Senior citizens in Lee County determined to wait in line for COVID-19 vaccine

We witnessed a kindness among those who were waiting in line overnight together for the coronavirus vaccine at Lakes Regional Library in south Fort Myers. One couple was even handing out cups of coffee to others.

The first few in line told us no there knew each other, but they have certainly been together over the past 10 months during an isolating experience.

In the line for vaccines, seniors 65 and over were together with hope, folding chairs, snacks and quiet conversations. Many people had similar stories to share.

“A friend of mine that died from the virus, he was from where I came from in Nevada,” Kit Kerkesner said. “That was a horrible way to learn. Oh, yeah, this virus is for real.”

For Kerkesner, the chance to get the vaccine felt unreal.

“I think that’s fantastic,” Kerkesener said. “Governor DeSantis, when he did the 65 and over thing, he’s got my vote for life. I don’t know what more to tell you.”

Mark Langemo and Kerkesner are now lifelong friends. It’s a bond built long before they stepped in line.

“I can’t imagine this Christmas the number of young people that didn’t have a grandmother or a grandfather or a parent at Christmas time,” Langemo said. “And for our precious eight grandkids, I didn’t want to be one of them.”

Langemo waited in line to make sure the love of his life won’t be “one of them” either.

“I’ve been concerned about her every day,” Langemo said. “You still have to go to the grocery store and do the occasional things you have to do to live life. But I’ve been incredibly concerned about her, and this is a major step in terms of being able to protect her.”

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