Alone Together | What Matters

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Director of Microbiology Dr. Roberto Vargas worked long hours running tests at a hospital in Rochester, New York.

Because of the risk of exposure, he made the difficult decision to isolate himself from his wife, Susan, and their four young kids. At the time of this conversation, he was living in the basement of their home.

Using StoryCorps Connect, Dr. Vargas spoke virtually with his wife Susan and their 10-year-old son Xavier about the toll that this setup has taken on them, and the ways they have come together as a family despite the distance.

Conversation

Roberto Vargas (RV): When I would go to the hotel room

after a long day, and it was just me there,

and it was very quiet…

that was when I missed you all the most.

Xavier Vargas (XV): It got very worrying once I knew

the virus was going to be, like, a big thing.

And with you gone, it was way harder.

I just missed you.

Susan Vargas (SV): I remember you’d dropped groceries off and

put them on the front porch, and that’s when we started talking

through the window next to our front door.

You would talk on your cell phone, and the kids and I

would sit behind the window.

And I remember one of the hardest nights, I think you were

just exhausted, you just had your head on the window

and were crying.

But eventually, you started sleeping in the basement.

And I would not let the kids go past the top

of the basement stairs.

XV: We had to stay far away.

But I just felt better that you could be, like, a part of us.

RV: Mm-hmm.

XV: It’s still very hard, but it’s just nice to see you, Dad.

RV: You have been so helpful to Mom.

So thank you, ok?

XV: Thanks.

SV: I remember, once you came into the basement,

the best night I had yet…

you know, your coworker had made all

these different dishes for us.

You sat at the bottom of the stairs in a rocking chair,

and I was at the top.

RV: I remember that, yes.

I even remember the food; it smelled so good. (laughs)

SV: It was the first time we had been able to connect

in so long, and, as crazy as it sounds, it’s the best date

I’ve ever had with you in my life.

RV: Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to do what

I’ve been able to do at work.

You have to be absolutely everything

to our four beautiful kids.

I’ve never loved you more, and I know it hasn’t been easy.

XV: Can you guys try not to cry, it makes me sad when you cry.

SV: Oh sorry, honey.

These are tears of happiness.

SV: Roberto, I admire you so much– always admired you–

but you’ve done things these past couple months

that seem impossible.

RV: What you’re doing is a lot harder than what I’m doing,

a lot harder.

XV: Dad, I just want to say thank you for helping

get rid of this virus.

RV: That’s a team effort, and that team includes you.

But what carries me through is this family.

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