During a recent trip to New Mexico on Route 66, we stopped to check out an old cemetery near the settlement of Montoya.
A few graves predated the commissioning of Route 66, and burials occurred there as recently as 2005.
There are traditional engraved tombstones, including a fair number of markers for local soldiers of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
But most of the grave markers are more of a homemade variety, with names, dates and messages scratched into still-wet concrete. Many graves are decorated with family momentoes, figurines of the Virgin Mary and Catholic saints, and even toys.
Some may think the cemetery appears ramshackle. But love obviously was a part of the placing of talismans and the homemade tombstones. I found the final resting place for Montoyans to be more moving than most traditional cemeteries.
For more, check out Redforkhippie’s post, along with a slideshow she created.