Passing of Giants of the Human Spirit: Ten Days When Death Came Calling, Part Eleven

June 10, 2016 by Herbert Daughtry

Remembering Afeni Shakur – Part H

There was still another way Afeni showed courage – less conspicuous, but perhaps, equally or more courageous while concomitantly showing profound faith and concern for others. It was at Tupac’s transition at the hospital where she manifested unbelievable courage and concern. I recorded it in my book, “Dear 2Pac: Letters to a Son”:

“Your mother told me how you fought to your end. She told me about your last hours. Your Aunt Gloria told me that your mother was in the next room when the doctors said they had revived you three times. It appeared as if they wanted to try again, but your mother said, ‘No, let him go.’

Your Aunt Gloria wanted to go into the room where you were. She was told to wait a minute. They had to do whatever they do when they give up. Afterwards, she went into the room, kissed you from head to toe, and prayed over you. Then, she released you to the angels.

“…Your mother was never more courageous. Her concern for those at the hospital were extraordinary. The family gathered and began to thank God for your life. It was ‘a renewal of faith,’ said Aunt Gloria. Your mother even comforted Snoop who was crying inconsolably. She put her arms around his shoulders and comforted him. Snoop’s mother, who is a very religious woman, joined the prayer meeting, and visited you at the hospital.

“Your mother expressed concern for your Aunt Gloria who heard about you being shot en route to Texas. She immediately headed towards the hospital. When she arrived, your mother greeted her, expressing concern for her well-being.

“There were those at the hospital who understandably wanted revenge, but your mother, aunt, and family only wanted to pray and thank God for your life. You know, Tupac, your cousin (Evangelist Barbara Gene Powers) is a praying women. One of the deeply spiritual moving things she did was to anoint you at the hospital. She anointed you with oil – your wrist, feet, head, and chest as much as she could. The doctors gave her special permission to do so. Tupac, before you departed, you were anointed, prayed over, and kissed from head to toe.

“So, you departed in the most religious fashion. They carried out your wishes: you asked to be cremated and so you were.”

—

Well, Afeni is gone now, but she will never be forgotten. There are several quotes which I love, and I think are so appropriate to Afeni. The first quote is from the Bible. A man named Paul faced death bravely and defiantly. He was an Apostle, or a follower of Jesus Christ.

When he knew the time had come for him to depart this life, he wrote, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” I believe that the above was true for Afeni. She kept the faith. She finished her course, and an eternal reward awaits her.

The second quote is from William Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet,” at the death of Hamlet. Horatio, another character in the play, said (I will change the word, “prince” to “princess”): “Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet princess; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Finally, in the words of Marcus Garvey, who once said., “Look for me in the whirlwind.” And, so I say to all of us, “Let us look for Afeni in the whirlwind, and in every revolutionary, liberation, or social political movement for freedom, justice, and equality. Yes, let us look for her wherever sincere seekers strive to unite with the Almighty. And, one day, we shall see her again as she once was, but in a glorified, eternal body.”

… to be continued.