Project Puente

Nov. 2nd is the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos- Day of the Dead. It is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed. This post was written by Carlos, of Leon, Guanajuato, currently living in Milwaukee, WI. He made an altar, or ofrenda, for the many migrants who have died crossing the border.

Thank you Carlos, for sharing this reflection with us.

Dear Brother/Sister,

My mind torments me wishing that I had been there for you, now it is too late and you are gone. I pay you my respects and bring you this ofrenda, I made it thinking of you. I hope that this lights may guide you through the obscure solitude of your journey, I offer you water, my timing is horrible, I can picture you my brother/sister fighting the most important battle of your life. I can almost feel your increased heart rate, increased respiration, extreme fatigue, racing pulse, confusion, a confusion that lead you to believe that you could continue fighting, but it was too late, and my heart aches because I was not there for you when you needed me. I offer you food that would satisfy your need for justice, I offer you music that might give you joy throughout your journey, I offer you flowers that might guide your journey back every year, I will be here for you. I cry out of despair now that you are gone, I blame my self for that. I should have told you that you did not stand a chance, but I think that you knew that, your prerogative of a better life and a better future for your people made you delusional. You are a true crusader of this world, you journey ended abruptly, but you fought until the last minute, the last second, the last grasp of air, your legs slowly weakened, and your will starting giving up, but your soul never stopped fighting, it was a fight so beautiful and so meaningful because it was a fight greater than any politics and any barriers, it was a fight for love

Until we meet again,

Carlos M