Near the end of 2021, Indiana residents were being given their third Covid vaccination – usually referred to as their ‘booster’ shot. There were rules governing who was eligible for the booster such as minimum age of 65 or immune-compromising health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, etc. Chris did not yet meet the age requirement but wanted to inquire as to whether he could get the booster anyway. As he hesitates to go to a doctor (until his mean sister forces him! I’m talking about Sister Joyce here.), he was unaware of his cholesterol or blood pressure numbers and he didn’t take insulin or medication for diabetes so he assumed he didn’t have any of those ailments. What about obesity? Well, anyone looking at Brother Chris would quickly recognize that he likely fell into that category but there wasn’t anyone stupid enough to EVER say that he did.
Chris set off to go the location where he received his first two vaccinations and as he sauntered up to the door, a female staff member came outside and locked the door and was obviously closing the facility for the day. Chris said to her “Well, I guess you’re closing for the day. When do you open next?” She replied that the following day he should come back. She gave Chris a thorough head-to-toe once-over and asked, “Do you qualify? Are you 65?” He replied that he was not. She gave him another up-and-down. “Well, do you have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol?” Chris said no again. She then gave him a long look up and down, likely knowing for sure that he had to have at least one of the previous ailments but MOST CERTAINLY was obese but she seemed to hesitate to label him as such. So she asked a leading question, hoping that he would admit his weight issue – “Do you have any OTHER health issues that would qualify you for the booster early? Chris thought for a moment, knowing exactly what she was fishing for. He then replied, “How about erectile dysfunction? Does it qualify me?” Seeing Chris’ smart-ass grin, she quickly and urgently replied, “It sure does!” Come back tomorrow!“ They both departed, laughing all the way.
