Tags
cemeteries, jama april 16 2016, Jama ecuador earthquake, people who died in the ecuador earthquake
“…you should never have to watch your only children lowered in the ground — I mean you should never have to bury your own babies…” – (From the song Gravedigger ) – Dave Matthews Band
Jama Ecuador – Recently many people opened their doors and hearts and invited me into their private sanctuaries; they shared stories of the night of the earthquake and the days that followed. One person, Marcos Cevallos Mendoza, seemed more affected than most, and I was eager to find him again and listen to what he had to share. One person pointed me to one corner; another said, ‘No, I saw him about ten minutes ago near the new market. ‘
Almost sunset – the buildings are gone, but spirit remains….
As I stopped at random places to ask for Marcos, heart-wrenching stories added more frayed threads to this town’s patchwork tapestry. Some suggested that I check the cemetery, which offered an instant solace from the reconstruction chaos in the center of town.
Just to the right of the entrance, seven people share the same day of death: April 16, 2016. Four of those were Marcos’ wife and three of their four children.
