It’s not often that an octogenarian feels especially lucky–except for the fact that we’re still around. But right now , if you’re a Hoosier over the age of 80, you’re fortunate. That’s because our Governor Holcomb has issued some common sense guidelines for dispensing the covid-19 vaccine. Since 50% of deaths from covid-19 are with people over 80, we are next in line—after healthcare providers and first responders. I don’t know what they’re doing in other states, but it’s very impressive how efficiently it’s being handled in Indiana. Right now, I’m feeling lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said, “ By opening the vaccine to those who are 80 or older, then adding people in their 70s and 60s when vaccine supplies allow us to expand, we can best protect the populations that account for 93 percent of our COVID-19 deaths,

Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80: You don't have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated

In Indiana, you didn’t have to wait in long lines to get vaccinated. Lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

Starting Friday, December 8, at 9 a.m. you could call or schedule online an appointment at a local hospital or clinic. But of course, they hit a few snags. When I called the 211 number, they said they couldn’t take my call. That wasn’t surprising. What was surprising: when I contacted the Department of Health via chat, they gave me a link that actually worked. It told me the wait time to get registered in minutes and seconds. I knew that if I stayed online for about 45 minutes, it would be my turn. And it was. I entered the required information as to age, name, etc. and voila: I had an appointment for next week. And they let me make one for my husband, too.

Are you afraid to get the vaccine? I know I was apprehensive when I started hearing of people who’d had bad reactions. But the minute I heard I could get a vaccine right away, I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Did I really want to go on this way for the indefinite future? Not going anywhere, doing much of anything, or seeing anyone I care about? It’s been an emotional roller coaster, and I am ready to get off. I’ll take my chances. And I feel lucky to be a Hoosier over 80.

As of noon, Friday, 33,000 octogenarians in Indiana had registered for the vaccine. And no one had to stand in long lines or wait in their car for hours like they did in other states. Cheers to Governor Holcomb for doing a great job.

Everyone agrees that 2020 is a year we would rather forget. The social isolation of the pandemic, and subsequent economic and mental anguish has brought the entire world to a standstill. And yet, 6 things bring hope for 2021.

6 things bring hope for 2021. Indy has just landed the entire NCAA tournament.

1. Indy just landed the entire NCAA Men’s Basketball tourney. Who says Indianapolis is a hick town? This tournament is usually played throughout the country in March. We’re talking 67 men’s college basketball games, all to be played right here in the State of Indiana. Love it that Indy Governor Holcomb met with NCAA President Mark Emmert and planned the whole thing back in November. Proud to be a Hoosier, and hoping more exciting things will happen for our State in the future

2. Seeing a friend fight cancer. Some forms of cancer have a worse prognosis than others, and this was a bad one. The median survival is only 8 months. And yet he’s still here after 2 years. . We’ve watched him go through chemo, and bravely battle the disease. He walks and prays daily, keeps an upbeat attitude, and can still drive, travel and enjoy life.

3. Indoor gardening. I love seeing greenery inside the house on dreary winter days. Lots of hanging planters in the windows. I have enough amaryllis bulbs to last through Spring. Watching the buds and leaves slowly emerge , inch by inch, gives me something to look forward to each day. And when the gorgeous flowers finally bloom, I feel a surge of joy.

4. Mastering a mean omelet. I’ve always loved omelets, but never could get one to turn out smoothly. Mine always fell apart somewhere, and ended as a jumbled up mess on the plate. Finally, I found an omelet lesson on you tube that actually worked. My cheese omelet last night was smooth, perfectly done, and slid right onto a plate. I’m not too old to improve my cooking skills.!

5. Vaccine. 2020 has been a lost year for everyone. Too many people have died from Covid-19. My grandchildren missed out on a whole year of in-person schooling.. Folks have lost jobs, are going hungry, and losing their homes. The vaccines for Covid-19 give us hope for a return to normalcy by the end of this year.

6. 2020 election is over. The spam phone calls from politicians at all hours of the day and night have finally stopped. I’m still getting emails from The Trump folks, but I believe those will end after Biden’s inauguration. Whether or not you like the outcome of the election, you won’t have to endure all those invasions of privacy by activists who call, knock on your door, post on your Facebook, and clog up your email account

Tag: covid-19 vaccine

LUCKY TO BE A HOOSIER OVER 80

6 THINGS BRING HOPE FOR 2021

Everyone agrees that 2020 is a year we would rather forget. The social isolation of the pandemic, and subsequent economic and mental anguish has brought the entire world to a standstill. And yet, 6 things bring hope for 2021.

Better things are coming in 2021!