Chivis Martinez Borderland Beat
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Readers,
My time in Mexico and contributing to Borderland Beat, has given me countless remarkable experiences and the opportunity to meet some unforgettable, amazing people.
Two of those people are two brave women, both named Ann. One Ann is the sister of James Stacy, who was kidnapped in January of this year, on the highway of death in Tamaulipas.
Ann and her mother searched valiantly and exhaustively for word of James. James' bank account was drained of its funds. I received word from Ann in August that their search was coming to an end. James mother's health had declined, and they had reached an impasse in the search. I felt it was a good decision. James mother had wanted to travel to Tamaulipas to search, for several reasons I advised against this action.
The other Ann is the mother of Harry Devert, kidnapped in Michoacán or Guerrero on the same day as James Stacy. We know that he was murdered and buried in Guerrero.
Ann and her mother searched valiantly and exhaustively for word of James. James' bank account was drained of its funds. I received word from Ann in August that their search was coming to an end. James mother's health had declined, and they had reached an impasse in the search. I felt it was a good decision. James mother had wanted to travel to Tamaulipas to search, for several reasons I advised against this action.
The other Ann is the mother of Harry Devert, kidnapped in Michoacán or Guerrero on the same day as James Stacy. We know that he was murdered and buried in Guerrero.
Ann’s tenacity and determination to “find” her only child took her to Mexico, where she was relentless in being public, being seen, sending a message to those who had taken her son, she was not going away until she had answers.
I believe it was because of her stomping the grounds, and being relentless in hounding every agency of Mexico, US and France, is why the anonymous call was eventually made, as to where Harry’s body could be found.
There were three memorials for Harry, one in Mexico, New York and France. It was in France that his ashes were scattered.
Harry’s life or rather the manner in which he lived life was remarkable. He lived as though something inside urged him not to waste a minute. His joy of life reaches out an embraces those who read his words. An amazing son from an amazing mother.
I tell Ann that she is the mother I hope I am, the mother I aspire to be, and in a perfect world, the mother every child should be blessed with...
At top is a photo of Harry featuring his words, click on image to enlarge.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, feel your blessings, love big, and live your life with great joy.