Recently, I found myself in the familiar comfort of my childhood home, preparing my six-year-old for bed. After a long drive and hours filled with laughter and stories, I was eagerly anticipating some much-needed rest. Just as I was about to settle in, I caught sight of my mom peeking in to say goodnight. My daughter, spotting her Nana, leaped up for what must have been her hundredth hug of the day. Once she returned to bed, I tucked her in and casually said, “Goodnight, Mom, see you in the morning.”
As those words left my lips, I felt a lump in my throat. I fought back tears until my daughter was asleep and my mom was back in her own room. Finally, I took a deep breath, sat on the edge of the bed, and let the weight of the past year wash over me as I quietly cried.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve harbored constant worry for my parents’ safety. Many sleepless nights were spent wondering if they would be okay. I wrestled with feelings of frustration towards those who opposed safety measures like masks and quarantines. Each little sniffle or cough from my mom sent me spiraling into panic, and every time my dad mentioned feeling unwell, I mentally packed and prepared for an emergency.
Fortunately, those moments of panic often turned out to be nothing serious—seasonal allergies resolved with a little medication, and stomach aches subsided with rest and ginger ale.
I am acutely aware of how this virus has devastated families across the country. In the U.S., nearly 550,000 families have suffered unimaginable losses due to COVID-19. It’s a harsh reality we’re living in today.
In an effort to stay connected during the lockdown, my parents and I began FaceTiming regularly. Most calls were just a few minutes of catching up, but they were vital for sharing updates on our quarantine experiences. Then, a couple of months ago, my mom dropped a bombshell: “We have our appointment next week.”
Panic set in—what appointment? Were my parents facing health issues? I was caught off guard until she added, “For our vaccine.”
The shock hit me hard, leaving me momentarily speechless. After months of anxiety, the thought of them being vaccinated took my breath away. However, when I finally found my voice, I noticed my mom didn’t share my excitement.
I understood her hesitation. For nearly a year, they had been isolated, fearing for their health and contemplating the fragility of life. They had heard countless comments downplaying the virus, which only compounded their fears. Although they knew the vaccine was essential, doubts lingered. Even the thought of going to the appointment felt risky.
Despite those fears, they both received their vaccinations without issue. After the recommended waiting period, I planned a visit that felt monumental. For the first time in a year, I could hug my parents without the fear that my presence—or my child’s—could endanger their health. While the world may not have returned to normal yet, alleviating my parents’ immediate health risks was a significant turning point for our family.
My heart aches for those who have lost loved ones to COVID. Everyone knows someone affected by this virus, whether it’s a neighbor, a friend’s parent, or even a family member.
So, saying goodnight to my mom was not just emotional; it was transformative. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to embrace my parents once more, to engage in conversations, and to share moments of love in person. Their vaccination restored those simple joys to my life.
While I remain aware that the pandemic is not over, it’s these small victories that help us persevere through such challenging times. Today, I celebrate the profound act of being able to say goodnight to my mom. I am filled with gratitude and hope for many more cherished moments ahead.
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Summary:
The article reflects on the emotional experience of witnessing parents get vaccinated during the pandemic. The author shares personal fears for their parents’ health throughout the crisis, emphasizing the relief and gratitude felt after their vaccinations. The piece conveys a message of hope and the importance of cherishing family moments, even amid ongoing challenges.
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