Letter to the Editor:

Note: I submitted this letter to the editor of the Kansas City Star this morning and I could only use 200 words. An interesting exercise and very humbling.....it ain't easy to tell a story in 200 words. I wanted to expound on the type of dogs at the park and more of my feelings about people who are not vaccinated, but I guess I will revise this another day and make it 400 words. Ha!

Thanks for reading! Cross your fingers and I hope this gets into the paper in the near future.

-Paula

Recently, I found myself at a dog park with my son and his dog, Winnie. Not too many masters and hounds inhabited the grounds; however, upon our arrival, a large pack quickly formed zooming (racing) each other. By accident, the pack slammed into my left leg.

I felt excruciating pain and immediately thought I would need a knee replacement.

Then, my mind started zooming. What if I need to go to the emergency room? The emergency room will be full of COVID-19 patients, etc.

After a few moments, the pain subsided and I could tell the injury was to my shinbone. I hobbled back to the car and started applying ice.

I was not prepared for this accident or what to do in an emergency, but now friends have advised me if an accident occurs it is better to visit an urgent care facility and not darken the door of an emergency room of a hospital.

Our medical facilities are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

Please acquire your vaccines and wear a mask.

Large and small accidents occur in our lives and we need our medical facilities to be available to all.