For more than a year and a half now, I've passed this roadside memorial on my way home. Until last night, I had never stopped. Then I did, and when I searched Google for the name on the memorial, I realized that I had met young Elisa Gastellum. I've had the privelege of hearing her sing.
Share with me for a moment the memory of a lovely, talented young lady from Tucson, Arizona.
Elisa was only 18 years old when an auto accident took her life. She was a student at Pima College, just across the road from her memorial. She was also a rising star in the exciting, flamboyant world of Mariachi music.
Her talent as a singer was such that Elisa Gastellum competed in the annual Disney Festival of Mariachi in Orlando, Florida, where a friend snapped this photo.
On Christmas day, 2005, Elisa performed on national television. Not long after that, she was gone. Her friends and family visit and maintain this shrine to honor her memory.
Now I too have visited. ...but I sure do wish I could hear her strong, lovely voice again, backed by trumpet, violins, guitars and the deep bass guitarró. Qué triste.
Today is New Year's Eve. Be careful tonight, for the sake of the people who love you.
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Good post, I know several people through the holidays that have lost thier lives. Be carefull out there.
Such a waster - good post. Not sure how anyone would ever get over that. I don't think I would.
Mike - What a warm tribute to a life cut short. How tragic this was. People really need to think, not drink and drive. I used to work in a hospital before real estate and I've seen too much sad associated with this night. Good, timely reminder.
You and your Darlin' have a wonderful New Year filled with lots of love!
Linda,
Thank you for the well wishes. It was tragic; my heart breaks for the family. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Julie,
Thanks for commenting; stay safe!
Kevin,
I can't imagine the loss of a child or grandchild, either. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Dan,
Happy New Year; I appreciate your comment.
Matt,
Thanks for being first to comment! We'll be careful.
Mike in Tucson
I too stay home with all the windows closed and a/c on for the doggie (less noise) and us (so we can breathe. We don't drink either and don't go out to party so unless lightening hits we're pretty okay. Happy New Year.
P.S. ...success lies within :)
Having spent the better part of 17 years in the bar & hospitality industry, it is no surprise that New Year's Eve is referred to as the biggest "Amateur Night" of the year. All too often, people who drink very little if at all indulge in more than they are used to "because its New Year's Eve." This fact, combined with regular drinkers doing the same thing makes for a dangerous situation on the roads.
Please, folks--use a Designated Driver, call a cab, rent a hotel room or hire a limo. Whatever you do, don't drink & drive! Your New Year will be much happier...and so will that of others.
How do you do it Mike, create such wonderful visual and touching messages from things that most of us would just pass on by. I often see these memorials, but have never stopped. Excellent message, glad my family is staying home tonight!!
Happy New Year to you!!
Kate,
Thanks for commenting. There's a post in everything, just waiting to have its story told. Happy New Year.
Kent,
Amateur night... that summs it up. Thanks for commenting, and be safe.
Terry,
Thanks for commenting! Happy New Year!
Sally my friend,
I love your comment "success lies within." Thank you for all your comments, posts, and help in the Rain.
Kathy,
You're another wonderful Rainer, and I appreciate knowing you. Happy New Year!
Mike in Tucson
Mike, Very good advice. I stay home tonight for that very reason.
Happy New Year. May you receive everything you want and deserve in 2008.
Bill Roberts
Mike, how sad! I had a cousin who was killed by a drunk drive when he was 22. Had he lived he would be turning 50 this year. It is such a waste. I'm all about staying home on New Years eve. When we were younger there wasn't that much information about drinking and driving. I'm glad it has become more publicized.
Happy New Year!
MIKE - New Year's Eve is one of the nights that my wife and I have made a conscious effort to avoid the roads. Too many people feel that they must get drunk to enjoy the night. We aren't big drinkers anyway, but I was just as happy to stay in with my family and watch the ball drop on TV, safely tucked away in our living room. It's so sad that people still don't realize how dangerous drinking and driving is. Thanks for the reminder. I hope that people listened to you.
Happy New Year, Mike!
Adam,
Happy New Year! Thanks for your comments and posts in 2007. More in 2008.
Marchel,
I'm sorry to hear about your cousin. Time doesn't erase regret and sorrow completely.
Bill,
Thanks for the well wished! Same to you.
Joyce,
Thanks. We did. Happy New Year.
Mike in Tucson
Arriba los Mariachis ! ! ! ! !
Nomas un puño de tierra ! ! ! !
Cowboy Gonzalez,
y Aca Entre Nos!
Mike in Tucson