As I am writing this, it has been a week since my symptoms first appeared. The sore throat was quickly followed by congestion, then a cough, chills, cold sweats, body aches, headaches, sneezing, and incredible fatigue. I was tested for COVID-19 the following day. Forty-eight hours later my results were in: Positive.

 

Back in late March I received my first shot and then early April my second. Having the vaccine gave me a feeling of confidence against the virus. Sure, I still masked-up, but only at work. I maintained social distancing, except for crowded restaurants.

 

About three weeks before my symptoms appeared, I received my booster shot which boosted my confidence even more.

 

A few days before Christmas, I attended a holiday event, unmasked, crowded, with a lot of spirited singing and dancing. Less than a week later, sore throat, congestion, cough, etc.

 

I realize that the confidence I thought I had was merely arrogance on my part.

 

I fully believe that if I had not been fully vaccinated plus the booster, my symptoms would be much worse, possibly life-threatening. I also learned not to be lulled into a false sense of security when living in a pandemic.

 

The vaccine is working, but we have to work, too, in tandem with the vaccine for ourselves, for our loved ones, for our community.