Satisfaction

I don’t know if the happy elderly people or this e-mail made my day. (And it’s only 1 p.m. How blessed am I?) I hope my friend Tracie won’t mind me sharing it. But really. They say one vote can make a difference. Well, if one voter’s voice can influence others to vote, how much more difference can that make? Of course, you all know I am voting for Kerry, but in the end, I don’t care who you vote for. Just VOTE! We are undeniably lucky to live in a country that allows this right and freedom. I consider it our responsibility to take advantage of it.

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for getting me interested in voting. I have never really cared that much, and actually even used to complain about voting. I hated the fact that it seemed as though our votes didn’t really matter, so I figured what was the point? But, seeing how passionate you are about the issue has made me realize I was being stupid. Why waste my right and voice? Why shouldn’t I be interested in political issues and what is going on around me? You have made me realize that even though I am only one minnow in a pool of billions, when I stand up with the other minnows that share my opinions, I have made them once voice stronger. So…Thank You.

A Helping Hand

I just wanted to publicly commend the Fox 2 news crew that was out here this morning. Roche Madden (follow the above link to personalities) and his camera man did not sit idly by and cover the story of the last Visiting Nurses clinic giving flu vaccinations this morning. Instead, the two of them took handfuls of tickets and hit the pavement just like us- approaching cars, passing out numbers and helping our community. As Elroy said in a comment in the previous entry, the Ferguson-Florissant School District has gotten great press for the organization of this event. And honestly, the recipients are unbelievably grateful. Kudos to the administration here, the Florissant police and everyone involved in making this day go so well. The only prayers needed now are that my aching feet will allow me to walk back and and continue helping people! I shouldn’t have cared that my tennis shoes didn’t match my suit!

Bright and Early

Well, I’m here. Everything seems under control. Why did I doubt the administration would have a good plan? Maybe because they didn’t share it. They didn’t want people hatching plans around it. I was actually glad NOT to know yesterday. My boss was a proponent of sharing the whole thing, but since she was told not to, she found herself having to lie to old people all day. A fact which she did NOT appreciate. I was spared that at least. Unfortunately, I was also spared some of my sanity. Eh. Out to the trenches!

AHHHH!

Woohoo!

The AP article I was interviewed for has shown up at least in the Kansas City Star. They begin the article with me!

A Bonified, Sad Mess: The Flu Shot

The media has not handled the shortage of flu shot vaccinations well. Our senior citizens are panicking. One woman actually told the Visiting Nurses Association that she believes there is a conspiracy by the government to kill off the elderly so they don’t have to pay them social security. Don’t laugh. It’s not funny. It’s really really sad. These are our granparents, parents, aunts and uncles. They are the people who have built our country and fought to protect it in wars bigger than any of us can imagine. They are crippled and bent and tired and diseased. And they are scared. I know. I have talked to them.

For a dozen years, the Ferguson-Florissant School District (where I work) has been hosting the Visiting Nurses Association flu vaccinations. It’s always been a simple service. Not this year. The Florissant Police Department will be here in droves directing traffic and people. We have shuttles prepared for those who need to park across the street and cannot walk to the line. I myself will be arriving at work between 4 and 5:30 a.m. to join a slew of people from the District who will be assisting.

I am sure that I have talked to at least 30 seniors in the last 3 hours. Our three phone lines have been ringing off the hook. “Office of Public Information, this is Kristen, can I help you?” Inevitably, a frail voice says, “I need to ask about the flu shots tomorrow.” Are they still giving them, when do I need to be there, where will the line start, when are they handing out numbers, where do I park, will the building be open, what happens if it rains… And these are the “easy” questions- most of which I don’t know the actual answers to. What’s more difficult is the stories we hear. Extremely ill people will advanced diseases, recent surgeries, extreme age… walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks… I think I might lose my mind.

I’ve talked to some people for as long as 15 minutes. All I can do is be as gracious and loving as possible. In the midst of my heart aching and my head throbbing, I have been told a dozen times that I have been more than helpful. That I have helped to placate fears. That they appreciate my time and concern and candor. And that is all I can do.

Tomorrow is going to be very trying. Please pray for this situation. Pray that more vaccinations are located and distributed. Pray that the flu season is mild. Pray for our seniors’ peace of mind.

SNAPSHOT: Target Receipt

CAT CHOW 8.19
TIDY CATS 6.64
WHISKR LICKNS .97
MAYB LIPSTK 5.19
GOODY CLIP 1.99
GOODY FF CMB 1.99
GOODY ESLASI 3.99
RECPE CARDS 1.00
RECPE BOX .50

almost out must have more litter has one kind but needs variety treating myself I lost my browny lipstick this one has a cool name velvet crush I grew my hair out so I could have fun and experiment the new dollar section the other night I made candied carrots and they were good probably won’t make Australian pheasant again

SUBTOTAL 30.46
T = MO TAX 8.0750% on 30.46 2.46
TOTAL 32.92

That guy is looking at me funny and that lady ahh, my eyes I wasn’t thinking how long I had cried and how hard I bet they are puffier than I realized.