I took the bus in the dark this morning, and went to the emergency room for the second of four rabies vaccinations. Once again, I checked in, had my vitals checked, got triaged, and got a shot. It went quickly, because 6:00 am is quiet. Everyone I talked to congratulated me for coming so early, but I was just doing what I was told to do. Everyone was brisk and matter-of-fact about the cat bite and the vaccine, and I got the feeling that I was doing the right thing and also that I wasn’t really in any danger, but then they aren’t as invested in the situation as I am, understandably. They are emergency room personnel. I felt a little plaintive about my worries not being taken seriously. I felt a little smug that I am following directions like a sane person.

I went home and took a nap with my cat. He bites, too, but he does it in a very communicative, firm way that doesn’t break the skin and doesn’t even hurt. It’s more of a comment. Also, he has been vaccinated and doesn’t go outside. But because of the stray biting me, I have been more tentative about petting him. I was glad he wanted to take a nap with me. I tried not to startle him when I turned over.

My kid worried about me, though, texting me to find out how I felt, and I don’t want them to worry, but it was nice that they worried, too. They have a tickle in their throat. I hope they’re not sick. I hope they are coming over tomorrow for dinner.

I met up with my kid and we picked up my grandson after kindergarten; he was fed up, because there had been a fire drill. The teacher was telling us about it and he was standing to one side, his arms folded, his mouth turned down in disapproval. I sympathize with him, and I sympathized even more later on in the day after hearing about the Minneapolis shooting. But it was really funny how much he thought poorly of the fire drill.

I took another nap with the cat when I got home. The cat is pretty happy with me right now. I am tempted to feed him more but I’m afraid he won’t be able to wash his back if he gets fat again.

Then I heard that the FDA had approved the COVID vaccine, but only for over-65 and at-risk people. I’m over 65 and at risk. But my grandchild isn’t, nor is my kid, nor my son-in-law. My father died of COVID last year. People are still dying of it. I suspect everyone will be able to get vaccinated who wants to, even if they have to pay for it, but I am sad that a society that created a rabies vaccine and a COVID vaccine and all kinds of other vaccines is backing away from them. And I’m glad I qualify and that Medicare will pay for it for me.

A friend called to tell me her kid is officially diagnosed with autism. She knew already. And she knows that even though she is a little sad, he’s going to be all right, and they will support him in being himself, while still getting him the help he needs. The funny thing is, I don’t have any mixed feelings at all about that situation. No, thank goodness that kid has parents who know he’s worthwhile just as he is, even if he has a disability of sorts.

I told her about my mother and my sister taking an online ADHD test on my behalf, when I was in my fifties, because they were tired of hearing me say I had it. “You really are,” said my mother when I got there. “We thought you were doing all those things on purpose.”

That got my friend to laugh. So I guess I win today.