My Husband Got His First Dose of the Vaccine and I Couldn’t Stop Crying

Chart: The Brookings Institute

We’ve been doing everything to keep COVID-19 away from us and out of our home.

We wear the masks, wash our hands and wipe everything down. We don’t go out much and we don’t have others in — we’ve been so careful. 

Two days ago, my husband was able to make an appointment to get the first dose of the vaccine. He fell into the category where it was his turn and he couldn’t get there fast enough. He’s African American and had terrible asthma as a child. He fits very unfavorably into that tall bright orange bar above from the Brookings Institute. 

I think I’ve been keeping my chin up for so many days, as have we all, that when he came home with that little white card that said he’d been vaccinated against a virus that has killed a disproportionate number of black and brown people in the US, not to mention around the world, I completely broke down and cried. 

The world has been living alongside a deadly virus for more than a year. Many of us have completely altered how we live, work, socialize and shop—don’t even get me started on those who never stepped up and never wore a mask — that’s another post entirely. 

In our house we’ve gotten used to the same walls and the smell of alcohol — not the fun kind — everywhere. We’ve painted and rearranged furniture, made plans for the future and just kept going. 

But when Frank stepped through that door and flashed that little white card all I felt was grateful. This relief rushed over me — this gratitude washed over me. 

Get the vaccine. Get the vaccine. GET. THE. VACCINE. Get whichever one you can as soon as you can. Get the vaccine for yourself, your partner, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, your cat, your dog, your grandchildren, your community, your city, your state, your country. Get the vaccine.