Letters to the Editor (May 6)

Thank you for your service

Editor:

After having received my second COVID-19 vaccination, I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to the kind and efficient people who worked so hard to make this happen.

When I saw several very long lines of cars at the designated site at the Belen Schools Transportation Center, I thought it would be a long time before I would be done. But, through their amazing planning and teamwork, I was on my way again — even after a short wait to make sure there were no adverse effects — in less than an hour.

Despite the cold snap and a freezing wind, the workers there were friendly, pleasant and helpful. Each and every one of them greeted us with a masked smile and sounded as if they were explaining things for the first time to me even though they must have repeated those same words over and over again that day. They answered questions with real courtesy and were patient when I had to find my registration number.

I’m not sure who they all were but I saw workers in National Guard uniforms, EMT gear and a vest from a fire department. So many people from so many walks of life were there to help and they should know that their good work was noticed and appreciated. We thank you for standing outside in all sorts of weather, on your feet all day, doing a job that will help keep us safe and doing it with such a great attitude.

The procedure that got us all through so quickly was exceptional. Whoever designed it deserves special credit. I’d heard that other states had studied New Mexico’s plan because of its efficiency, and I could see exactly what they were talking about. Thank you, New Mexico and Valencia County Health Departments.

We gripe all the time but we don’t hand out praise enough. Thank you so very much, COVID-19 vaccination workers. You’re doing a fabulous job.

Sandy Battin

Belen

We have a second chance

Editor:

We are now over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and the way it unfolded truly seems like the disease was tailor made by God as a test for humanity.

Had the disease brought a painful, agonizing death to anyone infected, everyone would have done everything possible to prevent its spread. Instead, the world faced a disease that was fatal to some, benign to others, and could be spread by people unaware of being infected. As a result, the response to the disease varied widely.

Some, motivated by fear and a selfish desire to avoid infection at all costs, took precautions to an extreme, not just for themselves but demanding the most draconian measures from others. At the other end of the spectrum, those who selfishly flouted any precaution as an unbearable affront on their personal liberty.

Between those extremes a wide variety of responses; the most helpful and admirable being the observation of reasonable precautions out of a loving concern for the well being of others. In this sublime test for humanity, how did you respond?

We enter a second year, a second chance.

Ricardo Berry

Socorro

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