Ushabti - Garby Leon

Ushabti or Shabti - up to U

I received a note from California the other day.  He (Garby Leon) died of cancer several months ago and a wake of sorts celebrating his life is now scheduled.  If there can be comforting wakes, perhaps this will be it.  These aren't happy occasions but the little touches, the music, favorite words or versus, pictures at the wake, the flood of tears and the realization that there are better places to look forward to.  I've seen most of his places over this past half century plus some and he has been in some particularly nice ones.

I suppose there are several ways of looking at the trappings that come along with passing. Our present day funerals are for the comfort and finality of the living. Long ago funerals were for the preparation of the soul for the afterlife. We've been taught that in our afterlife we will need nothing from earth as all wants and needs will be taken care of. When we bury a favorite pet, we often put a favorite blanket, a can of food, a collar or whatnot in the grave with the thought that it will be needed.  We take nothing.

I'm fairly drawn to the Egyptian tomb idea where a few artifacts accompany me to what will be my next  

stage. I'd prefer to have a few pictures to enjoy, a favorite item or two, some music, a book or two I can re-read endlessly..just a few things.

Mostly, and to the point, I would like to be committed with my choice of music to inflict on the mourners. It might be simple hubris but instead of some sad, melancholic expression, perhaps a good march, something quiet and gorgeous...  by the time I go, instead of an i-Pod and a blue-tooth microphone to broadcast things, we will have virtual movie screens on pass-out glasses (like our 3D theater glasses) and we can all see what I thought was beautiful and necessary.   Then they can go to the wake and celebrate my passing. 

I'll, unfortunately, have to celebrate Garby's life from afar but the motion picture of him and our friendship will play for a while.  He was a musician and a big cheese in the movie studios.  Seems right.   His Ushabti will be vast and meaningful; a bag full of treasures.

This was a piece he learned in high school when we were together a lot.  Damn.