I cleared out a memory card, grabbed a charged camera battery and waited patiently by the front door. I prepared myself to capture photos of a healthcare worker arriving home to her family after being on the front line of the pandemic. Her name is Yadira Ramos. She is 42 years old and has worked as a medical assistant for 10 years at a pediatric clinic. She is my mother.




I do worry about my mother’s health and well-being. As long as she has been in the healthcare field, I’ve never seen her more stressed, frustrated and sad because of this pandemic. She showed me pictures of herself wearing a face shield, double masks, safety glasses, gloves and medical gown. I was in shock when I saw those photos because that was my first time seeing her wear so much protection. She looked like she was ready for war.

I appreciate my mother much more than ever before. As a family we continue to lift up her spirit while she deals with danger at her job. She says faith and family push her through.
“The pandemic of 2020 can be scary, the unknown can be stressful but we will prevail if we are in this together,” Ramos said. “God bless us all.”