Joy and Loss

Here is my first attempt at being a wedding photographer.

Berenice is the sister of Miriam, the nurse who works with Erin at the clinic.

Berenice was walked down the aisle by her father Rudolfo.

Berenice and Raul were married at the church and had a reception there as well.

It was a very nice wedding filled with joy. Weddings are definitely different than the ones I have been to in the US. People show up late, the couple gets lassoed ceremonially. And the supporters of the couple help to pay for the ceremony, rings, and the reception.

It was a very joyful occasion.

But only a week later, something sad happened.

Berenice’s sister, Yolanda, got sick and passed away.

The picture above is Yolanda. She was only 48 years old. Erin and I really loved her. She was one of the first people in Mexico to invite us over for dinner and reach out to us.  At church services I would run to her and say “Hola Yola.” And if I didn’t say hello to her, she would get really mad. But she would get over it very quickly when we would say we were sorry and give her a hug.

She had been feeling sick all week but it turned worse quickly over the weekend.

This was a shock to all of us. Especially her husband, Jose, and her two children.

Erin and I went to the funeral service. In Mexico, the body is delivered to the house of the family and they spend all night with it. Erin and I didn’t stay all night, we only attended the service where there was music, sermons, and sharing. And left at 11:30pm.

We returned the next day for the second service and then went to the grave to see her buried.

It was a very difficult time for the family. And for us. But I really love how much the community comes together to support one another during these difficult times.