Loved ones gather Monday night for a candlelight vigil and the unveiling of a mural to honor Patricia Alatorre, a 13-year-old girl who was tragically killed back in July.
Clara Alvarez, Alatorre’s mother said, “it means a lot. It means the world to me.”Alvarez held back tears shortly after she saw the new mural in honor of her late daughter.
The painting showed Alatorre with blue skies behind her, surrounded by her favorite flower, a sunflower, and butterflies. Alvarez describing her daughter as a sunshine. She says, "just like the sun comes up, that’s how she was. She was just so full of life, so loving, she had hugs and kisses for everybody.” She adds, “I mean I could be crying and she would come over and wipe my tears and say mommy everything will be ok."
Alvarez saying this new mural unveiled during a vigil Monday night brings her comfort. "I can come and look at her here and its like she’s looking at me." Alvarez saying she visits Alatorre almost every day at the cemetery, and this is just another way to be with her daughter. She says, "I believe I feel her presence here."
And Mo Ali, the President of Thee Next Steps, who planned the mural says this is exactly why they created the art piece. "There’s no greater than a mothers love. And I wanted to give the family, and the mother something where, as she said she can feel her presence and feel love."
