This morning I woke up to a small news story honoring the life of a husband and father, age 40, who died one year ago of the Corona/Covid 19 virus. At that time nothing was shut down in our country as most people didn't know anything about the virus. In the article the wife said it was therapeutic for her to talk about her husband - his career goals that were coming true, their family life and their travel plans. She wanted people to know about him and she urged us all to not take life for granted. She said we can wake up every morning, challenges and all, and that is a blessing.
I appreciate this news article and others who share their stories which helps me to keep things in perspective. I think"we all have our share of battles scars" as a Kenny Chesney song says. This pandemic has affected most people's lives around the world, including mine is various ways. But I can wake up, challenges and all, and keep going. And that is a blessing.
Regarding how things are, for history sake, I am still working from home as our school district has not opened up yet. The bright side is that there are now a couple of vaccines being offered to battle this virus. They are being offered to everyone - regardless of health insurance - and the states and counties are setting up mass vaccination sites - like auditoriums, airport parking lots, etc. to get them out as fast as possible. Unfortunately the demand is so high and it is slow going. They are offering them in "tiers" or "groups". essential workers, like those in the health community, are getting them first. Then people over age 65 are eligible and those living in nursing homes are getting them first because they are of highest risk in that age group. That means my 9- yr old mother has not been offered it yet because again, the supply and demand is not at the same level, and my mom is of lower risk living in her own home.
The next tier will be teachers and school staff. But, parents are complaining so much about their schools not being open yet that the districts, like mine, are starting to get involved and try to help. Our school board has voted that schools will not open up until all staff has had the chance to get vaccinated. So the district is now getting reservations at this mass vaccination sites for it's staff. It may still take a while but they are trying.
Lastly, I was so happy to see our Prophet and President of the Church, 90-something year old Russel M. Nelson getting a vaccine. He said this vaccine is an answer to what we have all been praying for. He called it a miracle and miraculous that a vaccine could be made within less than a year. I am including the church's official statement on vaccines below, along with pictures of other church leaders age 70 and over getting theirs.
First Presidency Statement on Vaccinations
The First Presidency released the following statement Tuesday about the importance of vaccinations and immunization against preventable diseases:
In word and deed, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported vaccinations for generations. As a prominent component of our humanitarian efforts, the Church has funded, distributed and administered life-saving vaccines throughout the world. Vaccinations have helped curb or eliminate devastating communicable diseases, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and measles. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.
As this pandemic spread across the world, the Church immediately canceled meetings, closed temples, and restricted other activities because of our desire to be good global citizens and do our part to fight the pandemic.
Now, COVID-19 vaccines that many have worked, prayed, and fasted for are being developed, and some are being provided. Under the guidelines issued by local health officials, vaccinations were first offered to health care workers, first responders, and other high-priority recipients. Because of their age, Senior Church leaders over 70 now welcome the opportunity to be vaccinated.
As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. In making that determination, we recommend that, where possible, they counsel with a competent medical professional about their personal circumstances and needs.
