Thank you Heather! It’s been a coming and going year. I’m just not sure what is coming and what is going. As a front line nurse I have been fully vaccinated and yet feel bad that so many elderly have not been. I have a 91 year old mom in assisted living who is generally healthy but at her age Covid would most likely be her end. And yet w…
Thank you Heather! It’s been a coming and going year. I’m just not sure what is coming and what is going. As a front line nurse I have been fully vaccinated and yet feel bad that so many elderly have not been. I have a 91 year old mom in assisted living who is generally healthy but at her age Covid would most likely be her end. And yet we have a disagreement in our family about whether she should be vaccinated. And then I have the Covid deniers who have made health care workers their enemy. It breaks my heart after being an RN for 35 years with the goal of promoting and doing what we can to keep our community healthy.
No words. Hats off for what you do and for standing for the science that would save your mom. It would save the Covid deniers too, if they would listen. My wife and I are both retired scientists and, although my wife is a molecular geneticist with a Ph.D. in viral genetics and some of my work involved the ecology of emerging diseases, we have anti-vaccination people in our own families who will not listen to us. I often wonder how we came to this as a country.
I think in addition to bringing back civics classes we should implement required "science appreciation" classes. Light on math but heavy on grasping the power of the scientific method and critical thinking. I can dream... My wife and I received our 2nd Moderna vaccine yesterday and are feeling grateful. Yay science! Maybe anti-vaxers and covid deniers should have to do a bit of public service in a covid ward... might give Darwin a nudge?
I like your idea for "science appreciation" classes! As a science undergraduate, I was required to take music or art appreciation and classes in the humanities, all of which broadened my perspective. Science appreciation classes could could take a humanistic approach by laying out the path taken by the scientists that have discovered the biological and physical and processes underpinning how the world works, from how the human immune system functions to global climate regulation--more or less like a detective story. Trying to do our part, my wife and I give talks on these and related topics in the local high school, where our approach is very similar to what you envision. Let's hope that your idea catches on!
As a scientist and a kid who wanted to become a scientist, I really like your approach to this, Manuel! And that you and your wife are acting on it. I've done quite a lot of that, but with adults who were trying to learn to understand how science affects their world in order to make decisions on it. It was tough for some of them, and I like your sense of focusing on the path scientists use to try out ideas. I did that in my jobs as a practical matter, but as a child and teen, it was learning how people became scientists and the ideas that got them there that inspired me to keep trying until I made it. I still love science, and reading about why people do science. Even if a kid doesn't grow up to be a scientist, that kind of insight can help them understand how science is all about understanding how our world works, even (and sometimes especially) the world within our own bodies and minds. That kind of understanding helps build a way to connect with each other.
It is reassuring to hear that my approach resonates with your experience as a scientist and teacher of science to adults from outside of the sciences. Thank you! Like you, I decided that I wanted to become a scientist as a kid. I grew up on a family farm in northern California but decided that I wanted to become a scientist at age 6, when we got an amazing device that opened a window to, among other things, science. It was a TV and on it I remember to this day a narrator describing how these SCUBA diving "scientists" were studying undersea life. In spite of the incredulous adults in my life, 21 years later I was awarded my PhD, specializing in the ecology of reef fish. Ending up at an inland university, my subsequent research focused mostly on river and terrestrial ecosystems. I have also been giving talks to adults in the local community on the role of fire in forests in the wake of a massive fire that roared through our county in Colorado and my wife has given talks in community forums on human genomics. The responses have been positive, although the word has gotten out that I have done work on climate, which has generated some distrust. Sigh...
And doesn’t that just irritate you? But what can you do? Nothing but take care of yourselves. Unfortunately, there always going to be naysayers. It’s really too bad that they don’t want to listen to two people who have devoted their time to researching and helping others.
Their ignoring us is irritating but even more so, it is deeply disappointing. We are encouraged, however, by those members of our family who do think critically and engage in the world in a more reasoned and less rigid way. This group consists of the eldest and younger family members.
Glad to see that younger members of your family are critical thinkers. We have hope going forward. Teaching skills of critical thinking is essential to combating problems in the social-political-economic power structure.
Karen, you and all healthcare workers are essential heroes in the trenches of this horrific chapter. Please take good care of yourself. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you Karen. It’s gratifying to know that this community of Heather’s creation has been a safe harbor for you... May your mother et a vaccination soon.
Bravo for saving lives in the midst of such insanity! We are so grateful for the nurses and respiratory therapists and doctors who work impossible hours and under such stress. You are the best of us.
You, Karen, are an angel. I know this first-hand because my 97-year-old mom was an RN for 42 years. She was an angel too. Nurses and medical care people are special people. My mom was old school--something she lamented to no end when she was in the hospital last November. Much has changed from when she was walking the floors. But, what hasn't changed is the commitment to helping your fellow human beings. God bless you and give you strength and courage to soldier on. It is appreciated. My mom especially is rooting for you too!
I've so far not been able to get vaccinated--I just got added to the waiting list at one medical centre and am scheduled for July 3rd (!), but they expect everyone to move up once more vaccine is released. As the primary caregiver for my mom I feel it is essential I get the vaccine. I hope more is available soon. Like you, my concern is if my mom caught this it'd kill her in no time. My brother lives here in town and so far is resistant to getting vaccinated. Fortunately for all of us, none of us almost never go anywhere and we're always masked and take necessary measures if we do. So I keep hoping we can get through this. For what it's worth, I understand your conundrum. This area in Georgia has been one of the hot-spots for Covid for a while now, and a large segment of the population still defies any orders to wear masks. It's infuriating. Health-care workers here are beside themselves with frustration about it. Amazing how these "personal responsibility" Republicans here are anything BUT responsible.
Again, words can't express how much good you are doing. Keep on keepin' on!
I’ll be thinking of you and your mom, Bruce, and hope you get your vaccination soon. Please keep us informed. Here in CA, my husband and I have both had our first shots and hope to get our second in a few weeks. We still wear our N95 masks if we leave the house or if one of his caregivers comes by. But there are idiots among us. We took a drive down Colorado Blvd in Pasadena yesterday and were astounded by the number of people strolling along the streets, very close to one another on corners or in front of the outside-dining spots. Masks can do only so much and many don’t wear them properly.
It is beyond discouraging to see how people disregard the social distancing and mask requirements. I am sure you've all seen the pictures of this weekend in Tampa. While there are requirements for the actual Superbowl, including giving out N95 masks for attendees, the pictures of the bars and restaurants with many partying, maskless shoulder to shoulder people is disgusting.
You are so important, and your community is blessed to have you. All in the medical field who are battling Covid victims - from doctors to refuse workers - teachers, supermarket employees. All who are at risk. All. Deserve respect. Deserve priority. Deserve to be at the front of the line.
So appreciate your hard work! So sad that we’ve come to this with deniers and anti vaxxers. Try not to get discouraged. More people are with you than not! Thank you for all that you do! 💕
Oh yes. There are many anti-vaxxers in my workplace .. a public school district. Not all teachers are frantically searching for a vaccine. I mentioned here already that 900 school employees were offered the vaccine in early January. Only 30% opted in. We’re back in person 100% now and slowly transitioning children back.
Not everywhere is allowing teachers to be considered to be eligible for 1B classification. Here in NH, the Governor's family owns a ski area and has allowed Ski Patrol members to get vaccinated ahead of teachers! (GRRR!)
Your services are so badly needed and certainly appreciated by many! Thank you so much for what you and your colleagues do. Is your mom fairly lucid? If so, let her make that decision. My best to you.
Thank you Marlene. My mom has dementia. She still knows all of us but memory and cognition are progressively declining. When asked about getting the vaccine, she says whatever Karen thinks I should do (since I’m the nurse in the family) I have Medical Power of Attorney so plan on her getting it. The challenge is the doubt and pushback I’ve gotten from my brothers and sister in laws. Unfortunately they have been taken in by some misinformation about the vaccine.
You are an angel. I, fortunately, got my first vaccination two days ago. My heart goes out to the deniers, and I hope they change their minds in coming days and weeks.
Thank you for the work that you do. Not only helping those who are sick with Covid, but for trying to help people understand the breadth and depth of this virus. You can't be thanked enough
Thank you, Karen, for your dedication. I'm 75, have a vax appointment but, although trying to stay positive, am concerned our state will have run out of vaccine by the time that date comes around. I hope that this administration will reduce the dark stain that is over this country, and I ache for the people who have lost loved ones.
From the sounds of things, here in the NE the supplies will start going up- we have hopes for the coming week. Our gov is sounding more optimisitic. He was pretty angry about Trump's lies and dissembling about Trump claimed when the coffers were literally empty. He is reluctant now to make firm plans until he is certain we are getting what we need because he believes that people shouldn't be told one thing and given another.
I just got my first shot, and we are all awaiting the time we all have had our 2nd and can carefully gather as a family again. We have one elder member who is too sick right now (with another problem that requires surgery) to be vaccinated. We pray that she makes it.
It is hard for us to conceive that people are turning down the opportunity, because so many have already died - some out of misunderstanding facts, some because they were being deliberately manipulated, some like our family member because it may be too late because of the unnecessary delays. That is beyond sad.
Karen, my mom is also 91. She is lucky enough to have two unmarried children who live with her to keep her in her own home. They have done a wonderful job of keeping mom safe. She's in great shape and we all agree to do our best to keep her that way through the pandemic. Unlike you though, we have no Covid deniers in our immediate family. Mom, my brother and sister who live with her, got their first shot last Weds. My husband and I got our first shots almost 2 weeks ago. I know that just because we get the vaccine that doesn't mean we can let up on the Covid precautions. I'm lucky enough to be retired along with my husband so we have been able to "quarantine" for two weeks before visiting them. It's a terrible shame that the vaccine has become political. I hope you're able to convince the deniers that you know what you are talking about. Good luck!
Thank you Heather! It’s been a coming and going year. I’m just not sure what is coming and what is going. As a front line nurse I have been fully vaccinated and yet feel bad that so many elderly have not been. I have a 91 year old mom in assisted living who is generally healthy but at her age Covid would most likely be her end. And yet we have a disagreement in our family about whether she should be vaccinated. And then I have the Covid deniers who have made health care workers their enemy. It breaks my heart after being an RN for 35 years with the goal of promoting and doing what we can to keep our community healthy.
You are an American hero. Thank you and good health to you and your mom.
Thank you! Thank you! It means so much. Words are weak right now. I am overwhelmed with feeling
Keep up the good work, Karen. That includes setting the right example by masking in your photo.
And another hug.🤗
I can only imagine your pain and others like you in the front lines. Know how grateful most of us are.
No words. Hats off for what you do and for standing for the science that would save your mom. It would save the Covid deniers too, if they would listen. My wife and I are both retired scientists and, although my wife is a molecular geneticist with a Ph.D. in viral genetics and some of my work involved the ecology of emerging diseases, we have anti-vaccination people in our own families who will not listen to us. I often wonder how we came to this as a country.
I think in addition to bringing back civics classes we should implement required "science appreciation" classes. Light on math but heavy on grasping the power of the scientific method and critical thinking. I can dream... My wife and I received our 2nd Moderna vaccine yesterday and are feeling grateful. Yay science! Maybe anti-vaxers and covid deniers should have to do a bit of public service in a covid ward... might give Darwin a nudge?
:~)
I like your idea for "science appreciation" classes! As a science undergraduate, I was required to take music or art appreciation and classes in the humanities, all of which broadened my perspective. Science appreciation classes could could take a humanistic approach by laying out the path taken by the scientists that have discovered the biological and physical and processes underpinning how the world works, from how the human immune system functions to global climate regulation--more or less like a detective story. Trying to do our part, my wife and I give talks on these and related topics in the local high school, where our approach is very similar to what you envision. Let's hope that your idea catches on!
As a scientist and a kid who wanted to become a scientist, I really like your approach to this, Manuel! And that you and your wife are acting on it. I've done quite a lot of that, but with adults who were trying to learn to understand how science affects their world in order to make decisions on it. It was tough for some of them, and I like your sense of focusing on the path scientists use to try out ideas. I did that in my jobs as a practical matter, but as a child and teen, it was learning how people became scientists and the ideas that got them there that inspired me to keep trying until I made it. I still love science, and reading about why people do science. Even if a kid doesn't grow up to be a scientist, that kind of insight can help them understand how science is all about understanding how our world works, even (and sometimes especially) the world within our own bodies and minds. That kind of understanding helps build a way to connect with each other.
It is reassuring to hear that my approach resonates with your experience as a scientist and teacher of science to adults from outside of the sciences. Thank you! Like you, I decided that I wanted to become a scientist as a kid. I grew up on a family farm in northern California but decided that I wanted to become a scientist at age 6, when we got an amazing device that opened a window to, among other things, science. It was a TV and on it I remember to this day a narrator describing how these SCUBA diving "scientists" were studying undersea life. In spite of the incredulous adults in my life, 21 years later I was awarded my PhD, specializing in the ecology of reef fish. Ending up at an inland university, my subsequent research focused mostly on river and terrestrial ecosystems. I have also been giving talks to adults in the local community on the role of fire in forests in the wake of a massive fire that roared through our county in Colorado and my wife has given talks in community forums on human genomics. The responses have been positive, although the word has gotten out that I have done work on climate, which has generated some distrust. Sigh...
And doesn’t that just irritate you? But what can you do? Nothing but take care of yourselves. Unfortunately, there always going to be naysayers. It’s really too bad that they don’t want to listen to two people who have devoted their time to researching and helping others.
Their ignoring us is irritating but even more so, it is deeply disappointing. We are encouraged, however, by those members of our family who do think critically and engage in the world in a more reasoned and less rigid way. This group consists of the eldest and younger family members.
Glad to see that younger members of your family are critical thinkers. We have hope going forward. Teaching skills of critical thinking is essential to combating problems in the social-political-economic power structure.
Karen, you and all healthcare workers are essential heroes in the trenches of this horrific chapter. Please take good care of yourself. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you Karen. It’s gratifying to know that this community of Heather’s creation has been a safe harbor for you... May your mother et a vaccination soon.
Thank you so much for caring. Heather’s community has been my lifeline. And it’s people like all of you that give me hope!
I think we may be the only sane people in the country. Right here. 🤔
Not true, just fortunate to have found HCR.
Yes! My lifeline as well. Thanks to HRC and all who are gathered here!
😚🤗
Bravo for saving lives in the midst of such insanity! We are so grateful for the nurses and respiratory therapists and doctors who work impossible hours and under such stress. You are the best of us.
You, Karen, are an angel. I know this first-hand because my 97-year-old mom was an RN for 42 years. She was an angel too. Nurses and medical care people are special people. My mom was old school--something she lamented to no end when she was in the hospital last November. Much has changed from when she was walking the floors. But, what hasn't changed is the commitment to helping your fellow human beings. God bless you and give you strength and courage to soldier on. It is appreciated. My mom especially is rooting for you too!
I've so far not been able to get vaccinated--I just got added to the waiting list at one medical centre and am scheduled for July 3rd (!), but they expect everyone to move up once more vaccine is released. As the primary caregiver for my mom I feel it is essential I get the vaccine. I hope more is available soon. Like you, my concern is if my mom caught this it'd kill her in no time. My brother lives here in town and so far is resistant to getting vaccinated. Fortunately for all of us, none of us almost never go anywhere and we're always masked and take necessary measures if we do. So I keep hoping we can get through this. For what it's worth, I understand your conundrum. This area in Georgia has been one of the hot-spots for Covid for a while now, and a large segment of the population still defies any orders to wear masks. It's infuriating. Health-care workers here are beside themselves with frustration about it. Amazing how these "personal responsibility" Republicans here are anything BUT responsible.
Again, words can't express how much good you are doing. Keep on keepin' on!
Blessings.
And to you for taking care of your dear old mom! Hang in there.
I’ll be thinking of you and your mom, Bruce, and hope you get your vaccination soon. Please keep us informed. Here in CA, my husband and I have both had our first shots and hope to get our second in a few weeks. We still wear our N95 masks if we leave the house or if one of his caregivers comes by. But there are idiots among us. We took a drive down Colorado Blvd in Pasadena yesterday and were astounded by the number of people strolling along the streets, very close to one another on corners or in front of the outside-dining spots. Masks can do only so much and many don’t wear them properly.
Take care, everyone.
It is beyond discouraging to see how people disregard the social distancing and mask requirements. I am sure you've all seen the pictures of this weekend in Tampa. While there are requirements for the actual Superbowl, including giving out N95 masks for attendees, the pictures of the bars and restaurants with many partying, maskless shoulder to shoulder people is disgusting.
You are so important, and your community is blessed to have you. All in the medical field who are battling Covid victims - from doctors to refuse workers - teachers, supermarket employees. All who are at risk. All. Deserve respect. Deserve priority. Deserve to be at the front of the line.
So appreciate your hard work! So sad that we’ve come to this with deniers and anti vaxxers. Try not to get discouraged. More people are with you than not! Thank you for all that you do! 💕
Oh yes. There are many anti-vaxxers in my workplace .. a public school district. Not all teachers are frantically searching for a vaccine. I mentioned here already that 900 school employees were offered the vaccine in early January. Only 30% opted in. We’re back in person 100% now and slowly transitioning children back.
Not everywhere is allowing teachers to be considered to be eligible for 1B classification. Here in NH, the Governor's family owns a ski area and has allowed Ski Patrol members to get vaccinated ahead of teachers! (GRRR!)
Right now within my state (WA) Kaiser is working with Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to set up vaccinations stations for public school employees all over the state. It just coordinates the process but does not move them up in the classification system. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/washington-kaiser-team-up-to-vaccinate-educators-more-efficiently-with-no-change-to-queue/
Your services are so badly needed and certainly appreciated by many! Thank you so much for what you and your colleagues do. Is your mom fairly lucid? If so, let her make that decision. My best to you.
Thank you Marlene. My mom has dementia. She still knows all of us but memory and cognition are progressively declining. When asked about getting the vaccine, she says whatever Karen thinks I should do (since I’m the nurse in the family) I have Medical Power of Attorney so plan on her getting it. The challenge is the doubt and pushback I’ve gotten from my brothers and sister in laws. Unfortunately they have been taken in by some misinformation about the vaccine.
You are an angel. I, fortunately, got my first vaccination two days ago. My heart goes out to the deniers, and I hope they change their minds in coming days and weeks.
I am sending you a virtual hug 🤗
Thank you Karen - for sharing your story and for all you do as a health care worker. 🙏🏻💜. Take care of yourself.
Karen, I think what you do is amazing. Thank you for caring.
Thank you for the work that you do. Not only helping those who are sick with Covid, but for trying to help people understand the breadth and depth of this virus. You can't be thanked enough
Thank you, Karen, for your dedication. I'm 75, have a vax appointment but, although trying to stay positive, am concerned our state will have run out of vaccine by the time that date comes around. I hope that this administration will reduce the dark stain that is over this country, and I ache for the people who have lost loved ones.
From the sounds of things, here in the NE the supplies will start going up- we have hopes for the coming week. Our gov is sounding more optimisitic. He was pretty angry about Trump's lies and dissembling about Trump claimed when the coffers were literally empty. He is reluctant now to make firm plans until he is certain we are getting what we need because he believes that people shouldn't be told one thing and given another.
I just got my first shot, and we are all awaiting the time we all have had our 2nd and can carefully gather as a family again. We have one elder member who is too sick right now (with another problem that requires surgery) to be vaccinated. We pray that she makes it.
It is hard for us to conceive that people are turning down the opportunity, because so many have already died - some out of misunderstanding facts, some because they were being deliberately manipulated, some like our family member because it may be too late because of the unnecessary delays. That is beyond sad.
Karen, my mom is also 91. She is lucky enough to have two unmarried children who live with her to keep her in her own home. They have done a wonderful job of keeping mom safe. She's in great shape and we all agree to do our best to keep her that way through the pandemic. Unlike you though, we have no Covid deniers in our immediate family. Mom, my brother and sister who live with her, got their first shot last Weds. My husband and I got our first shots almost 2 weeks ago. I know that just because we get the vaccine that doesn't mean we can let up on the Covid precautions. I'm lucky enough to be retired along with my husband so we have been able to "quarantine" for two weeks before visiting them. It's a terrible shame that the vaccine has become political. I hope you're able to convince the deniers that you know what you are talking about. Good luck!
God bless you for your work.