Taking the needle

Image by Scott Ableman via Flickr

After much inner debate, questioning and prayer I decided to get in line for the H1N1 vaccine this afternoon. I didn't want to give in to fear, or a "crowd mentality" when all you hear or read in the news is about the flu. But, in 10 days I will again be visiting and caring for my mother in the States for a week, and in her immuno-suppressed condition I can't afford to shed and share viruses.

I went to a community mass immunization clinic and people watched while I sat in lines for two hours. I saw children wiggle, squeal, whine and cry, while others sat stoic and brave. Most displayed their small after injection bandaids with pride and smiles of relief.

I feel fine tonight, save the expected sore upper arm. Now, to stay healthy until the vaccine kicks in will send me back to where I started. Prayer.