Gone but not forgotten

Siren after siren pierced the hot August evening air, it seemed every local police and emergency vehicles were racing down the carretrra behind me. Within minutes, Facebook posts revealed the terrible news. A man's body was found at the entrance to Villa Nova, one of the exclusive areas here in Ajijic. Getting the Forensic department from Guadalajara takes hours and the body couldn't be moved from the rough cobblestoned road. 

Since Villa Nova is just across the carreterra from my house, I often walk my dogs there, and soon after his murder, his family erected this memorial marker with his name, birth, and death day.  We pass this sad reminder of the violence associated with drugs and poverty; my heart always twinges for him. 

No matter who the dead are, they were someone's son, brother, and probably a father as well. They celebrated birthdays, holidays, went to school, and had simple dreams. But those are all gone now.

November 1 is celebrated in Mexico as the Day of the Dead where families remember those who have died. Lore has it that marigolds light the way of the departed so that they can join their loved ones for short time. 

His family came and place fresh marigolds on this marker so that he can find his way for a visit.


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