Here in Marion County, we are used to the custom of placing a cross or some kind of marker to commemorate the death of a loved one along the roadside. Not only is it an acknowledgement - but also a kind of warning to others to slow down and be careful... It's just something we do.
This particular roadside monument caused me to STOP!
It is the first Hispanic monument along our roads that I have ever seen. I truly felt I was documenting history by photographing this roadside shrine. (And now that I'm viewing the pics I wish I had done a better job).
There was a very beautiful Virgin Mary statue at the base of this cross...along with a few other personal mementos. But the only part of this shrine I could read was the name of the person to whom it was dedicated - the person who died at that spot just a short time ago.
Isn't it something that our Hispanic neighbors share this roadside shrine thing with us?
May you rest in peace, Jose Manuel Rodriguez!
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