It was a rushed moment during a tiring evening. My mother in law and I had spent an intense hour and a half at Verizon navigating the purchase of an iPhone for her. We dropped by Publix for some prescriptions she needed. I asked to stop right before entering the store to return a call to my husband. Our little party was standing there, her holding my elbow (she was blind and that is how I assisted with her mobility), clutching her new iPhone so it wouldn’t get stolen, me on my iPhone trying to explain to my husband that we were not at all done with our errands yet (he wanted food…..).
At some point a mom and her two kids walked by. One child was walking; the other was maybe 8 or 9 months old (?), sitting in a stroller. I smiled at both kids and their mom, and the baby waved at me. The mom was surprised and said to her infant, “it’s your first wave!!” She and I shared a quick silent “oh my gosh” moment — I couldn’t get off the phone and she had to concentrate on foot traffic but two moms were happy in that instant …. which all passed unceremoniously in a matter of seconds in front of Publix.
Even though I was a stranger to that child, I was still elated to witness some else’s child’s milestone and his mother’s happiness.
I am just as elated to know that children around the world can have the opportunity to hit their own milestones because of receiving access to immunizations. Although one child currently dies every 20 seconds from a disease that could be prevented from with a vaccine, Shot at Life can change that by helping children get vaccines to survive…and thrive.
Just by commenting on or sharing this post, you can help! It’s as easy as a wave …
During Shot@Life’s Blogust 2014—a month-long blog relay—some of North America’s most beloved online writers, photo and video bloggers and Shot@Life Champions will come together and share stories about Happy and Healthy Firsts. Every time you comment on this post and other Blogust contributions, or share them via social media on this website, Shot@Life and the United Nations Foundation pages, Walgreens will donate one vaccine (up to 60,000). Blogust is one part an overall commitment of Walgreens donating up to $1 million through its “Get a Shot. Give a Shot ®” campaign. The campaign will help provide millions of vaccines for children in need around the world.
Sign up here for a daily email so you can quickly and easily comment and share every day during Blogust! For more information, visit shotatlife.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
How adorable! Love that you got to witness someone’s first wave!
Thank you, Lois. I loved that moment!
What a sweet first that you got to be a part of!!!
I agree! Thanks!
Clearly the baby recognized you as someone very special! 😉
Aw, thanks! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this for #blogust! Every child should have healthy and happy firsts!
I agree, and I was happy to share!
Thanks for informing me about this program. I realize that some parents are afraid of immunizations; however, the alternative is much worse to me.
Oh, I agree!! Thanks for your comment!
Love your post and thank you for helping!
Thanks, Felisa! It has been such a fun day reading everyone’s “healthy and happy firsts” (while helping kids get immunizations!).
Thank you for the insightful post. Very educational and much new for me to learn! More vaccinations!
Thanks for commenting, Nanette (and for your constant support!).
Great idea, Paula! Good work!
Thank you, Rob!
Love that you got to witness her first wave, and that you’re doing this for other children as well.
Thanks, Kim!
Great story Paula! Thanks for sharing on the Champion Blogust day!
Thanks, Jeff! The story happened quite a long time ago (I think a year ago) and I tucked it away — glad it helped Blogust / Shot @ Life and it brought back a memory of an evening with my mother in law who is no longer with us (she LOVED her iPhone :-)).
So sweet! I think that sometimes witnessing other people’s firsts makes us appreciate ours even more.
I totally agree, Elena!!! Thank you for your comment!
Hi Paula, love she’s a cutie for sure. Happy #Blogust!
Love this… being part of someone’s milestone. What a great thought! I bet that was a great experience. 🙂
Great story Paula!!
Such a great post Paula! Well told!
What a perfect moment to share!
What a sweet story … and you illustrated such an important point … thanks for supporting the SHOT@LIFE campaign to protect children worldwide.
Wonderful story!
Great quote choice for a great cause.
Yay! I keep saying love but I really do love all the quotes being shared this year!
Aw man. That got me *right here*. #somethinginmyeye
Now I’ve also got the Beach Boys in my head, so there’s that.
So glad to be part of this effort with you!
LOVE this post. thank you!
go Blogust!