Making sure our Parents, Grandparents, and Family members are safe.
Every time I visited my mother (she passed away in November 2020) and my sister in their long-term care home, I walked through a corridor when I could recognize some familiar names on the wall next to each room. Names of our community members, volunteers, donors, and supporters who made sure that we had welcoming and familiar places for our seniors to enjoy their culture, traditions, religion, and familiarity. Places where they can be happy, communicate in their language, and feel protected and safe. As a community, we are responsible for ensuring that their wishes to have a peaceful and secure life at old age or long-term homes are realized.
As a caregiver to my sister my getting a vaccine was no brainer. I feel that anything I could do to protect her and other residents from COVID was a duty. As such, when the opportunity to receive a vaccine presented itself, I jumped on board without hesitating. I thought this is the least I can do to ensure my sister’s safety and happiness. I know she would have done the same if she were in my shoes.
I do not pretend to be an expert in the medical field, but common sense and love for my sister and my community guided me to take the vaccine without a second thought.
I believe that all the skepticism of vaccines only allows the disease to spread further and creates a less trusting and more vulnerable society. All I can say is that if there were vaccines available when my sister got sick with meningitis over 60 years ago, she would have a much different life today.
Before you say no to the vaccine, please think of those who can not defend or speak for themselves. Think of your parents, grandparents, and the vulnerable people who want to be safe, healthy, and enjoy their lives. We are in this together, and together we can conquer Covid-19. It is our time to step up and do the right thing for those most vulnerable in our society.
