Unwanted holiday gifts
I happen to have a lower immune system, so if there’s something to catch within a 5-mile radius, then I’m the most likely candidate for the position.

The past two years of my visits home to see my family, there has always been someone who has been sick. Last year it was my mom at Christmas, my dad at Thanksgiving, and I was sick on New Year’s Day. This year turned out to be a miracle; my parents were in good health, as well as my other immediate relatives. I was ecstatic. Everyone was well, which made our holiday all the merrier.

My holiday happiness began to fade halfway through a meal at my aunt’s house. My cousin’s daughter became fussy and her mother informed me that she was almost over strep throat. At the mere mention of the germs, my throat got tighter. I decided to steer clear of the child in order to keep my swallowing normal and comfortable.

As I finished eating, my uncle (seated directly across from me) sneezed. He announced that he did his part to stay out of the kitchen, since he was in the beginning stages of the flu. I was trapped. I didn’t know what to do. I washed my hands and said my prayers, but two days later, my holiday gift arrived wrapped in a scratchy throat, runny nose, and overall lousy feeling.

I should have been informed of the germ breeding ground waiting at my aunt’s house. There was no phone call or mention that anyone was sick. Everyone there knew that I have a lower immune system and decided to deny me the chance of avoiding a week of misery.