My beloved Lone Star State has made it to national news yet again. Today, I am relying heavily on mentor texts because I don’t really have words to say.
44,108 deaths
Texas Vaccine Rollout
12.9% of the population has received at least one dose
6.8% of the population is fully vaccinated
And then yesterday, at about 1:30 PM CST –
I am upset, confused, disillusioned. I have one million questions, one million concerns, one million complaints. What are the implications for healthcare workers, such as my dear friend who will soon begin a new position working in the ER? What is going to happen after spring break now that our district will be offering five days of face-to-face? What will happen in May when I am set to birth our second baby boy – will my husband be allowed to be there?
britt escribe 
As a former Lone Star resident, my heart breaks with you. I have many family and friends in Texas and I’m worried for all of you.
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Thank you for your kindness, Ramona. ❤
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As an Arkansan I can relate to your frustrations with your state — we are usually making the news for all the wrong reasons as well. I like that you included “mentor texts” because BOY does it illustrate why you would be frustrated. Someone who sees the first two would not think that would mean opening up Texas. I really fear my state may be on the same path — our Governor is possibly ending it after March 31.
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I honesty just had to rely on what I was reading and seeing – there was no way I could piece together enough words to communicate what I was (am?) feeling. 😦 Siiiigh. Let’s see what happens..
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With things still not under control, but getting better, I couldn’t believe this when I heard it on the news. Nothing is worth putting the lives of so many people at risk and going against all the experts recommend.
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Isn’t it just insane? I feel I’m living in an alternate dimension..
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I loved Donalyn Miller’s response to Texas opening. On FB she said that now that Abbot has had the shot everything is fine. But Texas isn’t the only state w/ ignorant, anti-science governors, and soon our crazy, racist republicans will supplant Texas’s headlines. All the asshats roll dice and take turns vying for Joy Reid’s “the absolute worst.” *sigh*
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I need to go check out the post she wrote!! I hope this isn’t bound to “get worse before it gets better.” 😦
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Britt, Hugs to you. I hear your concerns and unfortunately, think they are all valid. It was somewhat shocking to hear this on the news last night even for this northern, mid-western gal! I hope it doesn’t get as bad as it could and that the governor’s decision turns out to be okay. I hope…for you and for other Texans. Take care. ~ Carol ~
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Thank you for your kindness, Carol. I hope the same thing ❤
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You are more than welcome! Take Care!
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What a shocking juxtaposition of all that I already knew….I so appreciate how you put this slice together.
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Thank you for your words, friend – I appreciate that!
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I’m with you. I understand your pain and confusion. I am so so sorry. Your job is to take deep breaths and take care of you and your family as best you can – despite it all. You’re growing a very special somebody in there. I am sending so much positivity your way. XXX in solidarity~Nawal
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Nawal, thank you, thank you. You are so right about growing baby – I have to remind myself of that, or I can get lost in the abyss and rumination. I know it isn’t good or healthy to be stressed like this during pregnancy. Thank you, friend. ❤
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Britt, I’ve been thinking about you. I was hearing about the new order and thinking to myself, wow. I wonder what Texans are thinking right now. I wonder if they’re thinking about how their state, fresh off the heels of a terrible and difficult time, has handled this. And there’s nothing to say except…well, just know that I’m thinking about you, that I’m sending all of the hope and resilience I can muster. ❤
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Lainie, thank you for your kindness – I receive it! You’re right – on top of attempting to recover from the winter storm, this just feels like another blow. It doesn’t even seem real.
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SO much right now seems surreal and nonsensical. Even trying to answer the question “how are you?” seems loaded…
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Britt, I am happy to say I found your post but sad to read what you wrote. Maskless is not the way to go. Coming from the epicenter of COVID, I have seen the ups and downs, the figures of hospital patients and people dying rising. We are now happy to say most people are wearing masks. While it looks odd walking into a grocery store with so many masked people, it makes me feel protected. I understand your fears. Teachers I taught last summer were concerned about their classrooms. On Long Island many went to the hybrid model but other districts stayed with remote. Some opened and then closed. Teachers need to feel assured that they will be safe and not all teachers have been able to get the vaccination yet. Stay well and think positive thoughts.
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The fear is so incredibly real, especially when the decisions you make can only go so far. It’s been a peculiar revelation just how much we all must depend on one another. Thank you for your kindness ❤
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I have been contemplating this matter for two days now. I could not figure out how to Slice about this. I am so glad you did. I am so disappointed in Texas government right now.
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I’m incredibly disappointed. I don’t even know which word really describes how I’m feeling – some feel too dramatic, some don’t feel like enough. Sigh.. ❤ May we trust God's protection and wisdom.
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Oh my goodness, I just couldn’t believe it (and yet, of course, I could…) when I saw that news. Just heartbroken and praying for all of you. I saw some encouraging threads today where people were highlighting TX businesses that were publicizing their decisions to keep their mask mandates, so I hope there will be a lot of people like that choosing to do the right thing anyway (although, of course, there will be so many who do not…). Hugs.
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Thank you for your kindness. Yes, I saw a similar post this morning, and I was so encouraged by that. Let’s see what happens.. ❤
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So sorry for the thoughtless decisions made by those “in charge”. Your use of mentor texts was so effective in sharing your rightful concerns. I hope that people will know better/do better, but I also know that some will not. Holding you and other Texans in my thoughts.
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Thank you so much for that compliment regarding mentor texts. I love how a compilation of texts can truly express what I’m feeling and/or thinking.
You’re right – so thoughtless. I was getting somewhat “brave” (adventurous?) about going places, even just outside seating, but I think I’m about to return to absolute lockdown again.
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After your second Slice I realized you’re from Texas. And this morning when I was listening to NPR and heard about this, you actually crossed my mind! I am sorry you (as well as everyone else in Texas) are facing this. Although it is no longer mandated, I can only hope people will continue to work to keep others safe by masking up.
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Aw Brittany, thank you for thinking of me. I, too, hope people continue to remain vigilant. It just isn’t the time to let our guard down! 😦
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Oh Britt, I’m so sorry this is happening right now when we are so damn close. It seems like the anti-mask, anti-vaccine, pro-FREEEDDOOMMM voices are those that are being listened to right now.
My hope, you’ll have businesses and people who will see this as a terrible idea and will continue to do the right thing for their fellow man. From what I’ve seen, this is more of a thing in urban areas. Today, going in and out of a few local businesses, not many people with masks.
When did not caring for your neighbors become a thing? So frustrating.
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