Santiago

Santiago Mondragon has an incredible descanso on New Mexico’s State Highway 68. It’s clear that he was well loved during his eighteen years.

Unfortunately he died speeding and driving recklessly on a section of road called “the horseshoe.” Worse, he killed a mother of three who had already lost their father, leaving three orphans in his wake.

It’s really not for me to judge the circumstances that led to the subjects of my fascination, but in some cases it’s a little difficult.

This is one of those cases.

Santiago’s memorial is beautiful, full of memories and decorated a dozen ways, likely by as many or more people.

But he made a choice to drive like a fool, ending one life and permanently altering three more. It was a shitty decision.

I suppose his family has to remember the child he was, not the mistake that he made.

Still, it seems a little tone deaf to have such an elaborate memorial directly across from that of the person whose life he needlessly ended. It’s not like Crystal Lake’s children can visit her descanso and not have to face Santiago.