Broken hearts lead to broken traditions in Uvalde as Mata family celebrates first holidays without Tess

First: Family members of the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary shooting march to the Governor’s Mansion in Austin on Nov. 1 carrying an altar dedicated to their loved ones. Middle: A photo of Tess Mata’s memorial painting lays on the altar surrounded by marigolds. Last: A mariachi band sings during a ceremony outside the Governor’s Mansion.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

Jerry and Veronica Mata follow behind an altar dedicated to the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting during a march on Nov. 1 from the state Capitol to the Governor’s Mansion in Austin.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

Nov. 2, Uvalde

First: The Rubio family visits with the Matas, who show them Tess’ ofrendas at her gravesite at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. Last: Jerry Mata leaves a vanilla soda at the head of his daughter’s grave. He said Tess loved the drink.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

Veronica Mata embraces her daughter Faith during D?a de los Muertos on Nov. 2 at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Uvalde.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

First: Jerry and Faith Mata meet with then-gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke as he visits Tess’ gravesite. Last: A woman lays yellow flowers on Tess’ grave during D?a de los Muertos.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

People release paper lanterns during D?a de los Muertos celebrations in Uvalde on Nov. 2.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

Thanksgiving Day, Dallas

First: A shirt with the phrase “My dad is a bigger Cowboys fan than your dad!” hangs inside Tess Mata’s room at the family’s home in Uvalde on Dec. 22. Last: Oliver, the Mata family’s cat, sits atop Tess’ bed. The family says Oliver will often sleep in Tess’ room and run to the door when there is a knock or the doorbell rings, as if still expecting Tess to come home.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

A portrait of Tess hangs in the Matas’ Uvalde home while they visit with their cousin in-law Teresa Perez and her daughters on Dec. 22.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

December, Uvalde

First: The Matas decorate Tess’ grave for Christmas at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Uvalde on Dec. 22. Last: Veronica places a miniature Christmas tree near Tess’ headstone.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

The Matas survey the decorations at Tess’ grave three days before Christmas. The family decided not to celebrate the holiday this year. “Even hearing Christmas music is just so heart-wrenching,” Veronica Mata said.

Credit:
Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune

First: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, leads the Mata family to their seats before a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on Dec. 15. Last: A photograph of a child’s funeral after the Robb Elementary school shooting is shown during the hearing.

Credit:
Shuran Huang for The Texas Tribune

Veronica Mata comforts her husband Jerry as they listen to their daughter Faith testify during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on Dec. 15.

Credit:
Shuran Huang for The Texas Tribune