Shots

Single and often times living far from family and friends, I've come to expect needing to be a "tough girl" and do things on my own. It's not my favorite but I deal.

Today I had my routinal physical and women's exam. Even in Korea I had annual checkups and dentist appointments. But I believe this was my first time going to the doctors alone--ever. And I decided I don't like it. This doesn't happen all that often really, but today was one of those times I wish I had my mom.

As I was poked and prodded and pap-smeared (3 shots total), a conference talk I recently listened to came to mind:

I ask a question to you mothers: “Would you ever do something that would cause pain and bring tears to your children when they have done nothing wrong?” Of course you would! When mothers take young children to the doctor to receive immunizations, almost every child leaves the doctor’s office in tears. Why do you do that? Because you know that a small amount of pain now will protect them from possible pain and suffering in the future.

Although they sting, I'm grateful for the physical and emotional shots I'm given to keep me healthy and strong. And I'm also grateful that they're just for a moment.