Ana Maria, 74, and Jose Becerra, 80, are a high-risk couple living in El Paso. The two have illnesses that weaken their immune system and make them fearful of contracting COVID-19. After a recent surgery Ana Maria Becerra, who is my grandmother, socially distanced herself in her home to protect my grandfather from anything she may have contracted during her time at the hospital.
This photo essay captures moments of their lives on a recent Saturday, nearly at the end of the two week at-home social distancing period. Married for 51 years, they struggled to stay six feet apart, manage day-to-day tasks and outwait the loneliness.
After a hospital stay over surgery to remove her cancerous uterus, Ana Maria Becerra made efforts to isolate herself at home. She only moved from the bathroom to her bedroom in order to social distance from her family.
Ana Maria Becerra becomes emotional due to the pain of the surgery and not being able to be with her husband.
Jose Becerra, nervously looks at himself in the mirror as he prepares to leave his home amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
After not driving for several years, Jose Becerra, who has Parkinson’s disease, cautiously backs out his driveway wearing a mask to protect himself from COVID-19 as he goes out to buy lunch.
Ana Maria Becerra stops eating the lunch her husband brought home for her in order to answer a phone call from Del Sol Hospital. She speaks with a health care worker about social distancing guidelines to protect her high-risk husband within their home.
Jose Becerra eats his lunch by the doorway of his bedroom to spend time with his wife while social distancing.
After eating her meal, Ana Maria Becerra uses hand sanitizer.
Ana Maria Becerra looks at me from her bed.
Jose Becerra spends some time catching up on paying medical bills.
As loneliness creeps in again, Ana Maria Becerra’s dog lies by her side in bed.
Related : Listen to Ana Maria and Jose Becerra’s love story that spanned across time and borders
