Personal - Aunt Mary

Have you ever had an aunt who made an impression on you, but you never really noticed until you were much older? Perhaps you had an aunt who was always laughing her trademark laugh every time she attended family get-togethers, reunions and parties? There is always an aunt who teaches the rest of the family a bit about compassion and unconditional love, and, for me, that aunt was Aunt Mary.

Photo Credit: Lakeridge Chapel & Memorial Designers

Two weeks ago, in downtown Lubbock, Texas, my aunt, Mary Salazar Balderas, was struck down by a truck, while crossing an intersection, at the delicate age of 73. It is difficult to even picture what had happened to her in her final moments. It is too upsetting to even think about. Every good memory that I tried to have of my aunt was immediately tainted by the anger and rage I felt at the thought of someone so petite and so fragile being run down by a negligent driver who should at the very least be charged according to the Lisa Torry Smith Act Law signed by pro-life Texas Governor Greg Abbott, on June 18, 2021, where it is a "criminal offense for drivers who, through an act of criminal negligence, cause bodily injury or serious bodily injury to pedestrians, a person operating a bicycle, motor-assisted scooter, electronic personal assistive mobility device, neighborhood electric vehicle, or golf cart in the area of a crosswalk." Knowing the justice system of Texas, however, who knows if this kid will ever pay for the crime of aborting the life of a woman who could have possibly stood another five to ten, perhaps twenty, years making more memories with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

It is hard to fathom why a woman as kind as my Aunt Mary could die the way that she did. The very last time I saw her was at my brother's college graduation in 2018. We sat next to each other and laughed about anything and everything. It is the last memory that I have of her, and I will always be grateful for the effort that she made that night to be there with us. It was to be expected though. Any gathering or party she was invited to, she'd be there, sometimes with her famous ambrosia salad. What I will miss most, overall, is hearing her and my mother laughing together, her grace and her kind presence. Though she may be gone, she will remain alive through the rest of us who will help to keep her spirit of love and laughter alive. For all the wonderful childhood memories, thank you, and may you rest in peace, dear Aunt Mary. My deepest condolences to her family, and may justice be served where it is due.

In Loving Memory of Mary Salazar Balderas,

May 29, 1949 - September 21, 2022