09/12/2026
Something seemingly little or normal but profound, happened few hours ago.
I had taken my kids with me because one of my daughters needed to get a vaccine. Her school had sent a message to get it done with deadline being yesterday.
I was going to pull her out from school yesterday but google search revealed to me that the vaccine place now opens on Saturdays 9am-1pm.
We did one or two errands and headed to the place, arriving at 12:18pm. There was a line of people outside, waiting to get inside. Their office space is very small.
Texas heat level was high.
We all stood under that sun for almost an hour.
I was beginning to get antsy because I have never seen that type of crowd there before. I guess weekend works better for most people.
I drove my car closer to the entrance and turned on the air-conditioner for my other kids to stay inside. We had just one more person ahead of us in line
As I made to get out of my car I saw everyone dispersing.
I was perplexed. My daughter walked up to me and said ," they said they are closed for the day".
What?!!!!!
Immediately I went to the entrance and began knocking( it was a glass door).
Softly but firmly.
From my peripheral vision I noticed that all the parents suddenly paused going to their cars. They began watching my actions.
I knocked and knocked until the door was opened.
I asked to speak with the director and the lady said she is the only one around and so the person to talk to .
I told her I needed to say something because there is a way to run a business . I informed her that it was totally wrong to allow all of us stand in that severe heat for almost an hour ( some people more than an hour) then suddenly ask us to go home.
She should have announced it earlier that only those able to get inside the office by 1pm will be attended to or better still she should have noted those who were in line by 1pm or even 12:50, then close the line behind the last person.
I told her I almost fainted under the sun which was the reason I brought my car closer and turned on the A/C.
She seemed flustered, said I didn't have to yell at her but she was just overwhelmed working alone since morning.
She then asked every single one of us to come inside for their shots. We were about 8 families( Two white, Three blacks, One Hispanic and another I cannot place).
The other women wanted to hug me. Infact one actually did. They kept on thanking me and saying God bless me for speaking up.
After the lady administered the shot to my daughter, she apologized for the wait, gave my daughter candy.
I offered to buy her lunch she declined, said " it's all good". This was all done in a private room.
When we got back to the reception. I apologized loudly for yelling at her( so everyone could hear). One of the mothers turned at this time and mouthed " thank you".
I know I didn't yell. People said I didn't yell but my voice was "stern", " harsh".
Yes! We had been waiting for an hour and you are just going to dismiss us like that ?
I couldn't comprehend why no one else made even a small attempt to speak up before I came to the scene and spoke up.
My daughter said it taught her to speak up when it is needed.
This has always been my personality.
I don't like to witness unfair treatment/ Injustice.
It has cost me at jobs; all staff will complain about something but no one wants to bell the cat.
I don't mind. I will do it over and over again without disrespect.
At this point, I should be named OKWULUORA ( loosely translated as the one that speaks for others).
JUST BREATHE
