It was the perfect quarter for her to have found.
“Does this make me a member of the Circle of Quarter Finders? And what say you about my found quarter?” was the text message.
“Oh, what a find!” came the reply. “Two years ago right now we were in the deep emotional waters.”
This found “Azúcar” quarter had been released in 2024 as part of the American Women Quarters™ Program. Their mutual friend was a feminist and advocate. She died on July 5, 2024. This found quarter was the first coin in U.S. history to feature an Afro-Latina, honoring Celia Cruz, the legendary “Queen of Salsa.”
A few months earlier, she had married the beloved partner of her late friend…. The spiritual meaning of the Latin dance, salsa, seemed to speak significantly, sending affirmation from the other side: The salsa encompasses community, the energetic exchange between partners, and deep ancestral roots.
Remarrying after a spouse’s death is not a betrayal, but rather a testament to a person’s capacity for love and connection. It does not erase the love held for a late partner; instead, it demonstrates a desire to continue experiencing life and companionship.