“Because he had a low “elf-esteem!”<pregnant pause>“GET IT?!”
It’s this Tuesday, December 22nd. While my patient, Mrs. Dulwich, is trying to figure out the joke, my phone buzzes.It’s the text I’ve been waiting for.
‘On Dec.11th, you opted in to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If still interested, please report to the Ernest H. Shackleton Auditorium for your vaccination on the 3rd floor between 9a-12p today.’
That’s in 5 minutes!
“Mrs. D, Megan, I’m sorry, I have to go! Emily, I’ll see you in six months.”
I hurl my stethoscope onto the black office chair and running out the door I tell Donna I’ll be back in 20. It’s only a five-minute drive to the hospital.I’ve had a habit ever since ‘03 of parking on the 6th floor (roof) of our hospital parking garage. It’s quiet, more steps, and the fresh air. I’m usually the only one up there, but today, weird, there’s a huge crowd in a big oval surrounding some shiny red SUV or something. There are probably 60-70 people and all I can see amidst all those posing for selfies is a glimmer of this electric candy apple color. Curious, but no time for this. I am not throwin’ away my shot.I sprint down the cold, concrete outdoor staircase and throw open the banged-up metal door into the hospital. I feel bad for a second as it slams against the bricks.I’m swerving and dodging people down the long corridor. I’d forgotten to take off my white coat, so I can get away with it. They’ll think I’m running to a code. Brilliant.I’m exhausted after the 5-minute sprint but relieved to finally get inside the ‘Shack’, our nickname for the Auditorium.On the left, just after entering are two oversized plastic bowls. One’s half full of gingersnap cookies, the other is essentially filled with baby carrots.The greeter, “Dr. Dave, take as many as you want”.”Thank you.”I’m sweating a little and embarrassed about it. I’ll have time to cool off. I wipe my face with my exposed sleeve and take some deep breaths.Looks like I’m around 15th in line but it’s moving fast.Should only be 10 minutes. I text Donna ‘Sorry, 30-35’I’m so ready for this thing.The couple in front of me is chuckling. The wife pokes her husband in his soft belly with her right index finger. It leaves a mark in his velour or velvet – whatever it is. They continue laughing. I can see he’s got the outline of a whole lot of carrots in the right pocket of his sweater. Funny, I absolutely would’ve taken him for a cookie guy.Always great to meet new people.“G’morning. We get our shots today! I’m so happy. Do you guys live around here?”Something told me ‘no’.“We’re from out of town, dear.” The wife says. She’s got the most fun puffy red cheeks and short white hair. Her glasses seem to magnify the beautiful twinkle in her eye.Over the next 10 minutes, we discussed 2020. You’ve been there. I’m sure you could guess what we talked about.I did share my gratitude for getting to spend more time with my family.Her husband shares, “That’s wonderful. It sounds like you were nice this year?”Kind of a different question.“You’d have to ask my wife and children, but, I tried,” I told him.He then asks what I’d like to see under the tree on Friday.Also a bit of an unusual question, but his friendly nature is refreshing. Refreshing enough that I confide I’m hoping for a Lego VW bus. What! I felt like we were in a safe space.The volunteer RN coordinator motions to my new friend.“Chris (sp?). Welcome back. You ready for shot #2?!”This sweet cherubic woman is now in the batter’s box as her husband makes his way to all the nurses at the card table. He’s rolling up the left sleeve on that red sweater as I look at the Mrs.“Did they just say he’s getting his second shot today?”“Oh, yes dear. Today will be my first, but my husband’s job puts him in contact with a lot of people.” She gets a little embarrassed as she struggles to phrase the next sentence.“And, you can probably see by his white hair he’s been around long enough to build some connections. We’re just so grateful he could get it with a couple of days to spare.”What a lovely woman.They call her to the next open chair, and then I’m shortly after her.I make my way to the armchair desk, sit down, take a deep breath, and try to think about Legos. Then it hits me. A cute older couple from out of town, carrots to go, the questions, exotic vehicle on the roof.Hold on.I nervously glance a few chairs over and it’s taking him a while to roll down his left sleeve (a lot of fabric). He’s actually looking back at me.His face opens up into a smile that lights up the whole room. I instinctively smile back.He winks and walks over to grab his wife’s hand. Adorable. They slowly but surely make their way out the auditorium’s double wooden doors and up the staircase to the parking garage.Turns out, it was indeed his second shot.My RN is telling me to roll up my sleeve and she’ll see me in 3 weeks. Funny. I didn’t even feel it.
A very Happy Holidays to our entire Walk with a Doc family.As we say goodbye to 2020  and welcome 2021, we want to tell you that we love you.Enjoy a peaceful week and here’s to changing the world together in ‘21.David