Although I have returned from Texas to rest at my home in Indiana, I have realize I still have a lot of thinking to do about all I had participated in during my time in South Texas. I recount all the forces who continue to work to prevent migrant deaths on and around the border as well as the those who will help bring closure to families
I think about the UIndy and Texas State teams who are still finishing up their work tonight at Sacred Heart cemetery and who must still take notes, organize photos, and finish their maps. All of these wonderful volunteers have spent so much time, effort, and money in order to have the chance to donate their skills to locate and recover the remains of those who have gone nameless for so long. No DNA work could be done without the teams on the ground at Sacred Heart.
I consider all of the people hard at work collecting DNA from the deceased and those encouraging families to give reference samples to databases. These people give an identity to those who have lost theirs through space and time. Those who encourage families to provide reference samples give the families hope that one day they will be able to know what became of their loved ones during their perilous journeys across the border.
I reflect upon the tireless work that must be done at the South Texas Human Rights Center and those who donate their time and resources to keep it running. The Center is not just about water stations which provide clean water to those trying to find their way in the hot Texas brush. It is the embodiment of dedication to providing educational outreach to local communities about the rights of migrants, the complex network of organizations dedicated to bringing humanity to migrants at the Texas/Mexico Border.
Finally, I remember all of the migrants who died while making the journey to the United States. I remember those buried at Sacred Heart who died nameless. I remember those still making their journeys now and those planning to do so. I remember those who work for years to have a chance to make it to Texas only to be mistreated and suffering as they trek though harsh conditions.
I remember all of those who will not rest until migrants are given humanity in life and dignity in death. I remember the migrants who cannot rest as they journey to and within Texas.