a journey...

...of love.

...of life.
...of death.
....of family.

....of celebration of all there is and who we have become.

Our past few days spent in Ocampo, Guanajuato have been filled with scents and sights. Sweet sulfur and cracked plaster, that is painted in deep earth tones, create a years gone by scene where daily life continues on, but never truly moves forward or changes. It is the rustic, rural air that alters the mind here. It is too easy to breathe in a new identity and all becomes simple. From the tiny spray of tepid water that starts each day to the cool temperatures that evoke the effort to pull on a sweater as dusk arrives, each event is common place. There's never any hurry or rush here.

We laid Chato's Mom to rest on August 29th, 2009. The kids did not attend the funeral mass, nor the walk from the church to the cemetery for burial. On Sunday, we took them over to the Panteon San Jose so that they could see where there grandma had been laid to rest.

Her vault lies just to the left of a long line of pinos. There are very few electrical lights that trace the path through the center of the cemetery. We are fortunate enough to have one that graces the ground just above.
For those who are not accustomed to the above ground vaulted cement tombs, it can be an overwhelming experience. The children had many questions as they visited their ancestors that are buried here as well.
For the remainder of the day we spent it strolling, pausing to buy liquados and pulseras.

Brandan encouraged Chato to buy him a traditional "traje del charro" complete with boots. SO proud...this little boy marched for the rest of the day, up and down streets, to visit tias and tios...

...primas...

...y primos.

Our visit was not nearly long enough. We wish to return soon, as to not let time fly away as it has since our last trip. From here to there is no longer than a sweet stride, and the ease of journey is as simple as you make it. This one will be stamped on our hearts forever.