A day with the family

Sunday evening.

How do I go about telling you everything I experienced at the cemetery? The kids took me on a tour of the graves and we exchanged ideas about how people are buried in San Christobal and how they are buried in various cemeteries around the US. The kids were very interested in the fact that many of the tombs in the US are similar to those of antiquity in Mexico. I did get a few shots of some of the older tombs and even one of “la Incenda” the place where the ashes of a Brujah that was burned at the stake were interred. It was interesting to note how many of the very old graves had been renovated by the families and maintained. The kids told me that any grave that did not have fresh flowers was abandoned by their family. A stark difference from how we bury and often forget the dead. We went back to where everyone else had gathered and this event was far from what I expected.

A few days ago, Sylvia told me it was to pay respects to her father on his birthday. I expected something akin to a somber walk up to the grave, dropping flowers then perhaps talking about the life of the person. The difference was astounding. First, everyone was in a good mood. Food was served and as everyone ate a mariachi band arrived and sang the songs that the father used to love. First, everyone was smiling and laughing and having a good time. After a few songs, Sylvia, Manuel, Maria, and Juanita were crying and felt the loss of this man. I understood that this was indeed a celebration of his life but also a sadness at his departure. Only a year had passed, but at this moment during the music it was fresh and new. After the music ended, the laughter and smiles resumed. Manuel asked me if I wanted pictures with the family and I very quickly agreed. Nonetheless it was an experience that no one should ever miss, I feel much closer to this family and am glad they shared something this intimate with me. I know that when I return to San Cristobal I will visit them again.