by Rey & Nori Ramos
We are both primary care providers. We have worked for the North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center for almost 20 years. Throughout this pandemic we have continued going to work every day to see patients. While we recognize the inherent risk of being exposed to Covid-19 at work, we also accept the enormous responsibility and privilege to be of service to the public. It is not about us. It is about keeping everyone safe and healthy.
It is our profession as doctors to be there for our patients, especially during these difficult times. While the public did its part by staying home, we did ours by showing up to work. We wore our personal protective equipment diligently and made sure we did not bring the virus home to our two children, Ryan and Leona, who were quarantined with us. Leona is a 4th year medical student at Upstate Medical University in NY while Ryan is a 3rd year civil engineering student at Northeastern University in Boston.
Wearing a mask for more than 18 hours a day is difficult, but when you think about it, nothing is ever too big a sacrifice for your children. While it is sad that we had to eat separately from them, we found solace in the fact that at least they were home with us.
These trying times have allowed us to stop and really reflect about life. There is little room for complaining when you take a moment to be grateful for your blessings in difficult times. If we have one takeaway from this pandemic, it is that we hope that this will help us notice our neighbors more. Offer them help, offer solace. Be more selfless and share time, talents, and treasure when possible. May this inspire us to be better brothers and sisters to one another. Most of all, we hope this will teach us to care more for the welfare of others above ourselves – just as Christ taught us.