Recently, Sr. Suzanne Marie Kush visited Sr. Maria Louise Edwards in Tucson, Arizona, and was able to participate in a cross-planting journey in the desert with Alvaro Enciso, the organizer of the cross-planting project. Alvaro describes himself as a contemporary artist, exploring ideas about the “American dream,” cultural identity, the “outsider,” and crossing borders.
“I’m deciding what to do with the last chapter of my life,” Alvaro said. “I want to go kicking and screaming. I came here looking for the American dream, like most of them. This is my way of giving back—because I made it, and they did not.”
He shared that “the place where a migrant has died is peaceful, yet tragic. Everything is against you. We have to celebrate the people who don’t make it. They don’t show up on the news. This is what I do to remember. You have to honor the courage of anyone who leaves everything behind in hope,” he added. “They’re told it’s a short walk.”
Alvaro spoke especially tenderly about Maria, a 32-year-old woman who died on July 26, 2006. “Maria’s death is especially meaningful for me,” he said. “Everything I know, I learned from women. A cross for a woman… a fierce woman. Circumstances in their countries force them to leave. Most of the women dying are in New Mexico. This woman was here for a week before she was found.”
Sr. Suzanne shared that she was especially moved by the different ways each person participating in the cross planting honored the deceased at the burial sites. One person led the group in an act of recognition, following the Hispanic custom of introducing someone: the migrant’s name was read aloud, and the group responded together, “Presente,” as if introducing them into heaven. Another person left stones at the cross, following the Jewish tradition. One reverently draped a rosary over the simple wooden cross, then blessed it with holy water, saying it was meaningful to bless with water—the symbol of life—because it was a lack of water that took her life. One woman brought fresh rosemary, sharing sprigs with anyone who wanted to place them at the cross, honoring the ancient symbol of remembrance.
That day, crosses were planted in Altar Valley, Arizona, for three people:
- Orey, died August 2007; his body was recovered three weeks later.
- Valentine, male, died crossing at the age of 30.
- Maria, age 32, died July 26, 2006; her body was found less than a week after her death, most likely from exposure and dehydration.
