FINALLY GOT THAT ELUSIVE COVID-19 VACCINE

Feeling so blessed today!  Jim and I got our first jab of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today. So happy I feel like crying! 

The opening prayer at the vaccination center was so touching that I must have shed a tear or two.  Maybe I was full of emotion that I only remember this: “we are not doing this only for ourselves but for others, especially our families. 

We have registered with our LGU  (local goverment unit) 4 times on line  and submitted and accomplished registration forms twice.  We were also assigned Registration ID numbers. Yet we were never called for our vaccination date. 

I was already  feeling left out when most of  my walking  buddies and neighbors got their first dose.  We didn’t want to just  walk in; most often, walk-in’s were not entertained.  Besides we didn’t want to go without an appointment lest we won’t be entertained and be exposed to a crowd in an enclosed area. 

Tired of waiting, today, we decided to walk in.  We were determined to be vaccinated with any brand of vaccine Thanks to The Lord, we were given our preferred vaccine. Truly, everything is done  in God’s own time. 

Excited, I messaged my children and they were all happy for us.  My son replied: 
“Congratulations! Will say a thanksgiving prayer”. 
“So happy, I feel like crying”, I texted back. 
“I felt the same when we got it”, he texted back.  We aren’t cry babies but we take our health very seriously, hence the emotion. 

My son, the eldest and also abroad bought us Vaccines with an affiliate private company in town but they prioritized their   employees.  We had to wait for the next batch due in September.  In spite that, my son urged us to take the first vaccine available. 

Our younger daughter, also abroad, was happy for the good news and cautioned us to be more careful as ever due to the Delta variants that are highly contagious.   “It is still a long way to go but at least there is progress’”, she said. 

Our older daughter in town was the one who really pushed us to walk-in today.  She has been looking for ways to accelerate our chance for vaccination.  Now she tells me to apply cold compress.  That’s how our children take care of us, each his on way. 

The waiting and the stressful effort to register has paid off. 

“They also serve those who also stand and wait”. 


Sent from my iPhone

FATHER’S DAY, BIRTHDAYS AND MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS, PANDEMIC TIME

Today, we celebrate Father’s day with just us, my husband and I.  Like any special event during this pandemic, we couldn’t gather family and friends for a more elaborate celebration. 

But there are ways to go about not being together. This year I wrote letters to my grandchildren and my daughters. Food and gifts can still be delivered. Video calls are also great ways to greet everyone. 

Our older daughter in town sent her gift of great foodies; all of which are her Dad’s favorite; along with pasta in truffle oil, she prepared herself.  I believes it is a great substitute for a lunch treat she usually gives on such occasions.  Not to be outdone, our children abroad sent heartfelt messages and video-called. 

I believe half of our Philippine population celebrated milestones and birthdays at home twice already during  this pandemic because family members in town can’t even join in for a meal. Many are surely disappointed that they couldn’t have a party. 

My daughter’s in-laws started the tradition of sending over food to each family member: to brothers and sisters families on birthdays as a treat.  So this practice of sending over food in lieu of inviting them over is not new to them.  

So really, we have no choice.  While dining out is already allowed, many, like us are still reluctant to dine our; a way of playing it safe. What’s the rush anyway?  After all we can have food delivered to our doorstep. 

My older daughter sent her sister in Singapore tiramisu for her birthday last week. She secretly requested her sister’s husband to order the cake for her. 

So, today, Father’s Day, who  else will make it a very special day for my husband but me.  I have to step up my lunch menu.  I hope he will love it. 

To conclude; I am again Inspire as always by my friend Nina’s post today, let me quote it in part:

“Today we give much love and gratitude to all fathers as we celebrate Father’s Day. We thank Father God for the unconditional love giving His only Son, Jesus to redeem us.  May His love be perfected in us as we show His love to others and open our hearts to give kindness. “