A New Hope

I received my first dose of the COVID vaccine yesterday. I hadn't realized what a huge emotional strain I have been carrying the last ten months.  Being a health care provider, I have taken every precaution possible to limit the chance of infection or spread both in my office as well as in my home. However, since I work with the public, there is always the ever present baseline fear that I may become infected or unknowingly harm my family, staff, or patients.

Getting the vaccine has lifted a huge burden I didn't realize was weighing on me. I still have another dose so I realize I am only partially protected. But for the first time in months, I feel hopeful.