When I was a very young girl a polio epidemic struck. Dr. Salk’s vaccine was just recently made available, and there was a vast shortage. Parents took their kids to various sites to receive the vaccine (at that time, a shot). Some children received the shot; others, a placebo.
-1

Parents were later notified by mail which of their children received the vaccine. My sister received it; I did not. My cousin and I had the placebos and in short order, polio struck us both. We were taken to the hospital which was so overloaded with cases that children were
-2

on gurneys up and down the hallways. The epidemic hit our city hard. The doctor knew my father and told him not to leave me there; but rather, to take me home, and he gave my parents care instructions.,This included placing me in hot-as-I-could-stand water multiple times a
-3

day and exercising my limbs as he had directed while I was in the water. My cousin remained in the hospital. Both of my parents were fierce in following all of the doctor’s directions and followed up with the doctor weekly at his office.
-4

For a year after, I wore white lace-up boots with braces, but I had zero lasting effects from the illness. On the other hand, my beautiful cousin had many lasting problems throughout her life. Her siblings and mine received the vaccine; so of course, they were fine.
-5

I counted my blessings that I was assigned to a doctor who knew my dad, that my parents were so diligent and I was cared for so well. I am broken now hearing news about how sick many people with Covid 19 are, how crowded the hospitals are, how scared people (including me) are.
-6

My parents are long gone. I am old now, & am sheltered in my home with my loving husband. My thoughts strayed to another time, another epidemic. This I know: my life and yours are important-no matter our age. And, I will still fight! Stay healthy. Thanks for listening. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤️" title="Red heart" aria-label="Emoji: Red heart">
-7