an amazing way to go
Hello gang.
I write this note to share the story of how Henry Moses III , a gay, wiccan drum brother of mine passed through the veil.
Henry passed away last Thursday morning, October 25th due to an enormous amount of cancer throughout his body complicated with Pneumonia and HIV. Henry pulled out his own plug around 11 am. His lungs were very full of fluid from the cancer and he knew it was time.
The amazing thing is that George Washington University Hospital allowed his body to stay in the ICU room, with another empty bed in the room, so that his drumming family of the Rhythm Workers Union (rhythmworkersunion.org) could arrive. They were able to drum around his body and send his spirit home right there in the hospital. I have never heard of such a kind act from a hospital.
Last night, I attended his funeral service along with many known leaders in the drumming tribe. It was a beautiful service with his family , honoring his life and his many impressive accomplishments. His obituary information can be found through the Rhythm Workers and the DC Statehood Green Party. His partner Jim was able to speak at length of the beautiful 15 year relationship he had with Henry and the family had him close the casket. I was so touched to see a large African American Family embrace Henry's white and much older partner.
As the pastor said after Jim's talk, "Love is Love" which many of Henry's family repeated after the Pastor said it. I tear just thinking and typing about this again.
Then, as if that wasn't special enough, the Pastor called forth the Rhythm workers and friends. We surrounded Henry's casket , about 25 drummers with drums. We were joined by six young women, some of the young woman's group Henry started before his passing.
We sang a song Henry wrote as well as 2 others of his favorites. Then, we all drummed the Traditional West African rhythm "Mendjiani" which was Henry's favorite. We filled the funeral parlor with rhythm and song. We also had dancers with us to honor him in the center aisle. His family members were so thankful and appreciative for our presence and for our tribute to Henry.
What an amazing way to leave this world. It reminded me of the passing of Baba Olatunji in NY where thousands of drummers sent our Master drummer's spirit home in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
I will never forget Henry Moses nor the way in which he was sent off through the veil. I know he was smiling and drumming above us last night. May I be so lucky and blessed to have such a sending when my time to leave this plane of existence comes.
Ashe, Ashe,
Tigre
I write this note to share the story of how Henry Moses III , a gay, wiccan drum brother of mine passed through the veil.
Henry passed away last Thursday morning, October 25th due to an enormous amount of cancer throughout his body complicated with Pneumonia and HIV. Henry pulled out his own plug around 11 am. His lungs were very full of fluid from the cancer and he knew it was time.
The amazing thing is that George Washington University Hospital allowed his body to stay in the ICU room, with another empty bed in the room, so that his drumming family of the Rhythm Workers Union (rhythmworkersunion.org) could arrive. They were able to drum around his body and send his spirit home right there in the hospital. I have never heard of such a kind act from a hospital.
Last night, I attended his funeral service along with many known leaders in the drumming tribe. It was a beautiful service with his family , honoring his life and his many impressive accomplishments. His obituary information can be found through the Rhythm Workers and the DC Statehood Green Party. His partner Jim was able to speak at length of the beautiful 15 year relationship he had with Henry and the family had him close the casket. I was so touched to see a large African American Family embrace Henry's white and much older partner.
As the pastor said after Jim's talk, "Love is Love" which many of Henry's family repeated after the Pastor said it. I tear just thinking and typing about this again.
Then, as if that wasn't special enough, the Pastor called forth the Rhythm workers and friends. We surrounded Henry's casket , about 25 drummers with drums. We were joined by six young women, some of the young woman's group Henry started before his passing.
We sang a song Henry wrote as well as 2 others of his favorites. Then, we all drummed the Traditional West African rhythm "Mendjiani" which was Henry's favorite. We filled the funeral parlor with rhythm and song. We also had dancers with us to honor him in the center aisle. His family members were so thankful and appreciative for our presence and for our tribute to Henry.
What an amazing way to leave this world. It reminded me of the passing of Baba Olatunji in NY where thousands of drummers sent our Master drummer's spirit home in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
I will never forget Henry Moses nor the way in which he was sent off through the veil. I know he was smiling and drumming above us last night. May I be so lucky and blessed to have such a sending when my time to leave this plane of existence comes.
Ashe, Ashe,
Tigre