Tragedies

Sayulita is a special place to many but in the end, Sayulita is just part of the world like any other town or city.  It has it's bright side with great people, events and special vibe. Unfortunately, Sayulita can have it's own tragedies, evil and heart breaking sadness.   Recently, Sayulita has seen more than it's share of tragedy for such a small town and we feel like we need to mention them here in a small way.  A quick Google search can lead those who wish to dig deeper into the latest details available but I'll keep it brief here.

 The north end is a quieter side of town.  The beach is less populated here but part of the reason for this is the swimability of the water.  Waves can be very strong here and break hard on the beach.  The north end is also can be subject to a "rip tide" at times.  In short, a "rip tide" is a current that leaves from the beach and carries anything that is in it out to sea.  When someone gets caught in one and does not understand what is happening the response is to swim hard to shore.  This can result in the swimmer becoming quickly exhausted and in need of rescue.  A husband and father visiting from the States appeared to have found himself in this "rip tide" situation last month while body surfing and quickly disappeared under the water in big surf.  His body was recovered a few days later. Whether tide and fatigue was the reason for his death or something that isn't completely understood is to blame, the family may never really know.

About the same time a different family lost their toddler son.  The family's children were being cared for by a local woman when the women's boyfriend came over.  The boyfriend apparently was under the influence of drugs and became violent.  Concerned for her own safety, the women locked herself in a bathroom leaving the children in the house alone with the boyfriend where he left the younger boy in the pool to drown.  The day this happened, I drove into town from doing errands and was immediately stopped by shaken friends who had sketchy details of what happened.  Our family and vehicle matched the description of the parents truck given to them by the police.  I knew our kids were safe at school but I did realize who the family involved was.  I had just met the dad and the kids on the beach two days previously.  Dillon had been playing with their girl Golden Retriever and we were introduced.  Nice guy, "Mr. Mom" like myself and said they had read our blog.  They were also planning their longer visit here for next year already.  Another "adventuring" family like us.

Sayulita, and Mexico in general, is very family oriented so these events hit the community hard and for a while a dark cloud seemed to loom over the town.  Many of us have held our families a little closer in the past few weeks.  The community has mourned for these two families.  Town is trying to heal as are the families involved.  Tragedy and evil can show themselves anywhere at any time and Sayulita is no different.  Again, I have provided very general information here but a quick search online will give more of detailed account of events.  Very sad days.