Blog Post

The Cornerstone Insider’s Personal Perspective

Following months of living and navigating the pandemic, now we are navigating the vaccine process. It does present some challenges needless to say.   However, thinking of the “enormity” of the task, it really is amazing what it takes to get it all done.  We are talking billions of people here.  The coordination of vaccines, availability, transportation, education,  facilities, staffing, marketing, computer programing, and who gets priority, to name a few, is really overwhelming.  And then, there’s the second shot!   

Every day I anxiously watch the TV as officials roll out the next group of individuals who are eligible to get the shot.  When can I get it?  Not reaching that golden age of 65 until May, I’m just short of that priority list. Ugh!   Most of my family and some friends, including husband, have had their shots.  It will happen, I know, and I’m trying to be patient and still be as safe as I can.  

Registering to get that appointment has really become a “thing” with seniors.   Recently I watched and listened to my older sister and her group of friends complaining because they couldn’t get on the site to register.   They huddled together and made a plan.   “Let’s all try to sign on at 9 am sharp when registration opens and see who is successful.   Did you get yours?  I got mine. So and so is still waiting.  A neighbor doesn’t have a computer.   How can we help them?”  It’s the main topic of conversation these days among us mature adults!

As Americans it is just in our blood to jump in to help each other.   That’s just what we do.  As seniors, we also help each other.   After all, we are a special fortunate group that has reached the “golden” period of our lives that we all have waited and worked hard to get to. I see it very clearly at our closely-knit 55+ communities in Virginia.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Retired nurses volunteering to give shots.  Helping to drive neighbors to vaccination sites.  In the midst of a not so pleasant situation, it is heartwarming to see our homeowners come together and support and look after one another.  It’s a hallmark of a Cornerstone community that I have witnessed in the 12 years I’ve worked here.  These are special places. 

Here we are, a year later.   With light at the end of the tunnel.  Thankfully we will all have the opportunity to get a shot and get back to somewhat of a normal life.   And hopefully have come out better and stronger people in the long run.  I know for me, there are a lot of things I will not take for granted any longer. And to that end, here’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time…….. Heard that vaccinated people CAN HUG! First thing I’m going to do after getting my shot is hug my 99 year old Dad.  I may never let go……