Flu Shot

     I'm usually a pretty nice person. I like to fix trouble not cause it. I believe that people should be nice to one another and find ways to agree using peaceful solutions to problems. Now just because I am usually an agreeable person doesn't mean that I am always that girl. Case in point, the flu shot, or any shot in general.
     Between the ages of five and six I went to the doctor with my mother for a "check up," or what I thought was a check. It actually turned into a morning of terror in my eyes. The nurse took me through the normal routine of weight, height and temperature. Then the doctor came in to see me and everything seemed on the up and up. I was satisfied and ready to go, but the doctor had other plans for me. Soon the nurse entered the room armed with a shot and not just any shot, a booster shot. I know that we have all had them but they are huge and painful. I looked into my unassuming mom's face and simple said, "no."
     She seemed surprised that her usually agreeable daughter would take such a stand and then explained to me the importance of the shot. I could care less why I might need it, I just knew that I didn't want it and decided that I would go to great lengths not to get it.
     As my mom tried to calm me down, I watched the nurse prepare for my doom. When she was ready I started screaming and shouting no! My shocked mother stared at me in horror. She was so confused. She told me to sit still, that it would only take a few seconds and that it wouldn't hurt. I didn't care. I kept screaming and trying to find an exit. Four people plus my mother were needed to hold me down. I was like a caged, rabid animal.
     When it was all over, I said, "well that didn't hurt that bad." I thought my mother was going to kill me. Even though it didn't hurt, that did not stop me from experiencing panic attacks every time I had to get a shot from that day forward.
     The first time I brought my own five year old to get her booster shot I prepared myself. I knew that karma would find me and make me pay. But low and behold, Nola did not fuss or cry or even experience a bit of anxiety before or during the doctor visit. I couldn't understand it but I didn't think too much about it. I had dodged a bullet and I knew it.
     Okay, I dodged a bullet until this year that is. Last year, my four year old Miles followed in his sister's footsteps by sticking out his arm bravely and accepting the flu shot. He was so proud of himself. But this year has been an entirely different story. He has cried so many times about the shot. I casually brought it up about a month ago and he lost it. I couldn't believe it. Everything went so well last year, what is going on this time around?
     Then yesterday my parents were watching him while I was teaching and they had to go get their flu shots. He sobbed and sobbed and then we finally got it through to him that he was not getting a shot. We also reminded him that this year he could get the nasal spray instead of a shot. He could have cared less, flu shot, nasal spray, they all meant discomfort in his eyes.
     Tomorrow I am bringing both of my kids and myself in for our own morning of doom. I have yet to tell Miles about the appointment and will probably wait until the last minute. I know it sounds mean to do that but I understand his anxiety and know that too much information will not help the situation. I just cross my fingers that all goes well. Man, karma has found me and she bites worse than the flu shot ever did!