My Ecuador experience
This article is part of “Facelift Ecuador: Share Your Positive Story!,” an initiative to publish positive articles from CuencaHighLife readers. If you would like to submit your story, click here.
By Marcela Iriarte
I have been in Manta, Ecuador for 3 years. I am bilingual and enjoy the blend of the two cultures fully. In all this time I have not experienced the warmth of the people as much as I did this week. A dear friend in our community passed away; he was diagnosed with a terminal illness 5 months ago. He had lived here with his wife for over 11yrs and made good friends, his connection with one particular employee, Marco,was so dear that when Marc’s dad passed away a year ago, my friend told his employee when I die I want to be buried here also.
I attended my friend’s funeral not knowing what to expect. Our community is a small fishing town with a cemetery over the river bend. His body was brought in a casket in a very nice funeral car, friends helped carry the casket to the above ground cement tomb next to where the employee’s dad was buried. It had a nice sheltered area.
It turned out to be the most beautiful burial and celebration of life ever. There was a good crowd of Ecuadorians from the community. Many tears were shed. The IESS (Ecuador’s public health system) , which was my friend’s healthcare provider, sent 2 musicians who played and sang beautiful uplifting songs. They led us Catholics in praying the Rosary and they played and sang between the Hail Marys. The IESS also sent white roses which were given to us expats to lay in his casket. This made me feel so welcome and honored to be present. After taking time for all to pay respect the casket was closed and again the friends brought the casket down and put it in the tomb. Next a brick layer began to seal the tomb. The families who attended were so consoling of the employee and were sincere. A humbling experience that reminds us of the fragility of life and how we all suffer the loss of a dear friend. But the beautiful part was how the Ecuadorians led us expats into the ritual of a burial ceremony of a dear friend.
I am happy to be here in Ecuador and know that when my time comes I can be laid to rest surrounded by people who see me as if I was family.
