DANCING IN THE STREETS

     Since my last post we've visited the native P'urhepecha markets of Patzcuaro and Quiroga, we've climbed the ancient Tarascan ruins of TzinTzunTzan, and swam in gigantic tide pools along the secret beaches of Troncones. 

     It was on a day trip to a small village where I encountered this women dancing all by herself on the sidewalk. There was no music but she acted like she was being serenaded by invisible mariachis. She was about 5'2" and she looked so cute in her little cowboy hat with her long grey curls. She saw me and asked me if I wanted to dance! Of course I had to say yes. 

     So we had our own little dance party right there on the sidewalk. She told me that she was ninety-four years old. Looking into her eyes, she seemed so young at heart. She smiled brightly and danced so freely. I would've taken her for a teenager if it weren't for her sunken eyes and her geography of deep wrinkles. 

     Talking to her brought tears to my eyes because a week ago we had the honor of attending a wake for a gentleman in Uruapan who's family took care of him in his own home until his dyeing day. I have not seen any assisted care facilities or "old folks homes" like we have in the states. Here in Mexico the elderly live in the same homes with their families.  I couldn't help but think that if this woman lived in the states she probably wouldn't be dancing in the streets, but rather cooped up in a facility surrounded by other people her age.

      I don't know her name but I'll never forget her smile. She was as close to death as any of us but she didn't care because, like most Mexicans, she didn't see death as something to hide from or be afraid of. Most Mexicans say that death is just as beautiful as life, and the beauty of both life and death was apparent in this woman.