By Linda Elissalde
“I get by with a little help from my friends.” BEATLES
“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Blanche DuBois – A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Marcel and I have been exceedingly lucky in having wonderful friends. Many of them helped as we tried to find a spot for Marcel to receive his Covid-19 shots. I am part of the Methodist Hospital System where I was able to obtain vaccinations. I must compliment Baytown Methodist Hospital for their outstanding management. However, those not in a system have had a very hard time of signing in for a shot. We had many, many folk working via online, phone numbers, suggestions of possible sites trying to find Marcel a spot. Gratitude goes to Patrick Phelan, Pastor Valerie Hudson, George Strong, Sharon and John Pope, Mary Ellen Smith, Mack Wallace, Trish Smith, Anthony Asta, Paulette Layfield and Rita Moseley. Some of those folk were sick with Covid themselves, and another’s spouse still suffers from effects of this virus. Marcel has now received his first vaccine shot. BRAVO!
We also thank strangers. These are the ones that put their lives on the line everyday to help people who are ill. I thank good folk like my hairdresser Velvet who opened her shop to only me. It keeps me a “natural;” blond. She recovered from Covid, continues to get Covid tests to see if she is still negative and gives blood at the Beaumont Blood Center to help those in need. I hope I can be that brave. We will see. Many strangers continue to miss their comfort, parties and pleasures because they not only care about themselves and family, but care about people they will never know. They continue to wear masks, socially distance and wash hands frequently.
In a time of travail and uncertainty, it is strengthening to know that most people care about others. I want to be like them so that I may join Randy Newman and sing: “You’ve got a friend in me.”
[Feb-8-2021]
Posted in 
