Cheers to the Vax Selfie

Dr. Christina Yannetsos... aka ... My first vaccinated friend. 

I thought I would feel jealous. 

In December, my doctor and nurse friends posted their vaccine photos. Several were eligible in the first week and my two sizes two small heart warmed. 

I’ve never wanted to be a doctor or nurse. Too much memorizing, too much bodily fluids, too much life or death ... 

But I know how hard this year has been for those in the field and the vaccine seemed like a much overdue reward for people who put their lives on the line. 

So when the news came that first responders would be vaccinated, I cheered. 

But secretly I worried. 

It’s easy to be happy for the health care workers. 

Let’s be honest, regardless of how you feel about whether you would get the vaccine, not being happy for health care workers would pretty much make you an asshole. 

But I wondered how I would feel as we moved through the phases ... 

I’m Phase Last in almost every state. I’m now hopeful for May. 

I thought as we roll through the phases that I would get jealous of my friends who get their crack at the vaccine weeks and months before I’ll get my go at a lottery that will put buying tickets to see Garth Brooks open for Hamilton to shame. 

I’ve seen articles about whether people should or shouldn’t post selfies before, during or after the vaccine. 

And I say please do. 

Because I’ve been pleasantly surprised that each selfie makes me a little more hopeful. 

Hopeful that the selfie taker won’t have to suffer through COVID. 

Hopeful that his or her family will be more protected. 

Hopeful that people will see the photo and be inspired to sign up. 

Hopeful that I’m one step closer to mine. 

Hopeful that we’re all one step closer to a return to whatever the new normal shall be.