Yarrow Skoblow (they/them) is from Berkshire County, MA, and has always had a passion for the natural world and how humans interact with and contribute to it. A painter, music-maker, farmer, and member of the food justice and community outreach non-profit, Roots Rising, Yarrow lives every day, even during quarantine, in pursuit of connection. They are so grateful for all the people and places who have helped them create and value it.
Rebecca Sauer resides in Coronado, San Diego, and works as a critical care nurse at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. During the COVID-19 surge in April, 2020, she moved briefly to New York City to work as a nurse. She lives with her husband, David, and their 8-year-old son, Andre. A busy mother and essential worker, Rebecca, in her free time, enjoys the beach and spending time with her son. She is a talented and recognized mosaic artist in Coronado.
Reflection Statement: This interview was raw and informative. As the interviewer, I learned so much not only about my Aunt Rebecca’s experience in New York, but about the virus itself and its impact on the world. From a front-lines perspective, Rebecca offers insight on what Coronavirus looked like in one of the hardest hit hospitals in New York City in April, 2020. She describes her work there as an “amazing, solo adventure” and “one of the best experiences of [her] life,” and although she struggled on multiple levels, she has memories that she will cherish forever.
The main message from this interview — besides the importance of wearing a mask, taking it seriously, and slowing the spread — is one of real human courage and care. Rebecca’s act of helping those in need, despite the personal sacrifices, was heroic. I am deeply honored to share my aunt’s story. I can only hope and pray that the madness of this pandemic will slow and eventually end, and all of our incredibly hard-working loved ones can find peace and healing from this traumatic event.