Robert and Angelo

Robert and his three year old grandson Angelo died in a six car accident back in 2008, and unlike with many of the descansos I photographed in New Mexico, the Internet shed light on what happened. What’s more, it turns out that Robert had been a beloved high school principal who had beat cancer.

He was fifty eight.

I was confused at first by the memorial since it appeared to be for someone named Robert but the poem above was for Angelo. The news report made it make sense …

… but just made it more sad.

Robert had served his country and it was clear that this was a big part of his life, with the flag, his medal, and POW/MIA flags across the descanso. His bravery is, perhaps, what cost him his life: his former secretary at the school believed that Robert may have died trying to save Angelo from the burning car.

Because that is what a hero would do.

The top of the cross on the right says “Mr. B” which made a lot more sense in the context of his work at Ranchos Elementary School in Taos.

Rest in peace, Robert and Angelo.