The vaccination of our children, adolescents, and youngsters has been an explosion of love and good energies. Just knowing that they are a little more protected relieves the soul, in permanent anxiety before the danger of Covid-19. Fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, neighbors...we all began to dream of another reality, different from the one imposed by SARS-CoV-2 that has taken so much from us.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- We began to imagine them in uniform, again, in the classroom, at school, surrounded by restless classmates and under the protection of educators. We imagine their games in the park: a "bike ride" at full speed, the kites, the spinning top... The older ones are already planning little parties, and the reunion with their friends generates excitement and even some anxiety.
Visiting the family? Yes, we long for the embrace with those who sustain our affections; perhaps with the grandparents who are far away and whom we have not seen for so long, because we have also protected them with great care, or because, simply, it has been impossible; one of the many consequences of the virus.
Fearful, some of them, others more confident or determined, the children who make up the last group of the pediatric population to be immunized arrive at the vaccination points. Beforehand, at home, the family has armed itself with hundreds of arguments to convince them that it does not hurt, that it is only "a little prick" or a "mosquito bite", as we usually say. Only when the time comes will we see the results, so far, I think, quite satisfactory. The little ones know the importance of this day and have shown signs of courage, although there are always those who are "rebellious" before the needle.
Indeed, there is still a long way to go in this race, but each step is a victory. Such certainty draws the horizon and when we talk about our childhood, a step is a symbol of an unleashed joy on the way to being more protected, more immune, and happier. This is what we have seen in the nearly 200 vaccination centers in Las Tunas and it is reflected in the virtual world, in which, at least for this time, the reality is taking the 2.0 space by storm, and for good! There are so many publications that reflect the joy of the moment perpetuated in images or prose; emotions shared for the good of all.
With the strength of a country, Abdala, Soberana 02, and Soberana Plus reach every space of this island, surrendered to so much proof of resistance, commitment, courage, and love. It has not been easy and we cannot say that it still is.
There is still a long way to go and battles to fight against the coronavirus; but amid adverse circumstances, it is a balm to see the faces of our children filling, once again, spaces where their absence has been felt. When we see them healthy and happy, hope greens and there is the certainty that for them every effort could be undertaken again. Better times, no doubt, will come; now and then we will have to thank Cuban science, those of "long light"..., the commitment, strength, and love of many Cubans.
