Vaccination

You will all be happy to know that my annual physical went well (I know you were anxious).  I only flinched and shook a little when they drew my blood, my heart has a rhythm (and blues), and that annoying tingling in my right foot is nothing to worry about.  But just as I thought I was in the clear... out of no where... they spring a Tdap on me!  For those who care, Tdap is a Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine.  I did ok... the lady did have to tell me to breathe in and breathe out and she pinched my left shoulder.  One good poke and I was vaccinated/infected. 

Now, a day later, I can barely raise my left arm.  I feel like there's a small mountain growing out of bicep.  But it got me to thinking... you infect someone to protect them from the diseases of the world around them.  Could that be the way all immunity works?  Do we have to be infected by the sickening things of life... hurt, dissappointment, anger, brokeness, jealousy... in order to build up an immunity to them when faced with the outbreaks?  And does the dose we are given dictate the side-effects that follow?  Pain, redness or swelling, fever, headache, tiredness, chills, body aches, sore joints, rash, swollen lymph nodes?  Can the vaccine that's intended to make you stronger actually cause you harm in the long run? And really, when will I face a rusty nail that will take me out or a Bob Jones hottie with Whooping Cough?

And they didn't even give me a sucker for not crying.