Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.
Dear Journal,
Wednesday was such a beautiful, inspiring day. I am so relieved the inauguration went well. The kids and I watched the speeches, messages of unity to our nation, given by our new president and vice president, the first ever woman and person of color in the vice-presidency! We loved the music and I found Amanda Gorman particularly eloquent and encouraging with her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” “… a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished,” was just one ray of hope that stuck with me. I breathe a sigh of relief as our nation moves forward. We have much work to do, but I am hopeful now that we can do it together.
The kids are homeschooling and today is a Grammy school day. We are all so grateful for her, believe me. And next week brings another change here in Raymond, a return to school, actually at school, two days a week. These past few weeks, I’ve felt somehow surprised this plan is proceeding as scheduled, but it is. And here we go.
Yes, the vaccine is here! And by that I mean, there IS a vaccine, but none of us can get it yet. I’ve heard a few people asking, “Why are we still not back to normal?” But even people in my family who are now eligible can’t seem to get an appointment with a doctor who has available doses. Not my parents (who are in their seventies) or my husband Mike’s parents. These are the people I’m most anxious to get vaccinated.
My parents-in-law were on hold for hours trying to get through to the Pacific Co. Health Department to get on a waiting list. I’m not sure they ever got through, and they can’t leave a message. I know the people at the Health Department are swamped, and they have my sympathy. Patience is a virtue running thin these days. I’m hoping to see some sort of email system soon for folks to get on the waiting list, which seems like it could be easier and less stressful for everyone involved.
As for my immediate family, Mike won’t be eligible to get vaccinated till April, we’ve heard, though he’s going back to in-person teaching next week — with the same teens I just saw playing basketball at the park, close contact with no masks. Sigh. If I’m subbing, which I usually do a couple days a week, I’ll be eligible earlier than if I wasn’t, but I have no clue when that will be. And there is no kids’ vaccine yet. All this is to say that no, we’re not back to normal yet, but things are moving ahead anyway. We’re on our way.
Song of the day: You Gotta Be, Des’ree
Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.
