It was the nature of his profession that his experience with death should be greater than for most and he said that while it was true that time heals bereavement it does so only at the cost of the slow extinction of those loved ones from the heart's memory which is the sole place of their abode then or now. Faces fade, voices dim. Seize them back, whispered the sepulturero. Speak with them. Call their names. Do this and do not let sorrow die for it is the sweetening of every gift.
In Cormac McCarthy's "The Crossing," the protagonist, influenced by his profession, reflects on the profound impact of death in his life. He understands that while healing from grief is inevitable, it also leads to the gradual fading of memories, suggesting that loved ones reside within our hearts. As time passes, the cherished faces and voices of those who have passed become less vivid.
The sepulturero advises embracing these memories, encouraging the living to call out the names of the departed and maintain a connection with them. This act serves as a reminder that sorrow has its own value, enriching our experiences and preserving the essence of those we have loved. It emphasizes the importance of holding onto memories rather than allowing them to perish over time.
