I was surprised to receive a text message from one of my nephews early yesterday morning. The last time I had any contact with him was at his mom’s funeral over 2 years ago. His mom was my sister from my father’s side; one who I would chat with now and then but rarely saw, although we enjoyed each other’s company whenever we did manage to get together.
So this nephew was reaching out to let me know that he was working in a town very close to my bush, and he would be there until December. He would really enjoy coming around to meet all his cousins and spend time with his old auntie.
“Of course!” I agreed. While he was asking me which day would be best, I ask him a question of my own.
‘You’ve been vaccinated?”
“Nope!” he replied, and then seemed quite proud to assert that he never would be – he’s an anti-vax.
“In that case I am sorry. No visiting here. We are all vaccinated, we practice the mask/distancing/hand washing protections as directed by the health system. I don’t care to jeopardize our lives.”
If he was taken aback by my statement, he didn’t mention it. He also didn’t try to talk me into it, or argue that he was right or that I was wrong. He wrote that Covid had sure changed the lives of us all, and agreed that it was too bad he would miss this chance to meet cousins he hasn’t seen since he was 5 years old. He is aware that he will not be allowed into restaurants or bars in this province without proof of vaccination. He mentioned that he worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week on the contract, so goes straight to his hotel room and orders take-out. I’m wondering how he will react when the vaccination passport becomes law right across Canada, as it probably will. It will certainly limit this young man’s activities!
I am very sad for those who are against the vaccine; the truth is I don’t understand why. However, I have given up trying to explain things, or coax, or get angry. It’s a waste of energy. Hopefully limiting their ability to travel, socialize, eat out or claim any non-essential service will encourage them to look around and realize what they have to do. The wrong reasons maybe, but the result is what counts here.
I hope all of you are taking precautions and stay safe. I want to be able to send you my SMILES for years to come!!
LUV FROM THE BUSH IN QUEBEC
Tales from the Bush in Quebec 