Normally, I avoid all political posts or other controversial topics. I just don’t like conflict or arguing, and in my opinion, most minds are already made up anyway. I like to focus on the positive, and hopefully, encourage and uplift others, even if just a tiny bit.
However, today I am writing this post because I am mad. I am writing this because I just have to tell someone, and you have the unfortunate position of being here now. But let me back up a bit first.
When I was younger, probably around the time I was a young “homemaker” (note that word), I tried reading one of Erma Bombeck’s books. I’ve always liked humor; yet, at the time, I didn’t find her books funny. I found the writings of a self-proclaimed housewife to be depressing.
A couple decades later, for some reason, I again picked up a book by Erma Bombeck. This time however, I found Erma to be hilarious! And so David, you can rest easy now, as I am not offended that you’ve compared my writing – at times – to be like Erma Bombeck. In fact, now I find it humbling that anyone would ever even put my name in the same sentence as Erma Bombeck.
Erma Bombeck was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when she was 20. She did not share this information publicly until 1993. For years, she waited on a list for a kidney transplant. She refused to put herself ahead of others who were before her on the list. When she finally did receive the transplant in April 1996, she died just a few weeks later from complications due to the procedure.
I remember reading an article long ago comparing Erma with Mickey Mantle. Some of you may very well remember the controversy. Mickey waited 2 days for a liver transplant. His doctors insisted there was no favoritism, even though Mickey had abused his liver for 40 years. I am trying not to be judgmental here; I know alcoholism is a disease. But I don’t believe he waited his turn in line. Mickey died in 1995, just a few months after his transplant.
He put himself before others. Just like those who are butting up in the Covid vaccine line. Putting themselves before others who may need it more. Oh, I am sure there are rationalizations going on in the minds of those who do this. People can and do rationalize anything.
Yes, we are all wired for self-preservation. But as for me and my house, we will patiently wait our rightful turn and continue to do our best to stay safe. This is what my faith, my decency as a fellow human being, and my self respect instruct me to do.
In my book, Mickey struck out. Big time. With bases loaded. I can’t help but remember him for this.
Erma, on the other hand, hit a grand slam.
Thank you, Erma, for being an example of the kind of human being I want to be.
Please stay safe.
Chambers on the Road 
Well said, Betty. Thank you. “The grass is always greener over the septic tank.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. “When you look like your passport photo, it’s time to go home.” 🙂 What a treasure she was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always loved Erma’s writings. Always good for a laugh. My husband and I are seniors (80 and 73) and could get the virus but we want to wait until front-line workers are all covered because although we are getting cabin fever we can stay in and avoid crowds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for being selfless. It is helpful to be reminded there are many good people in today’s world. We are patiently waiting, too. We’re retired, but we can stay safe. Eventually, there will be enough vaccine for everybody. Thanks for reading, your comment, and enjoy your day! Also, I do want to add that I am not criticizing anyone who has rightly gotten a vaccine. I’m only mad about those who are cheating the system.
LikeLike
I’m glad I became a fan of your writing after you liked Erma.☺️ Your sense of humor is indeed similar.
I’d like to think that what we do —good or bad—catches up to us at some point. Nice people may finish last, but they sleep better at night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
David, I am not sure some have any trouble sleeping at night. However, I very much agree with you. I believe with all my heart that “what you give out comes back to you.” Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Betty, well said! My husband and I are not of the special age to get our shots yet. But we wait for our turn. We will continue to mask up and go out a bit. I enjoy your humor too, my mother was a big fan of Erma back in the 1960’s and I have read a couple of her books. She is funny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Margie. I am so glad we bought our travel trailer when we did, and I bet you are, too! The vaccine is on its way. We just have to be patient and careful a bit longer. I am glad you enjoy my humor. I wasn’t feeling very humorous today, but tomorrow is Friday Funnies! 🙂 Enjoy your day!
LikeLike
I didn’t know all that. I’d not read many of her books but had heard of her of course. Hope you all are doing great. Gonna try to get over here more. I often read your posts on my phone but for some reason in email/phone it won’t let me comment. I am not logged in for some reason on my phone. But I’m on the Mac and I can comment away here! LOL. Ya’ll take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I hope you all are doing well, too. Take care, too, and enjoy your Friday!
LikeLike
I understand not wanting to put yourself ahead of others.
I was offered the vaccine as well. Instead of taking it, I offered mine to a doctor that comes to my facility that has a terminal lung disease. I dont have much interactions with patients, so getting it would be selfish.
Could have taken it and been done with it. However, I already have tests that show I have antibodies and for other people who never had it, it is life or death.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not surprised by your selfless act. I know you have real concern for others. Hopefully, there will be plenty of vaccine before too long. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day!
LikeLike
Well said. (I always loved Erma Bombeck.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do enjoy her books, and I have the greatest respect for her as a person. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your Friday!
LikeLike
Great rant, Betty. Jon has his vaccine scheduled because he’s eligible. I’m still waiting to get a slot. It seems everyone wants to be first in line and those in charge keep moving the cheese. We were warned it would take time before everyone who wanted a vaccine could get one, so I don’t understand all the criticism and jumping ahead in line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I don’t really want to be known for my rants! And I’m not mad that I have to wait, but I feel for those who need it – and have to wait. Dan and I are both registered. He is 9 years older than me, so he will get his first. I’m last in line. That’s okay. I’m retired, and it’s easier for me to stay safe. Eventually, there will be enough to go around. I promise to limit my rants! Thanks for reading, and stay safe!
LikeLike
I did not intend my comment as criticism. It was meant to be a compliment. We all need to let off steam now and then and you did it with style. No need to hold back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I didn’t take it as a criticism. I do appreciate your comments. Compliment accepted! I just prefer to be more upbeat in my postings and in life. But when I kept hearing news reports of people bucking the line, I kept thinking about that article about Erma and Mickey. I’ve always thought if I keep thinking about something, I need to say it. Thank you again for reading and your comment. And enjoy your Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post. I’m a fan of Erma but never heard the story. Shame on Mickey Mantle. In Canada we have vaccine shortages so we will be waiting for some time. Stay strong with your values!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Missouri is ranked last for the vaccine roll out. Ranked last in our 50 states. I guess we’d be 51 if they included Canada. 🙂 We will get there. Think how happy we will be being vaccinated and having nice, warm weather! Enjoy your Friday!
LikeLike
Well said and to the point. I’m still waiting but then again where am I going. But you are so right, I just don’t understand some people. Why do they believe that they are better than others. Why do they believe that they are entitled? Let’s all strive to be like Erma and the world will be a better place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bill. We are waiting, too, but we will get there. I do appreciate people like Erma who set a good example and inspire us. Enjoy your Friday!
LikeLike
My husband and I patiently wait on a list for our turn to get a covid-19 shot. I do not care for anytone who crowds ahead of others in any line. No one is any more important than anyone else. Way to go Erma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Peggy, and I agree. Love your “Way to go Erma” comment. 🙂 I hope you have a nice day today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post! I love Erma’s writing and sense of humour. I didn’t know about the transplant situations for her and Mickey.
I also didn’t know there was such a thing as bucking the line for COVID Vaccine. Do people not have to show ID to get it there? Here, it was long term care residents and health care staff first. Next, those 70 and over in the community are being contacted with appointments, and so on. I’m not expecting to be eligible for mine until late summer or fall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I am not expecting to get my vaccine until early summer, at least, also. I’m hoping my 98 year mother who is in assisted living gets her shot soon, but the facility is still waiting to hear. Missouri has the levels of distribution defined as well, but our state is ranked last for vaccine roll out. I’ve heard new stories of favoritism, perfectly healthy young people getting the vaccine, people paying hundreds of dollars to buck the line, etc. I think it’s important that these stories get out, so the situations can be rectified. Even if we think we won’t get a shot until late summer or fall, at least the end is in sight! Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I’m the only skeptic here. Covid was a man-made virus and I don’t trust those in power. I don’t want one. I hope they don’t get to where they make us get it, because I’ll be hiding in the woods!
LikeLike
I have not heard any talk about the vaccine being made mandatory. I also saw a news report that said the vaccines being linked to the next stimulus are not part of the discussions in Congress. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the weekend!
LikeLike