When I was five, the mumps infected me and my siblings. My Mother had not vaccinated us because she was more afraid of the vaccinations than she was of childhood illnesses. I recall laying in my bed, in pain, hearing Mother sob as she told Father that I was dying.  Father came in and told me it would hurt, a lot, but I had to swallow the peach juice he was going to put in my mouth. I did-it hurt.

When I was in 2nd grade, polio found our community. One of our neighbor's daughter, Sandy was in an iron lung. Parents were advised to give their children the "sugar cube" to protect their children from polio.  The school nurse brought them to the school. I was not allowed to have one. Mother was more afraid of the vaccination than she was of polio. 

Sandy lived. She went from the iron lung to metal braces on both legs. When I was older, polio again came to my attention. The memory of Sandy clunking down the school halls with her canes and braces made me want to get vaccinated.  I told Mother I wanted to get the shot. After much pleading, she signed the waver ..

At age 40, Mother had another daughter. Her new baby received all her shots. Please get your Covid shot. You may save a life. Eradicate Covid. 

Sunlan Lighting

3901 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97227

503-281-0453

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

www.sunlanlighting.com