, I know that we are all ready to travel again, to hug those we love, and to get back to a normal life. But we aren’t there yet.
I want to protect not only myself but also the defenceless people in my community, and the boy that I saw at the Covid testing centre epitomizes them for me. He is under twelve and cannot be vaccinated. He has a disability which may compromise his natural breathing functions. He is dependent on others for his mobility and general well-being. He needs all of us to protect him. Not only his parents and caregivers; all of us.
Because of him, I will stay away from other people until I am free of these flu symptoms. Because of him, I will encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Because of him, I will get a booster shot when they become available. Because of him, will continue to wear a mask indoors in public settings.
Yesterday evening I got the result of my Covid-19 test and was very relieved that it was negative. Then I wondered what the family of that boy is feeling today if they have received the result of his test. I hope for the best but I fear the worst.
Snowbird of Paradise 
Very glad to hear you tested negative, Ann. You should celebrate.
I understand how you feel about the vulnerable. Most of us, I think, are doing all we can to prevent spreading the disease to innocent people. I worry about the school children.
I feel the same way, Barb. I hope they are soon given the Ok for vaccines.
So relieved that the Covid test came back negative, Anne. I held my breath on this one. I am working on figuring out how to schedule a flu vaccine plus my Covid booster. Would rather they not be given too close together. Probably flu shot very soon and I am due for Covid booster in late October. A brand new world and none too friendly I fear. I have pretty much been on shutdown since the USA shutdown 18 months ago (or however long it has been). Now I have social anxiety…good grief! Regarding the youngster you saw, yes, it is awful that ‘compromised’ people are threatened by Covid/Delta. It’s awful that children can’t somehow be protected. And my bottom line right now is that It, whatever It is, is awful. Politicizing It is not helping! I am angry and view the conditions the world now face as impossible to grasp by the average human being.
I usually get the flu shot in October, so I will wait on that. As far as I know, Covid booster shots are not being offered here yet.
There are so many catastrophic events in the world right now that it is hard to comprehend it all. I think that is why seeing this boy helped me to focus. I can imagine the plight of one person or one family.
Glad your test was negative, and remembering that young man will certainly keep you focused on why you continue to wear that mask. We got the vaccines, will get the boosters, wear our masks indoors, use pickup when we need to, will get the flu shots and the boosters. Life is short so why go out of our way to make it shorter not only for ourselves but our family, friends, and neighbors. Stay well.
Thanks, Judy. I hope you stay well, too.
Thank you! My daughter is in a wheelchair and compromised – I wish more folks thought of others like you are doing! Glad you were negative –
No, thank YOU for all the caregiving that you do! It must be extraordinarily difficult to keep your daughter safe these days without keeping her isolated all the time. I’m glad you found my blog.