As the world searches for a vaccine against COVID-19, we should be grateful for the eradication of so many childhood illnesses, thanks largely to school innoculation programmes, which I remember well. I have a pathological fear of needles and always dreaded the line up outside the ‘san’ or, more often, the principal’s office. Here is a 75 word piece, written for ‘Vaccine’.
The girls were lined up on the bench outside the principal’s office.
Some were more accustomed to being there than others.
Today, however, it would not be the stern reprimands of Miss Riley that would sting, rather any pain was going to be inflicted by the school nurse.
The office had been transformed for the school vaccination programme.
Sleeves rolled up (usually forbidden) they edged along, proffering their upper arms.
Born and bred in Manchester UK with a degree in French from the University of Exeter, I found myself in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1995 via Spain, France and Greece. And London.
I have worked in the hospitality industry in marketing, as a radio and tv producer, in PR and communications for South Africa's buy local advocacy campaign and since June 2022 have been running my own content creation and PR company, Use Lorem Ipsum.
I have always been a reader and writer of stories and am relieved finally to have achieved the publication of this blog. Now for that novel.
I am the mother of 2 sons, middle of 3 sisters, owner of a dog and the ex wife and ex girlfriend of a number of men who clearly didn't deserve me.
I am an eternal optimist for myself, my country and the planet, so don't let me down, world.
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