On October 13, 2019, Tennessee bundlekeeper Byron Whiting crossed over to the Other Side Camp for the next Big Journey. Be was surrounded by the AWEsome care team that had coalesced from the Tennessee Dance community. The ongoing vigils of past months culminated in a very sweet and gentle departure. The Tennessee bundle is now entrusted to the capable care of Paulino Solorzano who was announced by Be as his co-bundlekeeper at the April 2018 dance.
Dear Friends and Family of the Naraya,
In the history of our Dance, losing both an esteemed elder and bundlekeeper is an event that will forever change all of us and the ceremony itself. Bryon Whiting — who we affectionately have called Bundle Be, or just Be — made it a point to attend all of the dances across the country in his tenure as the original keeper of the Tennessee bundle. His presence at the dances will be greatly missed…
The Spirit of the Naraya picked Be as a bundlekeeper at the first Tennessee dance, and what a wise choice! He was always impeccable in his devotion to the care of of Inga Wooda, or Red Bear, as the bundle wanted to be named. I always recall with great fondness his singing of the medicine song that awoke the bundle each and every morning. His voice will always remain in my heart.
As the years progressed, Be and I had many adventures together along with my grandson JoAngelo. My favorite was traveling the highways of Montana at high speeds of 80+ miles per hour with Be at the wheel and JoAngelo in the back of my old 1997 van. What good times!
Be became the Grandfather I never had, but what a magical, delightful kind of grandfather/grandmother he was! In some ways, I am saddened and sorry that he has now gone to the Other Side Camp. In other ways I am happy for his transition to more wondrous realms where I am sure he will be as resplendent and fabulous as ever.
Go well, as my Indian people say — you will ever reside in my heart and mind.
Clyde M. Hall
Dance Chief and Founder of the Naraya, Dance For All People
THE FINAL DAYS: CARING FOR BE
Mountaine Jonas writes:
At 10:30 PM Central time on Sunday, October 13, 2019, under a gorgeous full moon, our dear Be took his last breath.
I believe I can speak for the 20+ people involved with his 24/7 care in saying that being a part of his process was very profound.
It seemed that his life was all about the experience of feeling the love coming to him from hundreds of beloveds around the country and the world.
After one of his seizures this summer, he said that he had lost his short term and long term memory, but had come into what he called emotional memory, something he had always craved and prayed for. He described it as being able to feel everyone’s prayers and thoughts for him.
As he lost the ability to taste food and drink, the love he felt coming his way literally became his sustenance. And it was hard for him to let go of that, because he found it so meaningful and delicious. This prolonged his life, and also his struggle.
On numerous occasions, he said to whoever was with him, “I want to go home.” One of those times, as he was fighting to get out of the bed, Marti asked him “Where would that be?” He patted his heart. And she said, “you don’t have to get out of bed for that.”
At one point he told Førge he wanted to see the General Manager!
Another time, after a restless night, he turned to Marti and said, “I want you to go now, with dispatch, and find out what the holdup is!” Marti walked around the house, returned to him and said, “I am praying about it.“
For his last two weeks, he was hosted with great generosity by Nikyra Calcagno in her home at the Legacy Center. During those last days, he was less and less verbal, sinking into himself. But at one point he sat up, and with the clearly enunciated voice we knew so well, spoke three words: Grace under Pressure.
So those were his last words, his final message (at least while in his body) on how to savor this beautiful human life. A most gracious ending to the life of one of the most gracious people I have ever known.
IN 2015 BE AND MOUNTAINE VISIT THE QUEEN’S ROOM ON THE QUEEN MARY 2 OCEAN LINER
FOR WHITE-GLOVED HIGH TEA, SCONES, AND DAINTY CUCUMBER SANDWICHES,
A PART OF A LIFELONG DREAM-COME-TRUE FOR BE TO VISIT EUROPE
BE AND GMA JANET
As he lost the ability to taste food and drink, the love he felt coming his way literally became his sustenance.
THANK YOU everyone for all your generous NCPC contributions that make it possible for us to help support each and every one of our dances across the country! Your contributions also make it possible for elders to get to ceremonies, and to fund other important events.
Murray Edelman
President
Naraya Cultural Preservation Council