Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.
Dear Journal,
I had a doctor’s appointment. Nothing big, just a follow-up that I had to have done by May, but … will May be any better? So I went.
When I arrived at the women’s clinic in Shelton, it was across the parking lot from the hospital where they were checking a few people at a big white tent outside. I was a bit nervous, but trying not to be. I’d already talked to my doctor’s office over the phone and knew that Mason County had only had two confirmed cases of Covid. Just two. But still, I have never been so aware of every door handle I touched.
There was hand sanitizer on every counter, and I used it. As soon as I walked in, a nurse checked my temperature and wrote it on a sticker for me to wear. The front desk workers wore masks and I could have asked for one, but the few patients I saw didn’t wear them, nor did my doc or his nurse. Was that reassuring? Maybe?
They got me in fast. I didn’t even have time to sit in the waiting room, and it didn’t take any time for my doc to come in, which made me wonder how many women had cancelled their appointments, probably a lot. They still had all the gloves and gear needed for my appointment, although I’m sure they didn’t need the special masks that are in short supply. I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise. This is rural Washington, not NYC, or Seattle. Everyone is taking this seriously, it just hasn’t gotten bad here. That doesn’t mean that it can’t, or won’t. That doesn’t mean they have enough ventilators in the hospital.
My experience today wasn’t exciting or even particularly interesting, and it probably wasn’t a good barometer. But, I’m glad that keeping my appointment was no big thing.
Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.
