Road Side Memorials

I'm sure you've seen them. Our county has them, and so must yours. We've got small ones, elaborate ones...and one that's been there for over 15 years.

How many of you find yourself slowing down to take a closer look?

I know I do.

Roadside memorials, although outlawed in several states, are common in the Southwest, where the tradition of marking the descansos, or resting places, of travelers is rooted in Hispanic culture.

Modern descansos mark where the soul stopped to rest. Somehow these places remain "liminal" - neither in this world or in the next. A sacred place, to be sure; right by the side of the highway.

For many, such organically liminal places are the closest they will ever get to a spiritual spot. They are not consecrated by any church, nor controlled by any business entity. Roadside memorials are unique places, and deserve your attention.

If you've got a special story to share about a roadside memorial in your community - take a few minutes to post it here. I'd like to be able to include it in an upcoming article, "Passing in Public: Roadside Memorials in America."

Wishing you all a wonderful, and safe, Labor Day Weekend.

Love, joy, and deep appreciation,

Kim