Crystals for the Departed – A Día de los Muertos Story

In the quiet morning light at La Palma Cemetery in Brownsville, Texas, I found myself surrounded by stories — not just those written on the headstones, but in the gestures of the living who come to remember.

This year, I had the honor of filming my friend Teresa Stern, a children’s book author whose kindness and spirituality shine in everything she does. Teresa visited the cemetery carrying flowers and small crystals, one for each resting soul. Each crystal was placed with care — a tradition inspired by her Jewish heritage, symbolizing protection from evil spirits, remembrance, and love.

It was a simple act, yet deeply powerful. As I followed her with my camera, the air felt heavy with memory but also peaceful — filled with the quiet hum of devotion that defines Día de los Muertos.

What moved me most was how cultures and beliefs met in harmony: Mexican and Jewish traditions coming together through compassion and respect. Each offering was not about mourning death, but about celebrating connection — the invisible thread that ties us to our ancestors, to our loved ones, and to each other.

The soft sound of wind through the flowers, the glimmer of sunlight on each crystal — they became part of the story I wanted to share. This documentary is not just about one morning or one tradition; it’s about how remembrance takes shape in many forms, across faiths and generations. Día de los Muertos is not about death — it’s about remembering life.