Bless all the wonderful people who are taking part in the News Survey and writing some really great letters both pro and con. I've just finished reading the new batch that just got posted. How nice to know that we are not alone in our feelings in our small little part of the world. Trying to imagine what Chris is thinking about all of this. I've posted this before and it surely deserves repeating - Never underestimate the power of Franklin family and friends.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Regarding the remarks of certain individuals here and on the Detroit News message board:

I would like to make it crystal clear that the next person to suggest that I'd rather have any amount of money than my brother back will be dealing with me in person a lot sooner than they think. I maintain this site, and here's a free hint to those who persist on harrasing us during the darkest hour of our lives: signing 'anonymous' doesn't take care of all the loose ends when you're using a computer.

That said, I'd appreciate not having to remove any more overtly hateful messages.
Adam Kempa <adam@kempa.com>
-

How wonderful to hear that a win-win situation is in the works with the City of Livonia and with the blessing and help of ORGHA.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Forgot to mention, family and friends will be meeting with Mr. Kirksey on Wed.2/28 to discuss an on site permanent memorial to Chris. We will be meeting at 4;30. Mr. Mike McGee, President of ORGHA had a wonderful suggestion. I think we'll be able to come up with something that will please JUST ABOUT everybody. More details after our meeting.
Fran Kempa
-

The Chris Kempa Memorial Art Scholarship is a definate go for this year! The final paper work was dropped off to Franklin today.I hope there are many applicants. I'm very excited to see who the recipient will be!
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

That memorial I was refering to in an earlier post that I remembered being up in Livonia for well over a year is indeed still up today. So there's some more proof that Livonia has singled out Chris's corner and any other argument they claim to have about safety seems to be contradicted.
Rich
-

I can't believe the hateful words that are being expressed here. This site is not for people to bitch about what someone else has said. This site is to memorialize and remember Chris. If people continue to make this site the place for hateful words, then they are pretty much doing the same thing to the web site that the city has done to the memorial. Just remember Chris for who he was. If you feel the need to bash someone for what they have said, either do it some place else or contact them specifically. Don't do it here and ruin this beautiful and wonderful site. Plus, if Chris were here and this site was for someone else, I think that we all know that he would not be saying cruel and hateful things to others. Maybe we should all think about that before placing anything here. Just remember that this is for Chris...don't let other people ruin it and don't lose sight of what we're fighting for.
Michele <Shelly613@hotmail.com>
-

Please accept our condolences on the death of your Chris. We also lost our daughter to a tragic accident. There is no greater pain than the unnatural occurrence of having your child pass before you as a parent! The city of Livonia is very unfeeling in it's decision to have you remove the memorial. A major part of grieving is giving recognition to the existence of your loved one. May God give you direction and strength in these difficult times. Former Livonia residents now in Lawrenceville, GA.
Dan, Betty, and Sarah Bryl <danbryl@bellsouth.net>
-

All that i have to say is that John S. has no right to say that Chris was the problem to the accedent!! How can you say that Chris was the problem and the victim was the driver! That is not possible!! I don't know how he got this thing that Chris died because of his own recklessness and not by the man that was driving the truck. Chris was a good kid...he has the right of way while walking across the street not the car! Have you heard of the law on you have to yield to pedestrens?? I think John S. should burn in hell!!
Katie B. <Nightdreamer9928@aol.com>
-

John S. in the Det. News and Mellowman both seem to have the same poor command for the English language. Chris was not an irresponsible pedestrian either; I think that's also been made clear in the police report.
George Watson <Holly,MIUSA>
-

In case Mr. S. is checking this website I beg to differ on public Memorial Sites. Just quickly off the top of my head - Columbine, Oklahoma City, Princess Diana.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Check out the News Survey site for letter from opposing view. This is the person who loves dialogue on this tragedy.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

To Truthseeker, You're right, this website is not the place for such dialogue, but if you really want to waste your time and have dialogue with these people, just leave them your email and they have been known to respond back, especially on opposing views.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss, parents should never have to bury a child. I'm not sure if I got the whole story but from what I heard your town "demanded" you remove chris's memorial?I think it is a grave injustice to remove such a precious tribute. Besides the obvious infliction of hurt you must be feeling I think the whole community will lose out. A memorial such as chris's serves not only to help keep his memory alive but also as a reminder to all who see it that life can be painfully short and that we should all try not take it for granted.All to often we don't take the time to appreciate our children, parents, siblings etc..A road side memorial also increases a drivers caution. We are driving leathal machinery and should be as careful as possible. I know that words can do so very little for your grief but I am so sorry for your loss.Good luck. Greg (remembering matthewjamesmowen9\2\99
greg <gmowen@aol.com>
-

Dear MellowMan, I tried to send you an e-mail today, but you left a false e-mail address on this webpage. What I wanted to do was to dialogue with you without junking up this memorial page. If you care to identify yourself, please don't be afraid unless there's something that you're ashamed of.
TRUTHSEEKER <Waitingformellowman>
-

Obviously 'Mellow man' isnt so 'mellow'....
a very good friend <--->
-

hey chris. tonight is not a good night. i got off work at about 4:30 and went to the store. i was in there for about 5 min and the song "angel" came on by sarah mclaclen or whatever her name is. they played that song at your funeral. in the beginning there is a stroke of piano keys right before the song starts. as soon as i heard that a tear rolled down my eye. i have been out of it ever since that point. i pray for you and i love you. god bless you and your family. until we meet again. i love you man love woody
jason <avsrule1449>
-

Chris- its been awhile since I've written but that doesn't mean I dont think about you several times a day. February 14th this year was truly a horrible day for me because that the anniversery of the first time we ever talked 2 years ago. I miss you so much and I hope the memorial doesn't get torn down, even though I'm not there to see it its comforting to know that everytime someone drives by there you are thought of. I miss you and love you so much chris, by the way, death cab for cutie came here to do a concert about 2 weeks ago, I was away the day they were here but if I wasn't I would've gone and thought about you the whole time.I love you
Tink <Poetgurl84@aol.com>
-

To MellowMan and his family,(telcomguy, foyofun and Mr.tir.com etc.)

Why don't any of you ever have the guts to leave your REAL name? Could it be it's the same name as the driver and you don't want it printed here? If you TRULY have nothing to be ashamed of,you'd leave your name!
Mary Bushami <Livonia, Mi.>
-

To whining mellow man person: the truck is not the victim in this story. You are doing a great disservice to "your side" by acting like an idiot. The victims in the story are the family and friends who had the Memorial Site ripped out from underneath them. Probably as a result from people like you. How many times do you think you are actually going to win? Why not get your own news story to complain. I'd surely love to read it.
A Mom
-

I was outraged to hear that the memorial had to be taken down. But then again, it was probably the Old Rosedale Gardens Association who complained. They don't want our high school students building houses in their neighborhood because it would mar the beauty of their old homes ... they probably didn't want the memorial either ... wouldn't put it pas them to complaint to the City about that, too. I bet if the memorial had been on the other side of Merriman, no one would have complained. Unfortunately, those in Old Rosedale seem to be elitist snobs. So a memorial on the Kempa's lawn would also be "unacceptable" to them. Did the Association even know that Chris Kempa was one of them???
a mom
-

Who knows if the truck was speeding. But it was the only vehicle moving on that side of the road while others were stopped, right?
ANON
-

So Mellow Man, just what is your beef? Thought the truck was absolved of any wrong doing by the Wayne County Prosecutor. Isn't that what you wanted? Why are you whining here?
A Parent
-

CHRIS!!!!!!!!! i just successfully downloaded yum yum's doot doot song.... this has been the best weekend of my life. i miss u so much, but now i have our song :) this means the world to me. i love u, christopher! i cant wait to see u soon. all the love that i have.... sara brianne
sara nolan <grandmanip@hotmail.com>
-

For the record, the range of speed of the truck given in the police report includes speeds higher than the posted speed limit. The Detroit News reporter had access to this report, and probably drew his conclusion from that information. No one in my family said anything about the driver to the reporter.

Those who insist on harrassing us would do well to peruse this site.
Adam Kempa <adam@kempa.com>
-

Dear Mellow Man, You should learn how to spell and use proper grammar before posting your opinion in a public forum. Any educated person knows that in order to be taken seriously one must first put together a written argument without grammar and spelling mistakes. It is very amusing to see how someone who posts a comment that is obviously ignorant proves how ignorant he or she really is by spelling heard “herd” or by any of the other mistakes throughout your message. Keep on doing yourself and your cause proud. Erik
Erik <BigK316@aol.com>
-

Dear Mom, I don't want to open any deep wounds, but I need to know something. Was Chris, your beloved son, an adopted son? I was skimming through the News last night and was struck by the beautiful picture of your son. Beautiful to me because he looked so much like my son. My wife and I adopted our son knowing that he had a "blood brother" a couple of years older than he is. My son is a freshman this year. His sibling would be a junior. Your son's photo stopped me in my tracks. After reading about his life and his talents, I just have to know. No matter what, one thing is certain, your son is looking down on you each day from heaven! God Bless!
A Reader
-

Mellow man - if you have a problem please take it up elsewhere instead of junking up this one beautiful memorial that we do have! You are sooo lame! It's a shame I have to write like this on this wonderful website!
NLS <Nicoliolio82@hotmail.com>
-

To Mellow Man and his family......leave Chris' family alone......you've done enough to them already. And please, PLEASE, all of you.... learn how to spell!!!
A Disgusted Franklin Student <~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`>
-

To "Aciticen@livonia.com"...you are a poor excuse for a citizen of Livonia Michigan. You are a cruel and unusual excuse for a human being. You try and deal with this loss. You are a heartless jerk. Do a little soul searching and maybe you will understand what this family is experiencing. Have you not ever lost??
JoAnne
-

Dear Mellow Man

If you have a problem with the story take it up with the reporter. I never mentioned the driver or what he was doing. The story was about the memorial.
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

I don't get why one complaint can take The memorial down, but however many Complaints that it isn't there do Nothing. I would really like to know How many people have been killed or Even hurt because they were looking At a memorial from their car. It just Does not make sense to me.
- <->
USA -

To Mellow Man - the issue of the News Story is the Memorial Site, not the truck.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

There was a memorial in Livonia for well over a year on I-96 West just as it turns into the I-275 junction. I'm not sure if it's still up or not. You would think a memorial on a freeway would be a lot more distracting then one on West Chicago.
Rich <valhallaent@aol.com>
-

I'm a bit confused it seems that someone is spreading mis information to the news media. I have herd from many sorces that Chris was killed by a speeding truck. Now thats different then the police report. I guess a speeding truck sounds better. Yes it's the truth we are after and our side will do what ever it takes.
mellow man <formelow@hotmail.com>
-

Survey Says: 62%NO vs. 37% Yes. Keep voting NO
unknown <<>>
USA -

i find it somewhat strange how quickly the city reacted to a complaint issued about the memorial site, when it took them at least 4 days to fix the malfunctioning cross walk lights at the merriman and west chicago intersection... apparently, the city has their priorities stuck directly up their asses.
ryan allen <ryanrawk@hotmail.com>
-

hey there Chris!! how are you doing? i went and visited you yesterday and i tried but i couldn't hold back my tears. i left you some stuff and i know that i will be back to visit soon and i think i'm going to bring dustin. i know that we both miss you so much. i miss working with you and seeing you in the halls. so guess what? i made it to ccs!! it won't be the same without you going to be there a year after me. i know that's where you wanted to go. well i guess i can say that i'll be going for you. you're always in my thoughts. and so is your family. i still can not believe some people. calling and complaining that your memorial cite was causing a distraction. whatever. i know that whenever i went passed it, and i still do it, i say "hey chris." nothing is going stop us. all of your friends are going to be up there. i'm going for your birthday and every other holiday. mrs kempa, i'm glad that you love the pictures and i'm glad that you got them. i keep on emailing the mayor and telling him that we want something up there by the corner saying something like,"in loving memory of Chris" but i haven't gotten a reply yet. well Chris, until next time buddy. P.S. everybody at larry's says hi. love you, jenny
Jenny <dustinsangel2001@yahoo.com>
-

Hey guys the poll is at 66% NO!
-------------------- <------------------------->
-

Does the city fail to see that the morning that Chris was taken from us that there was nothing on the corner distracting drivers. Chris, I think of you often and keep you in my prayers. I hope the site from heaven is a good one. To see all of your friends and family fight to keep your memory alive. No matter what happens you will never be forgoten. All my love, Jill
Jill <Jlasndul@aol.com>
Wyandotte, Mi USA -

Wonder if the Mayor has any supporting evidence or if a study was ever done about roadside Memorials creating accidents/injuries?? I just finished a 350+mile trek today. Westland to Canton to Mt.Pleasant, to Canton, to Downtown Detroit, to Westland. Of the many roadside Memorials I drove by, not one of them caused me to have an accident, nor did I or my passengers sustain any injuries on the heavily traveled roads at speeds of 55-70 mph. I sure did say a lot of prayers though for each and every one of those Memorials. The Detroit News Article was good, I read the article at the Mt. Pleasant Big Boy, but it does not address the issue whether it is a proven fact or not that roadside Memorials cause accidents/injuries.
Mary Stanczyk <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Fran, I still can't believe that YOU should be the one to contact the Mayor in regards to placing something permanent in Chris's memory. As i said this afternoon, HE should be on the phone contacting you offering to do whatever he can to honor Chris. Love you, Claud
Claudia <CLU455>
-

The following is the post I made in the Detroit News Forum. I don't know how long it takes to show up on their page, so I figured I'd repost it here for those interested. After reading some of those comments, I wanted to break something. -------It is unbelievable how coarse and insensitive some of the comments on here have been. How dare any of us complain that a small memorial in honor of a lost son is an eyesore. Oh horror of horror's, not an EYESORE! Many of Chris' friends are not old enough to drive to visit his gravesite, and the roadside memorial helped these kids cope with this unfortunate accident. Why should the family, the neighborhood, the school, and the community have to be told how to grieve because ONE person complained about it? I'm sure if given the choice, the parents, family, and friends of Chris would gladly switch places with those who are forced to endure an "eyesore" for the two seconds they pass by that intersection, rather than have to cope with the loss of their son and the barrage of insensitivity that they have faced when trying to grieve for him. My thoughts are with the Kempa's and all those who have had to endure such tragic events. My thoughts also go out to those so callous that they felt it necessary to post inconsiderate and rude comments in this forum. I sincerely hope that in your times of grief you are not met with the same harsh insensitivity that seems so easy for you to show others.
Jim <jfunk2800@aol.com>
-

I intend to see if Mr. Kirksey is true to his word as printed in the paper. He said he'd be willing to work with us in planning something permanent there. This was NOT the way it was presented last Fri. morning by Mr.Bill McDonald.He simply said ,"it has to come down." I specifically asked him ,"are you telling me I can't have one flower, one candle there,nothing?" His reply was ,"that's right nothing." The story seems to have changed in a week. We'll see when I ATTEMPT to contact Mr. Kirksey early next week. I thimk phones are much nicer than form letters.
Fran kempa <Notfranny@ aol.com>
-

It is truly sad that the city has forced the memorial to be taken down and then not even allow a simple flower! I think the city forgets that when Chris was killed there was nothing on the corner and still there was an accident. I don't believe it's the surroundings that causes problems, so much as those people who are driving. Those who complain obvioulsy have no idea what it's like to lose somebody so tragicly!
Janine <heartshappedboxx@aol.com>
-

kendall voted and now we are at 50% thank u kendall
--- <--->
-

We are up to 48% from early this morning at 33% Keep voting in the CYBER SURVEY
kp <kp>
-

The Detroit News Cyber Survey needs some serious support for our cause!
Kathy <MsKateP>
-

Did anyone really think the Livonia Observer would take any other stand but one of support to the city? You must know that that would NEVER happen, it would be biting the hand that feeds.

Let's see how the Detroit News views the story. Their story will run tomorrow (Fri.) as a feature. Some have said front page, possibly of the metro section. I'm not sure. It will be somewhere in Fri's News.
Another Legal Eagle
-

We received our form letter from the Mayor's office in today's mail.
Fran Kempa
-

I can't belive not 1 letter to the editor involving Chris's memorial made it into the Observer. I know my journalistic background is mainly scholastic but I did learn if you got many letters on a single topic to at least represent it with one letter. Instead they wrote some sappy "editorial" which wasn't even an editorial cause the editor didnt have the nerve to take a side on the issue which you're supposed to do on an opinion page. And besides it would have made more sense if the Observer would have chosen some letters from people who actually have feelings on the situation instead the editor who gets all his information 2nd hand and is removed fromt he situation.
Rich <valhallaent@aol.com>
-

please, let's not encourage this persons behavior. the person WANTS a reaction. that is why he/she left that nasty message here. he/she is trying to break us down by getting us upset and angry. what knocks us down will only make us stronger! chris's memory will live and florish FOREVER.
. <.>
-

to "who knows" i think the exact same as tracy. you dont deserve our hatred but rather our sympthy. i feel sorry for someone who is so low and heartless and i know you will get yours soon. i feel sorry for someone that is as sad as you. you are a horrible person and we dont need your comments on this beautiful website that is tributed to an awesome person and our greatest friend. but why am i telling you this. you dont care. you are selfish and mean. if you had a kid that passed away im sure that you would want something in their memory that their friends can visit. if you do have kids i feel sorry for them that they have such a horrible parent as you. you are very sad. its people like you that cause more grief because we have lost a great person and you dont even care. i hope that you just crawl back in the whole you came from before i get to you because when i do you will wish you were never born chris i love you and i am sorry for this coldhearted person. we love you and are praying for you. love woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

"But it's all about safety", officials say in regards to the Memorial Site. I'm afraid safety went right out the door with a history of malfunctioning lights.
A Parent
-

Just finished reading the Livonia Observer Editor comment on the Memorial. This part makes me angry: "Perhaps if the memorial had remained smaller, nearer the ground like other less obvious tributes we've seen set or RE-EMERGE around the city it would not have gotten the attention of city inspectors and would have been left alone." Then why did the City not ask for it to be scaled down first instead of ordering it to be totally taken down? Does the comment suggest that this Memorial may RE-EMERGE on a smaller scale without penalty? Mrs. Kempa did plan on scaling this Memorial down, but the City didn't even give the Kempa family that option last week. As far as I seen, it had been a continual scale down process. While I'm at it I'd like to personally thank the lovely resident on Joy Road who has never had a problem with Alycia's Memorial on her front lawn or the kids who have visited it for 3 straight years.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

hello Chris. I just thought that I would say how much I miss you today. I was thinking alot about your memorial being taken down lately. I cried at first, but then I realized that whether there were things at the site or not, each time I drive past that intersection, I am reminded of what happened to you. I don't need flowers there to know that you were taken so unfairly. It is too bad that someone thinks that seeing items placed there to show our love for you is such a bother to that person. Perhaps it pains them too much to know how horrible your death was. I know that you are up there watching all f this, and looking down on all of us. Whoever this "Who Knows" person is, doesn't diserve our hatred, but our sympathy. I really feel bad for someone how has such a disregard for your family and friends. I love you Chris, and I continue to pray for your family.
Tracy <CheshireCat354@excite.com>
-

When we read entries such as the one from "Who Knows" we shouldn't get angry. We should take great comfort in knowing Chris truly is in a better place. God doesn't allow people like that up there. They go somewhere else.
I Know <..........................................>
-

To CITIZEN - Looks like you don't even have heart that could be ripped out. I guess good for you, you don't feel pain. You've never really lived unless you've felt pain. Be grateful that you even have a life as miserable as you sound.
Mary Stanczyk
-

Dear "A CITIZEN" you are obviously a mental midget for posting such a nasty comment on this beautiful webpage. I'm sure you have better things to do with your time, so leave those of us that love Chris alone.
Robert Wilkins <BW3-12-84>
-

To ACITIZEN@LIVONIA.COM GET A LIFE! I notice that you are too cowardly to leave your real e-mail address, which leads me to think that you are perhaps the mean-spirited individual that made the anonymous nuisance complaint in the first place. What goes around comes around. Hope you have some support when you get yours.
Aunt Kathy <MsKateP>
-

don't worry. "a citzen" will get there's one day. do not let words break you. keep your head up because we are stronger than those who insist on knocking us down. and for those who have nothing better to do than see pain in our eyes.
... <...>
-

And even if the Memorial was moved to the Kempa's front lawn, there would still be people like you to complain about it. I hope a tragedy never strikes your family and rips your heart out. Life is for the living, but you have to heal first before you can move on, something you seem to know nothing about.
MCS
-

To: "Who Knows" You are very rude and insensitive towards a family who has already suffered enough. Please take your selfishness and meanness elsewhere. ~A Concerned Neighbor
A Concerned Neighbor
-

I'm happy to see this eye sore has been removed. Life is for the living so lets get on with it.Why not move this thing to the Kempa's front lawn.
Who Knows <Acitizen@livonia.com>
Livonia, MI USA -

I did not know chris very well yet I did attend school with him and whenever I saw him in school he had a smile on his face or was laughing with some friends.I think I might have said hello to him once or twice in the hall but never really got the chance to meet him and talk with him! I wish that I did take that extra couple mintues to talk to chris. I visit this site everyday and love to hear all the great things that people say about you chris,you are missed and loved and will always be in our hearts and mind! We all miss you chris and love you very much!!
Chrissy Bartlett
-

Sorry, here I go again. P.S. to Mr. Mayor - you haven't a CLUE to what this all about. Glad the Detroit News is listening. Did anyone find out why the UPN van was at the site yesterday??
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Well Mr. Mayor, the Scholarship Fund is already in effect. Planting a tree is a lovely idea. The Pom girls planted one in memory of Alycia on Franklin school grounds, but they STILL used her Memorial site for their vigils especially before their Competitions and on the anniversary date of her death, on her birthday and at Xmas. 3 years running right now. There is something spiritual about a persons last living place on Earth. A tree on Franklin's grounds is a wonderful rememberance too and should be considered, but it still won't be THE place to remember.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

We were contacted by a reporter from the Detroit News this morning.They are going to run a story on the City's order to have the Memorial removed. I'm not sure when it will run as they want to make it a feature.

A BIG thank you to Jenny Gervasi for giving us today's picture. It was taken during this year's Chicago trip. She alo gave us several others. As I tried to explain to her, these recent pictures are now cherished!
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

hello. i got one of those emails from the mayors office that said to start a scholorship fund and to plant a tree. im sure there is already a scholorship fund in effect so that shows how much that the mayor payes attention. also i know that alot of emails were sent but i thought maybe they would take the time to address each one personally. doing the exact letter to everyone shows how much they really care. oh well at least they changed the names. thats surprising. well i am still very angry as well as everyone else. so keep writing i love you chris love woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

The mayor's office has started sending out form letters to everyone who has written. Basically they say 'Start a Scholarship Fund.' If the city had taken the time to contact us, they would know that we already did this. Feel free to write to the mayor's office if you haven't already. At least they have to take the time to address all those identical e-mails.
adam <adam@kempa.com>
-

Monday night on my way home from work, I drove past the memorial site and there were four candles going. Later that night my wife and I went up to the site. There were 30 or 40 candles going, it looked like a little camp fire. There was a large group of kids who came and left in little groups...

I know that this won't or can't happen every night Tuesday was too windy. It made us feel good Monday night. Thanks to everyone for remembering Chirs. He had many good friends.
Dad <afk@aol.com>
-

Cary, NC new fan here. Visit this page often. God Bless the family and friends. Would love to have been to your memorial the day after they made your parents remove it. Keep the candles burning.
B.Westfall <BW31284>
-

I did not know Chris. I missed out. I do know that he was an incredible artist, and the world is at a loss. I do know that I found this site through Adam's site, and I added my own candle last night, to the beatiful tribute at that corner. As I walked back to my car I cried for a life that should not have been lost. I cried because the city in which I live has chosen politics over humanity. I left a candle as a tribute to this fine artist, but also as a reminder to our community, that the city has still not fixed that light. It does not matter if it works fine 95% of the time. It's that 5% that it's not working that matters. I am angry that they can find the time to send a police officer to guard the tribute, but cannot find the time to replace the signal. And my suggestion is that until something is done about that light, the memorial should continue to be rebuilt. And if that means I buy a year's supply of candles, I will. I cannot understand the pain Chris's family and friends are going through. But I will fight with all of you to see something done. It's all I can offer. I wish there was more.
A Visitor
USA -

It doesn't matter if they take the candles...we'll just put more out. We'll never forget...and we won't let them forget either. They will just have to keep coming to get them.
:) <******>
-

Why weren't they sitting at the corner when the lights were malfunctioning?
A friend <>>>>>>>>>
-

I drove W. Chicago from Farmington to Merriman at just a little after 3. LP was sitting midway at Rosedale Church facing Merriman.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

UPN. Isn't that channel 50? News coverage maybe??
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

I just drove by the corner myself. Everything is indeed gone, and a UPN van was parked nearby. Anyone know what's going on?
adam <adam@kempa.com>
-

Dear Chris, Your family had to comply with Livonia Police the morning of your accident, then they had to comply with a very lengthy wait for an accident report, they also had to comply with a wait to have the intersection signals checked out for fear that someone else would be hurt, they have had to comply with the Wayne County Prosecuter's decision and have recently complied with the City of Livonia's order to remove your Memorial site. Just how much more must your family and friends have to comply with in addition to you not being here? PLEASE keep shining down on your family and friends, as we will continue to shine right back at you. These people cannot and will not break our spirit and the spirit you left behind.
A Friend <* * * * * *>
-

Just passed by the corner. (3:15). All of our stuff is gone and they had one of Livonia's Finest apparently guarding the pole! He was sitting in his car by the curb watching the site! Don't we have more serious things for our police to be doing???
Franklin Girl <`````````````````*******```````````````````````>
-

hey chris. whats goin on. yesterday some of us went up to the memorial and lit a bunch of candles for you. we talked bout memories and its the first time ive been up there and not cried. last night was also the first night i havent cried. i was coming home from franklin today and i passed the memorial. they took all of our candles and jones bottles. they dont understand that we will keep going up there and thats just how it is. that upet me that everything is gone. but there will be more tonight and forever. you are always in my heart and on my mind dear friend. i love you. love woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

Dear Chris: If I was in Michigan last night, I would have been there with your Mom holding a candle. I am very sorry that the politicians are so heartless and they made your family take the memorial down, but you know that everyone will still think of you and pray for you every day. You will never be forgotten. How could you? Look at the many lives you have touched. Keep shining down on us Chris!
Aunt JoAnne <jgvpri@aol.com>
-

Never underestimate the power of Franklin High School students, their friends, and family.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

i wish i was at home this week chris, i wish that i could have been there tonight, i wish that lori could have been there tonight... i know that would have helped her more than any hospital... thank you chris for watching out for her and the rest of us. i love you and miss you terribly
sara
-

Hey Chris! I bet your loving the view from above tonight!! Look what everybody did for you tonight...their keeping your light shinning bright! I brought tears to my eyes. All of that at the corner Chris is for you! Love Always, Katie
Katie B
-

Hey Chris, It hasn't really been all that long since I've last writen in your guest book! Its finally started today I didn't cry once well its not over yet but hopefully I'll pull through! I wrote an email to the mayor and this is exactly what it said: You people confuse me! Someone very much loved is killed because someone didn't have the brains to slow down one nothing happens about it and now just because a couple people slow down to look at the wonderful memorial put together by the many people that loved chris you had his family take it down! I'm sorry but thats just pathetic! You people need to start worrying about something that really matters if you can take the time to make a family take down a harmless memorial than you should be able to take the time to fix or have someone fix that stupid cross road! Thank you, Virginia Moshos Who knows if it will have any affect or not but hopefully if enough people send or email him we might be able to at least have a small memorial! I loveyou and miss you so much! Ginny!
Virginia Moshos <lemon_head14@hotmail.com/gorgous_girl11@hotmail.com>
-

UNBELIEVABLE that a mere 9 year old child created today's AWESOME ARTWORK !Everyone at work has been admiring today's picture, which is my new wallpaper for the laptop in my office. I save all the pictures, and many become wallpaper and screensavers. I HATE what the city did for the memorial. It was an inconsiderate decision at best. Whomever the anonymous man is that caused this ....I don't think removing the memorial items will cause us to forget Chris for even a second. You may have friends in high places in the city, but we who mourn Christopher have a special angel in a much higher place called heaven....Chris is our angel.
Kathy <MsKateP>
-

UNBELIEVABLE that a mere 9 year old child created today's AWESOME ARTWORK !Everyone at work has been admiring today's picture, which is my new wallpaper for the laptop in my office. I save all the pictures, and many become wallpaper and screensavers. I HATE what the city did for the memorial. It was an inconsiderate decision at best. Whomever the anonymous man is that caused this ....I don't think removing the memorial items will cause us to forget Chris for even a second. You may have friends in high places in the city, but we who mourn Christopher have a special angel in a much higher place called heaven....Chris is our angel.
Kathy <MsKateP>
-

Just was by the corner.....there must be fifty candles there and almost as many people! We love you Chris, we'll never let you be forgotten as hard as they try! I know you love it!
One Of Chris' Many Friends Who Won't Let His Light go Out <..................<>.............................>
-

miss you....
- <->
-

my girls and i drove by today and they noticed that the memorial had been taken down. no matter if there are things on that corner or not we will always remember chris and pray that every day his family heals a little more. so many people have told me that seeing the candles up there have reminded them to slow down and watch for people walking across the street. we drive by at least once a day just to think of chris. i hope he is happy and drawing up a storm in heaven.
D.C. <dcronkhite@aol.com>
-

I am sorry if you took offense to my quote, it was just something I herd I am not saying that it is not going to be hard and everything is going to be the same without chris I am just trying to say that no matter how bad things seem right now don't worry things will get better. I love chris very much and miss him very much I will never be the same again without hi, I come to this site everyday and love reading all the good things people say about you chris, you mea a lot to me and everyone!
annonymous
-

Your intention may be to help us in this darkest time of our lives. However, I don't think your quote applies to the death of a child.

At the last meeting of a support group a man whose child died 24 years ago spoke. He stated that "you never get over the death of a child you just learn to live with it."
Dad <afk49@aol.com>
-

when an emotional injury takes place, the body begins a process as natural as the healing of a physical wound. Let the process happen.Trust that nature will do the healing. Know that the pain will pass, and, when it passes, you will be stronger, happiers, more sensitive and aware.
anonymous
-

To the citizen or citizens who complained about the Memorial Site. Let's hope this never happens to a family member or friend of yours. Now explain to me why intersections are still, and always will be hazzard even without a Memorial Site on any of its corners. Think about it the next time you approach one. Look around you. How many red light runners do you see, how many drivers talking on cell phones do you see, how many might quite possibly be drunk and you don't even know it, you also don't know when a high speed police chase may cross your path. The Memorial Site was NOT an accident waiting to happen - the accident already OCCURED.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Just drop those stuffed animals off to Mr. K at Franklin's Student Activities Office and they can be donated to one of the many Community Service Projects that the students work on like the COTS Shelter.
MCS <mopcopsop>
-

Chris, we had to take down your memorial today, someone complained...... and the city said either we remove it or they would. They gave us until Monday

Many good friends and neighbors were there to help. The "many hands" made the work go quickly which was a big help to your mother, brother and I. Many thanks to each and everyone who helped us.

I feel the real reason that we had to take your memorial down was that people don't want to be reminded how quickly their lives can be changed forever.

I miss you every minute of every day. I just wish the driver had missed you, on Monday, November 20th 2000.
Dad <AFK49@aol.com>
-

Now there is another hole in my heart...because of the memorial being taked down. I always went there just to place a flower and say a prayer and think of Chris and try to think about what he's doing right now...i still do that when i'm not at the memorial. But it still kills me inside knowing that a place where we can grieve and let our emotions out is gone. That memorial was there so people wouldn't have to drive so far just to grieve...it was right around the corner. Some of kids at FHS don't even own a car or drive yet! That was our place to remember Chris...our beloved Chris Kempa. I still don't understand why this memorial is gone and the other 2 are still up! I just don't understand. But still no matter what...with or without a memorial i will always think of you Chris and i will always keep you in my heart and mind! FOREVER! You are the wind benieth my wings Chris! Love Always, Katie
Katie B.
-

I am a Mother of a Franklin senior, I was at his funeral service, I never knew the young man yet I will never forget him. The memorial is important because it reminds drivers to pay attention and Children to be careful crossing the street and it always reminds me to thank God everyday for what I have. Noone knows day by day or minute by minute what can happen, but all things happen for a reason. The memory of Chris is there and should remain there for the sake of all children. God bless The Kempa's from one parent to another.
Kyle <kwralph@aol.com>
-

In my history of passing memorial sites,I know it only takes one glance to know what it is for. I always leave a few words of prayer for the victim and their family, whoever they may be. It consumes but a few seconds. It reminds me of the reality of death, because to most young minds it's something so inconceivable and light years away. What a tragedy in the midst of a tragedy.
NLS <nicoliolio82@hotmail.com>
USA -

Just visiting the site and thinking about Chris...he has brought so many people together...emotionally and spiritually...I will always remember Chris as a gift to this world...how blessed we are to have been touched by him. May the website live on as our "memorial" to leave our thoughts, prayers and memories... With love...Ms. Hillman
Ms. Hillman
-

It upsets me greatly that Chris's memorial had to be taken down. For many of us, it was a place where we could go and "be" with Chris...a place where we could go and maybe see a friendly face and give or receive a hug from either a friend or a stranger. It was also a place or remembering. I know that I have driven past that corner numerous times and it doesn't seem to be a distraction to me. If anything, it is a reminder to be a cautious driver so that no one will ever have to go through what Chris's family and friends are going through. We all know that we don't NEED a memorial to remember Chris, but we all know just how much we will all miss it. I also don't understand how Chris's memorial is such a distraction while many others near by aren't. But with all those thoughts aside, we all know that just because the city made us take it down, they cannot stop people from going there and remembering or grieving. I also have an idea for Mrs.Kempa...you could take the stuffed animals to the children's ward at a hospital...I think that many of them would enjoy a new "friend"...not only that but I think that they would also have an angel watching over them. Chris will be there with them just as he is with all of us every day.
Michele <Shelly613@hotmail.com>
-

The Memorial is gone now. I hope the city officials are happy and relieved.The citizens of Livonia are safe now!

Does anyone know a good place to donate stuffed animals? They have been washed ,fabric softened and look brand new.I'm sure there's a need for them somewhere. I know the people who left them wouldn't mind them being donated in loving memory of Chris! Please let me know.
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

No matter what happens to the memorial, Chris will always be in our hearts..you will never be forgotten Chris....
caleb <calebdeady@hotmail.com>
-

Well, I must give a huge round of appluse to Mike Deady. While the article wasn't what I had hoped for either, I think the comment on the George Burns Theater being a huge eyesore was a great point. This whole issue makes me hate Livonia. Anyone notice how the new motto for Livionia is "Families still first." What a joke! I'm still going to go up to the site and leave a flower, just as I always do. My dad said that he jogs by there all the time and it always looks well kept, he doesn't think its a problem either. I'd also like to mention that the pick up times for leaves on my street is on Wednesday, Or so the sign says. Its been hanging there since September. Maybe I should make a complaint. I'm behind the Kempas all the way. You guys have an army of kids who loved your son and are willing to help you in this fight. I'm happy to be one of them.
Cyndi! <Goldfingercjl@yahoo.com>
-

I say we all go out and buy flowers. Lets flood that corner with nothing but hundreds of flowers. Are people really going to complain about flowers being a distraction?
a girl <________________________>
-

hey i just wanted to say that i read the article in the observer and it seemed like the city has no compassion. cant they show any love. do they have hearts. i dont no why they are doing this i drive by that memorial at least twice a day and go up there at least once a night. it is no road hazard or anything and im a teenage driver so if it isnt a hazard to me it shouldnt be one to a 40 year old. i just feel its very pointless. i hope everyone as i will will continue putting items up there in rememberance of chris. love woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

Sorry, both of the girls Memorial sites are in Westland.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
Westland, MI USA -

Alycia's Memorial is in Westland on the border of Livonia. But I do believe that Nicole Magurian's is in the City of Livonia since it is west of Farmington on A.A. Trail. Right?
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

I just wanted to say that this whole thing still makes me mad. Why wouldnt they take down Alycia's memorial on Joy or Nicole's on Ann Arbor Tr?? Is it not the same? I know i would rather go to a memorial than the cemetary. I think we sould be a bunch of pains in the asses when it comes to the taking down of the memorial. But as everyone says Chris's memories are not portrayed by a bunch of materialistic items on a corner it is the memories he himself left in our minds and hearts. ~Jamie~
Jamie Harb <JLynn3217@yahoo.com>
-

I was rather disappointed by Mr. O'Connor's article in today's Observer. He chose not to print the two main points I wanted to make during our brief telephone interview. I realize there are far fewer readers of this web page than readers of the Observer, but I still want to make my points.

I told Mr. O'Connor that I can hardly bring myself to go to the cemetary, and the kids are certainly not going to go. The kids go to the corner; this has been one way for them to deal with their grief. It's still early in the process and as I wrote to Mr. Varga, I wonder what a child psychologist would say about taking this Memorial away from the kids at this stage.

The other point I wanted to make dealt with one thing I've learned from this whole ordeal. Since that first horrible day, I have learned that there are many people in authority with very cold hearts.
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

It's never too late to voice your opinion or concern.
>:-I
-

I just found the mayor's email mayor@ci.livonia.mi.us It might be to late but I am sure anything will help.........
Caleb <calebdeady@hotmail.com>
-

Letters To The Editor are only published in the Thursday edition, so if you haven't let your voice be heard yet, there is still time to email your letter.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

I'm so sorry that the memorial for Chris was ordered to be taken down. I don't think it's fair. Yes, I'll admit everytime I drive by that corner I slow down...I do this so I remember to be careful and so that I remember Chris. Other memorials around town are still up...why can't this one stay as well? It's a beautiful reminder of someone who touched so many people...the person ordering it to be taken down and the person who complained obviously didn't know Chris...if they did maybe the story would be different. Well no matter what happens...Chris will always be in our hearts and minds forever!!
Jamie Proctor <princess2472117@aol.com>
-

Why is the City of Livonia so different in their ruling of Memorials than most other cities? And why did they impose this order based on only 1 complaint? I'm sure the students would be more than happy to visit Chris' final resting place if they could get there. Most of these students don't drive or have cars yet. Why not allow them this place to gather and grief their loss? This tragedy is still as fresh as the day it occurred. Give the kids more time to deal with this loss. Let them have this one tiny corner that is so beautifully and neatly done and let that large cross of Peace Lutheran Church shine down upon them all to keep them safe on their journeys.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Although I'd hate to see memorials removed for other tragic accident victims, it must be an all or none deal; otherwise, the city is guilty of being prejudiced.
Legal Eagle <Knowyourlaws@mindspring.com>
-

Is it possible the complaint was from ORGHA? They have inappropriately complained about such things in the past (which is, in part, why our family and many others do not belong to this association). The reason I am asking is that they seem to be more concerned with pillars, and architectural esthetics than they do with the safety and welfare of children...Just a thought...
A Rosedale Neighbor
-

Let us all wait and see how this story unfolds in the Sunday edition of the Livonia Observer. Should make for some interesting reading and keep this tragedy from being swept under the carpet.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

"Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time...It tells us to tell each other right now the we love each other"
-Leo F. Buscaglia
-

They said it had to be taken down.... I say move it... to another corner. The one that is there was taken down... would they then have to wait for another complaint before they could ask for the new memorial to be removed??? There are 4 corners.... as Adamn said "we can at least be a pain in the ass".
Sharon
-

people, I read what everyone is saying about the driver. Please lets not be angry. lets not fault anyone. Mrs. Kempa, It was not your fault, please don't blam yourself. lets just bring peace. It herts me to see, and here angry/upset people. Chris is with all of us. put a smile on our face, and lets think positive about his life, and everything he was here for. Chris was the most beautiful person I/we knew signed, someone who cares.
.....
USA -

we never know what roads life takes us on, some are bumps some have mild speed bumps and some end in huge detours, this i consider non of them. tonight i am thinkinhg of how inconsiderate life can be, but realizing that nothing anyone can do will change that. even though your memorial will be taken down, we all have you in our hearts and souls forever, as we go past those horrible roads at your accident,we know, what happend we will never forget how you have touched us. all i can say to anyone is this all happend for a reason, wich we may never understand and probably will never understand and the only way to carry on chris is to coe to the realization of we all love him, and no matter what anyone tryes to take away they can't have our memories of him, take down the freaking memorial, as they say they will. i am not in anyway meaning i think the idea is a good one cause i don't at all, my v day ribbon i tied up there before i went crazy, around someone's candle in someway helped me to deal with it, but even though our mametos will be gone it's not as though i won't visit the site as usual, or like i won't still stop driving and slowing down for that few minutes to remember what happend, or the fact that because someone life ended and anothers ruined i am still going to stop slow down cause my disturbence (such as was said) to realize how precious life is and how we take advantage of it everyday) all i have to say is i talk too much and that his memorial should be a disturbence, because to those it is our the people out there that cannot think beyond their meaningless life to realize once you hurt one person you hurt many others. don't let this be a bad thing use it for what is ment to be used for " finding life's meaning" and keep going to the memorial,leave your flowers, slow down and pay attencion to where your going and what your doing before you do it. nobody ever got anywhere by "letting the man get you down"- damn the man-emprire records. stop at the site often, and let everyone look and stare while there busy lifes pause for that mid second. remember the angel that touched us all and let his wings and his weezer shirt guide you to where ever it is your suposed to be. with love and consern a thankful friend love is in my heart lori boros thank you mr& mrs.kempa for a wonderful friend and a perfectly wholesome young man.
lori anne boros <pragmatize@aol.com>
-

I know it's been a while since I've written but I've been thinking about you more than usual lately. I just tought myself to silkscreen yesterday and that made me think of you because... What would you have done with it? I'm sure you would have come up with some great ideas to impliment it. There's also a neat photo exhibit at C-Pop that you definately would have liked. Lauren and I are going to see Death Cab for Cutie soon. I wouldn't know who they are if it wasn't for you. I must say I'm quite dissapointed to hear about your memorial having to be taken down. Aparently some people have no compassion. But the best memories can't be stapled to a light post. Those memories are in our minds and hearts and the city can never take them away.
john h <cvj_hicks>
-

Its funny how it takes one complaint to have a memorial taken down because of the accdents that MAY occur. But 100 complaints to the police and newspapers about a faulty crosswalk that killed a kid (our friend) does nothing. -Derek Nowicki
Derek <Nowickid@kearsarge.navy.mil>
-

The order to remove the Memorial was handed down by the City of Livonia based on only 1 complaint? I wonder how the person who handed down the order would feel if it was their child's Memorial Site being taken down due to 1 lousy complaint and many complaints pleading otherwise.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Looks like the driver and his family have a lot of CLOUT in the administrative legalese of Livonia. MR. DRIVER....you can cover all your guilt in any way you like but you will never convince any of us that you are not blameless for this needless death. In your heart you KNOW the facts and as the Lord says in the good book.....VENGEANCE is MINE.
Mridon'twantanyhatemailfromthe driver <Iamanonymous@yahoo.com>
-

As I can see, many people are aware we have been ordered by the city to remove the memorial this weekend. Mr. Bill McDonald from the inspection department contacted us at 8:30 this morning to give us the news. He said they had received an anonymous telephone complaint describing it as a "nuisance." The caller didn't have the courage to give their identity. I can only think of a very few people who would consider it a nuisance, and they are all related. Perhaps some have a guilty conscience.

We will reluctantly comply with the order. I know if we don't the city WILL remove it. The way Mr. McDonald put it was, "Do you want to remove it or do you want us to?" I told Mr. McDonald the city had better not touch the memorial. I know they would just come along, bag everything up and throw it away. The memorial will come down some time Sunday. If anyone wants to make one last visit please come tonight or Saturday. I intend to have MANY candles burning in memory of my sweet son both nights. Thank you all for your support.
Fran Kempa <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

No matter what happens with the memorial, Chris will be in our hearts forever...
---------- <-------------->
-

If the memorial is torn down this weekend, I hope many friends will create a new one with me. CHRIS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
---a good friend
USA -

How quickly did the City of Livonia act when it was determined that the WALK light had become "a nuisance and a hazard"?
Anon
-

I hope the City Of Livonia will realize how devestated many will be. Heaven forbid people slow down while going through the intersection. If people were slowing down in the first place, none of this would be happening; and we wouldn't have to keep Chris alive through our memories. This is terrible.
Anonymous
-

hi. i wrote an email to the guy at the observer and i hope it helps. i was wondering if there is any legal way to fight this because that memorial among other things lets us remember what a great person chris was and tearing it down will be pointless, and will upset everyone a great deal.
jason <avsrule1449>
-

Keep sending those emails to the Observer. I've just spoke personally with Mr. Varga and there will be a story about the City of Livonia vs Chris' Memorial in the Sunday edition. While I was out doing errands I noticed that Nicole Magurin's Memorial is still in place on A.A. Trail as is Alycia Madgewick's on Joy Road. Both of these sites have been in place since 1997 and from what I can see, are still currently being visited.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

what a sick world we live in. where we can't even mourn a death in our own way. we follow the "rules"..the rules that "they" make. we have no choice or say in how we LIVE OUR OWN LIVES. we are not hurting anyone. it's just another way for "them" to control us.
angry, and embarrassed to be, livonia citzen
-

It is terrible that you are being asked to take the memorial down...There are other such memorials that have remained up for years, e.g., the one to the Franklin girl who was killed on Joy Road, not too far from the school....why does yours have to come down while that one and others stay up?
Jean B.
-

this is a travesty
- <->
USA -

Nuisance and a hazzard?? I'd say garage sale signs, Realtors Open House signs, Political signs, Craft Show signs sitting on corners could be considered a nuisance and a hazzard. Don't drivers slow down to read them? Geez, heaven forbid someone might slow down to read a street sign. Why are there many Memorial sites left up for a year or more in other areas? Because they are good reminders for all!
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

dear chris, Hi how are you? I'm fine. I read that the city is ordering us to take down your memnoria or they will take it down for us. thats just wrong I mean thats there to remined us of what happened and to tell us to becarful when we drive at night and during the early morning times, and to look both ways before starting to continue to drive. I have an IDEA that might work to keep your memorical up. (sorry my spelling is bad) we should start a patition to keep up your memorial if your brother will write back thank you
silvertab <swarthout@tacom.mil>
-

Please get your emails to the Observer!! I've already heard back from the Editor and they are going to use mine and I'm sure others if you get them in!!
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

I have sent an email of displeasure to the Observer and sending off a letter to the Mayor of Livonia. I suggest all do the same who visit here as swiftly as you can. I'm pretty angry right about now.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Hey Chris, I don't know what to say... I was depressed yesterday for many different reasons, My brother doesn't have a brain I've come to that conclusion because he wouldn't stop talking about you yesterday, Of all the days he could have been a retard yesterday had to be the one... I was crying and he was mad because I wouldn't stop. I couldn't help it really I just couldn't stop listening to your funeral songs and the one I suggested yesterday on my last message! I can't tell you how thankful I am to have had you as a friend! You inspired me, I am in Art now... It's great my teacher loves all your paintings and drawings that I have copied off the site! I put them on my folder covers and stuff like that! I miss you Chris more than you'll ever know! Your my song come true! I love you! Ginny!
Ginny!
-

Hey Chris, I just wanted to say Happy V-day a day late. I was just starting to get to know you and i think you would have been a great friend. And I really feel for everyone that was close to him. I totally can relate to everything because of my best friends death four years ago. My heart goes out to you all and Chris was a wonderful and talented person and will never be forgotten. I remember sitting at the bean with him one night as he just quickly sketched a picture of i think it was cori. And i just sat there and thought wow, this kid is amazing. I just wanted to say You will be missed chris and happy valentine's day! ~Jamie Harb~
Jamie <JLynn3217@yahoo.com>
-

2-15-01 Today's photograph is so precious! The photo of Chris today is a strong resemblance of you, Franny. God bless and comfort you. Love, K
Kathy <MsKateP>
-

You just do what you have to. You wake up everyday,and you summon up the energy from somewhere, even when you think you haven't got it, and you get through the day. And you do it day after day after day.
From Someone Who Can Relate
-

Hey there Chris!! How's it going? I miss you so much!! I was at work the other day and a friend of your family came in. Well Rachel started talking to her about YOUR corner. After she left, me and Rachel just sat there and talked about everything and ALL the good times we had with you. I miss those so much. I have clay now. I think that, thanks to you, I turned into more of an artist than I was. I see things at a whole new light. I haven't told anybody this (not even Dustin),but YOU helped ME become a better artist and I guess all I want to say is THANK YOU!! I know that you are looking down on all of us and that some day we will all join you up there. I hope that you didn't give up your dreams. And I applied to CCS, and if I make it, I will go not as myself but I will carry in there a part of you too!! And I think that I'm going to make you famous. I'm going to blow up one of those pictures I took from Chicago and send it in to Jones Soda and see if they will put YOUR picture on their bottle. I really hope that they do. I will be giving you the picture of what you wrote on the walls in Chicago soon. I promise you that. And Mr. and Mrs. Kempa and Adam, those pictures of Chris I'll be sending soon. I've been really busy. You will get them soon. Promise. Well Chris, I love you and I miss you. Thanks again and I'll write again soon. Love, Jenny P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!!
Jenny <dustinsangel2001@yahoo.com>
-

I don't know what to say, but I feel like I should write something. I suppose that this is a really good day for most people, and it should be for me also. But, no matter how many people I have to love me, and "Be Mine" I feel a spot there, that belongs to you. I've thought about you, what seems to be a hundred times today, and I don't know what to think...I'm sure if you were here, we would have bickered at eachother for some stupid reason or another, but it still would have been a better day. I meant to go to the corner tonight, but it was raining. I have a gift for you, I know you would like it. You'll find out what it is tomorrow. Happy Valentines Day, I hope you know how many people love you and are thinking of you today, you would have been everyones valentines. Love, Cori
Cori <guiltysociopath@aol.com>
-

Chris, Happy Valentines!!! You have been on my mind all week, I guess because for the last four days, on my way to school I hear Weezer and on my way home I always hear that song,"Natural 1" by Folk Implosion, you put it on my tape and the first time i listen to it, It was the ONLY song i knew :) So when every I hear it I think of you.... I received my buttons a couple of days ago, a blue one and a yellow one,( how appropriate being U of M colors-where I'm @ if you forgot) and I shead a few tears and pinned the blue one on my peacoat...I have had alot on my mind lately,..from school and my hectic life...I haven't had alot of time to do much. Everynight this week, as I worked on my art history paper(which reminds me of you and the times we'd chat in rhault's room with hicks...), I have downloaded a new "chris" type song of napster. Today's song was "Valentine", by the get up kids...made my day a little easier....I guess I just want you to know you are always in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you are well. Miss ya! *Oh yeah, a few nights ago i went up to your corner and brought a new candle...i see my old ones have been used up. I left a pic of you,too.Remember it? I also met your friend Calab( i think that's how you spell it?!) He was real sweet, up there with his mom, they were droping something off too and lighting some candle....we tryed to light mine, but like today the weather didn't agree with us...hope you know we all miss you...and care so much! Happy V-day Kempa~ ME:)
Amber <Amber218_18@yahoo.com>
-

NOT a good candle night Chris. We were hoping to really illuminate the memorial tonight (more so than usual) but the weather didn't cooperate. Dad's going to try but I don't know. You'll just have to look down and see the one on the mantle. A special THANK YOU to Scott Allen for providing today's picture! I love you!
Mom
-

Happy Valentines Day, Chris. I miss you with all my heart. Please know that there isn't a day that I stop thinking about you
Tracy <CheshireCat354>
-

chris, happy v-day! i love you chris and i think of you everyday. love lori b
lori <pragmatize@aoll.com>
-

Chris, I can say plan flat out that this was my worst V-day! I wish you were here so bad its pathetic! I wanted to be able to call you and say wow look at that we made it! but you know what we didn't! I miss you so much! I keep trying to find the perfect song (for us) you know our situation kind of thing I'm not sure but I think I found one! It's called- Till the ends meet by:loggins and messina! its a great love song! No matter how hard I try I'm never going to get you back! That's what hurts the most! I love you so much! I miss you even more! Happy Valentines Day Chris! Ginny!
Virgnia Moshos! <lemon_head14@hotmail.com>
-

Happy Valentines Day! You are missed by many in many ways. I hope that some day I can think of you without this much sadness. The driver took you away forever and left a hole in our hearts and lifes.
DAD <afk49@aol.com>
-

Hey chris happy V-day. you were always my valentine! hehe! He had lots of laughs togethere. I love you so much and I hope your haveing a great v day...The picture of you playing keyboards today is so great to see. you were a mastermind at electrionics. You picked it up so easly. I still can't belive you figured out how you learned all those songs 3 day before the tri-high...that my friend, is talent. I think about you every singal day buddy. There is not a day that goes by that I have a conversation about you with someone. people are always talking about how good of an artist you are. Everytime i look at the school picture you're mom gave me, I look into you're eyes and see somthing beautiful. I saw a person that understood so much.take care... love scott
Scott
-

Happy Valentines Day Again Honey!

I talked to Ms. Phimister today! I hadn't spoken to her since your wake.Adam wanted to know if she wanted some Chris buttons for her kids. She was very happy to get some! She said she was talking to Mrs. Welch yesterday. She said the Art Room just isn't the same without you. You were "the glue" she said.You brought so many people together. There is a huge void there also.

People who didn't know you well or not at all have NO IDEA how special you were.And as this guest book shows that is not just my opinion. You were SO LOVED by so many.I still think about you every minute. I pray you are happy and safe. I love you.
Mom
-

Hey Chris! I just want to say Happy Valentine's Day and that i love and i miss you a lot! I hope that your having a great time in heaven and that i think about you a lot. talk to you later!! your friend, kaite
Katie B <Nightdreamer9928@aol.com>
-

Hi Chris. I was thinking of you while listening to 89x today. There is a Weezer concert soon. Its already sold out.Lots of fans I hope you look down and watch it. I wish you were here. We all miss you so much! And not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You were so special.
ashley <ashley2003@yahoo.com>
-

Happy Valentine's Day Chris! I was thinking of you today, and hoping that you are still flying with the angels. I go to this website several times a day, and wanted you to know that I think of you and your family daily. Be happy Chris! We love you!
Aunt JoAnne <jgvpri@aol.com>
-

You left us so quickly

There were no goodbyes

How long this forever

Your death and our lives

The sadness, the anger

The lonliness of three

Preferring four always

How small this new we
author unknown
-

Happy Valentines Day Chris!

You were and still are the love of my life. I pray every day that you are safe, and much happier in heaven than you were on earth. That's hard to imagine though, you were sooooo happy all the time! I miss you and will love you forever!
Mom <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

hey chris. happy valentines day. how have you been. im ok. we miss you so much its been hard to think about how much you meant to everyone. i still go up to the memorial alot just because it makes me feel a little better knowing that you are so loved. everything i see or do makes me think of you. well i dont really know what else to say. i miss you chris and i will always love you. i was thinking about you last night while i was trying to sleep and i remembered some fun times we had. i will never forget you chris and you are in all of my prayers have a good valentines day. love woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

Happy Valentines Day Chris! I have never actually written anything in this guestbook but i read it almost everyday. I just dont really know what to say.Well for now, i miss you alot and hope that you thought of me as a nice, good friend because even though we didnt hang out alot you were still a great friend and a nice guy and we had alot of fun times togeather :)I miss ya buddy .Love Andrew Schinsky
andrew <sk8spankerpoo>
-

Well, Chris...it's been a long time since I've really talked to you. But I think about you almost everyday. Everyday, I visit this site, usually more than twice. I always look at the new pictures that are up and read the newest entries in the guestbook. I think I went through a little bit of denial for a while. I don't know how to put it. I've tried to tell my self to get over your death...that we were barely friends. But how could I get so upset about someone that I didn't care about? I remember that Sunday before you died. I was so bored that day. I was online about 50 times that day...and I remember debating whether or not I should IM you or not. You screen name was just sitting there...waiting for me to talk to you. I don't usually regret things that I do...but I wish I would have IMed you that day. I should have talked to you. I could have talked to you one last time. Yesterday, I drove past West Chicago and Merriman. I was giving my friend directions...and I lead them the longer way there just to drive by. I do that a lot. I remember going there on November 21...I brought you a teddy bear. But I walked up there...and it took so much strength. I was so afraid. I remember there were a few girls there and a man. I felt so weird...they probably knew you so well and I hardly got a chance to know you. If only we would have met sooner. I remember the Autumn Bash. It was fun, wasn't it? Heh...I was in such a good mood, I just came right up to you and started talking to you. You were talking to Terri, so I knew you would appreciate it and not blow me off and think I'm like some kind of freak like most people do. I remember that drawing you had on your hand. It was so interesting. But then I remember that our class got pizza that day. You tried to get some, but Boone yelled at you for it. So then I gave my piece and some pop. You wouldn't take it at first, but I insisted you would take it. But my favorite part of that night was when the performance was actually going on. I was in such a bad mood because Mr. Boone was being so hard on me...and the live edit wasn't going right at all. Then, you walked up to the window in the MCR and just smiled so big and waved...and it made me so happy. :o) Whenever I think of you, thats the one image I will always have in my head. Later that night, I remember everyone was cleaning up after the show and I was just walking around talking to everyone. Then, I saw you again...and I remember I wanted to talk to you so bad. Then, I finally did...and we started to talk about techno music! It was so great...we started talking about Daft Punk and it was so awesome! I didn't know that anyone liked them as much as me. Sure, everyone knows around the world...but you actually knew about other songs on their CD! Do you know they came out with a new single? I still haven't head much about it but it came out in December...or so I'm told. So then, we exchanged Emails and I never saw you in person again. I so wish I did though. I remember getting an Email from you that Saturday. Then we started talking online...I don't forget anything we talked about. From why I liked Britney Spears to girls he liked, work...a lot of things. We talked about techno a lot though, too...I wish that I could have heard that CD you were making. You would always ask me when we could meet up so I could hear it...but I'm so damn busy! I didn't have time! I only wish I would have called into work or something...just so I could have talked to you in person one last time. After you died, I remember going through all the Emails we wrote. There weren't many...but there were some. But I kick my self for not responding to your last Email. I know I'm bad with Emails...I always read the Email and keep it as new to respond later. The last Email you wrote asked me when we were gonna hang out and if I ever got your last Email. I did...I'm so sorry for not responding. I hope you didn't think that I didn't want to talk to you again....I hope thats not how it seemed. It was like I was ignoring you! I'm so sorry...I never went to your viewing either. That Friday, I got off work at 5 and I was going to go right after that...but I didn't have enough balls to go! I was so afraid and I don't know why! Instead, my friends took me out of my birthday. It was the worst birthday I've had...and I tried to get my mind off everything...the stoopid way. but the next morning I did go to your funeral. I dragged my friend with me because I was so afraid. But Saturday was the first time I went into a church in a long time. It was so hard...and I was so freaked out. I don't know if I was just tripping out or it was because I was so upset. I didn't know anyone there and I felt so out of place. I didn't feel like it was right to be there since I didn't know you very well. I get chills when I think about it. Then , I met up with Terri...and she wanted me to come back with her to go back to your house...but I didn't want to drag my friend there...he had to go to work later anyways. So, I told her I would meet up with her later. I drove past your street about a hundred times. I don't know why I was so afraid...but instead, I went home. I sat there so upset...I just starred at my stoopid fish for hours, just thinking about everything. Why was I so afraid to go? I wish I would have! I did that with your benefit show to! I drove out to Ann Arbor and as soon as I got there, I told my friend that I didn't want to go. I was afraid! I don't know why! Maybe I would have felt better if I would have went with Luke. It helped my go to that art show. I wouldn't have gone without him. I don't know...I'm just sorry, Chris. I'm sorry for not responding for you Emails...I'm sorry for not being a friend. Every time I hear "Around the World" I think of you...and I hope that you're having a blast in the after life. Miss you...
A Friend <IamAgoddes@aol.com>
-

Memory is the only friend of grief.
Author Unknown
-

Mrs. Kempa - As I wrote to you once before; you are a wonderful mom...what happened to your son was not your fault, nor your doing....Chris knows that still, and he loves you; he wants you to keep fighting for the truth...
Jean B.
-

Mrs.Kempa, it breaks my heart every time that i read what you have written to Chris. I know that it's hard not to think that it's somehow your fault that Chris was killed since you asked him to walk to school. But for some reason, it was fate that Chris was taken from the world. The Lord needed him more than we did...we may not all understand why, but one day we will. I pray for you and your family daily. Know that you are loved and thought of often. Chris, we miss you so much.
Michele <Shelly613@hotmail.com>
-

TWELVE WEEKS today Chris! your absence is still glaringly apparent. Some people have asked me why I write so openly to you here. Less than two weeks after you were killed we started attending a support group called Compassionate Friends. It's a support group only for people who have lost children. At the first meeting they recommended I keep a journal for at least a year. They said it was very theuraputic. We've also been seeing a grief counselor once a week. She also recommended a journal and when she found out about the web site she thought it would be a perfect place for it. She felt it would not only be theuraputic for me but might help someone else in dealing with the grief process.I am finding it's more valuable to me because it will help me remember the wonderful times we shared leading up to that horrible day, and even that day itself. I NEVER WANT TO FORGET ANY OF IT.

We spent so much time together the week before you were killed. ON SUN.11/12 we raked the leaves together remember? You had just discovered that Art Gallery in the Livonia Mall where they exhibit works from people in the community. AS USUAL you had BIG PLANS! As we raked you figured you'd draw one picture a day and sell them for only "10 or 20 bucks" That way you could earn more money than you were at Foodland and eventually quit so you could devote all your time to art. Mon. the 13th you started Drivers Ed at Bryant Center. I had to drive you there and back. That's a long drive so we had a lot more time to talk. You were SO EXCITED about learning how to drive. You tried to figure out when you'd have your liscense and when you'd be given Dad's car. I told you Adam wasn't given a car until March of his Senior year and I thought the same would hold true for you. You thought that was TERRIBLE! "Mom,that's such a long way off!" And I said "You're right Chris it is a long way off. You don't even have a learners permit yet. We have plenty of time. Let's not worry about a car just yet." And that seemed to appease you . We wern't home more than an hour and it was off to your guitar lesson. We didn't talk much on guitar lesson nights. That's when we listened and sang to the radio. On the way there we listened to your music(usually a tape)and on the way home we listened to my music (usually 100.3) You would complain some times but we had fun! Tues. thru Sat. was a whirlwind. There was an Orthodontist appointment on Tues. It was tech week for the play, and in between you worked a few days! But we spent so much time driving around talking . I cherish those memories now. Fri.11/17 I worked until 3;00. I stopped and got gas on my way home in preparation for another driving marathon. You had drivers ed first so I drove you and picked you up . Then it was off to Larry's to pick up your check....had to buy the girls their Jones soda! Then it was off to Mcdonalds for a large chocolate shake for you , then finally to Franklin for the opening night of ANN of Green Gables. I asked if you thought I should go ,you said "No Mom I think you'd think it's boring!" You reminded me that "you like musicals" you advised me to "wait for Peter Pan It's a musical AND I MIGHT TRY OUT FOR A PART!" So we agreed i'd wait for Peter Pan.

We were expecting Grandma, Bill and Molly for THanksgiving. In some way I thought it could possibly be Grandma or Bill's last Thanksgiving so I wanted EVERYTHING to be perfect! In between my regular work schedule,yard work and driving you all about town I was trying to clean the house within an inch of it's life, plan the perfect dinner....even the perfect table....I even bought chair bows! Believe me I now know how unimportant all of that is now but at the time I wanted what could possibly have been their lsat Thanksgiving to be special. Never in a billion years did I dream you wouldn't even be with us on Thanksgiving! I was tired. Sat.I worked until 5;30. You were down in the basement with Adam for a while. You had to be at Franklin at 6;30 for the play. Adam said he would drive you so Dad and I could eat dinner. You were rushing around as usual gathering up all your stuff. You finally got everything together, said your goodbyes and you were out the door. Not two minutes later the door burst open, Dad and I looked at each other,you simply said in a very rushed ,out of breath way "FORGOT THE JONES!" picked up a Larry's Foodland bag and ran out the door with the bottles clanking together! For some reason you didn't go to a cast party that night. I never really found out if there wasn't one or if you just didn't go. You played video games and watched DVDs in the basement. I think maybe Ron came over but I'm not sure. I went to bed before you because I had to be to work at 6:30.

Sun 11/19/00. The last day we'd have together but how were we to know? You ,Adam and I all worked that day. I got off at 3:00, you got off at 5:30 and Adam at 9:00. When I came home I continued my Thanksgiving preparations. Dad picked you up at 5:30 and we ate about 6:00. We had hamburgers. We talked about work,the play and drivers ed. It was during dinner you asked me to help you with your drivers ed. You said you had a sheet of 25 questions that were VERY HARD and it had to be in by your 5th class. I said I'd be happy to and we decided 7;00 would be good. That would give me time to do the dishes and you time to check your E mails. At 7:00 we got together and I asked you if you would mind doing it on our bed. I was so tired . You said that would be fine and away we went. The questions were very hard. We had two books to look the answers up in.By 8:30 we had done 15 I think and you were ready for a break. I asked if you had noticed I had nodded out on you a few times and you said,"No but I did notice your voice got real slow a couple times!" 8:30-9:00 you were back on the computer. I stayed in bed and watched T.V. At 9:00 you came back in the bedroom. Milliomare was on.It was celebrity night. While we watched we talked about Christmas and what you wanted. You were very slow with your list. You said you had found a new hand held game on the internet you thought you might be interested in. You said the only problem was they gave the price in pounds and as soon as you found out the price in dollars you'd let me know. I told you to do it soon because I wanted to get going with my shopping. Adam came home from work then and joined us. I hadn't been in bed with the two of you in years but it didn't feel strange. Adam was rooting for Norm Mcdonald. Soon you started going between the bedroom and the computer room. Adam and I Stayed to watch Norm. You'd flit in and out. At one point you stood in the doorway and said," would you guys start buying Altoids?" I said "Maybe Why?" You said "because I want to do an art project out of the containers!" Adam and I looked at each other and smiled. By now Regis had talked Norm out of trying for the million and Practice was on. Adam had left the bedroom but you continued to flit in and out. You stood at the foot of the bed and very proudly held up a large card you had made. You said,"Mom here's the card I made for Cori!!" and I Said " ohhhh can I read it" knowing full well I couldn't! You said "no way Mom" and were gone again in a rush. The last time I saw you that night you were trying to decide what to wear to school the next morning. As it turned out, selecting the last clothes you'd ever wear in preparation for school.They never did make to school. You came in to the bedroom again. You had on a biege sweater wiht a T shirt underneath. You stood in front of the mirror twisting and pulling on the shirt. You said "Mom do you think I've lost too much weight lately?" And I said , "No honey, I think you look just right." You said "O.K. well maybe I'll stop buying my shirts so big." AND THAT'S WHEN I MADE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. THE ONE I'LL REGRET UNTIL THE DAY I DIE. I asked you if you would mind walking to school in the morning. I ALWAYS DROVE YOU ON MY DAY OFF! WHY DID I PICK THAT DAY TO ASK YOU TO WALK! Because I was tired. And you very sweetly said, "Mom, if you help me with my drivers ed for an hour tomorrow night that will more than make up for me walking." I agreed and the rest is history.
Mom <Notfranny @aol.com>
-

Chris, I just wanted to let you know that I still miss you VERY much, and I think of you everyday. My thoughts and prayers are with your family also. Chris, I just can't get over it...I just can't believe that you are gone! I get so mad sometimes because it seems so unfair. You were the worst person for something like that to happen to. You had everything going for you, and I just get so mad. How could that driver had not seen you? I just don't understand. I try to think what must have been going through his mind when he wasn't looking. The only sympathy I have for him, is that he has to live the rest of his life knowing that he deprived the world of such a wonderful person like you. I miss you Chris. I don't think I will ever know anyone like you again for as long as I live.
Tracy <CheshireCat354@excite.com>
-

Chris, you have been there for me when I truley needed a friend, you where there for all of your many friends. you put your feelings aside for us, you don't know how much we ( the people of the world) need a person like you. I know your family has been so incredibly nice by writing and allowing me to have a picture of you from school. I don't know how I will celibate high school graduation without you. I know I will never forget anything that you have tought me. I thank you for everything that you taught me. You made art fun to me when I thought I couldn't do it for crap. but you made me do the best that I could. and that I thank you. But one thing that no one can touch is your musical talent. The tape you made me last year was cool, i mean I never thought that a 16yrs old could be that talented. wow was I wrong. the only thig is the tape got destroyed it fell in the sink when I was doing the dishes. But I am going to see if I can get a copy from your family if they have one. once again thank you for eveything that you've taought me about life and art
silvertab swarthout
-

hey chris. whats up. guess what. i was listening to the radio and i found out weezer is coming to town on march 8th. im gonna try soo hard to get tickets. i know how much you would love to go and ill be thinking of you. make sure i get tickets. im sure you can arrange that. we all miss you chris. until we meet again. jason
jason <avsrule1449>
-

Hey Chris! I heard this song today and i thought of you. It's called "tears in heaven" by Eric Clapton...here it is. Would you know me name if I say you in heaven? Would it be the same if I sae you in heaven? I must be strong and carry on, 'cause I know I don't belong here in heaven. Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven? Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven? I'll find my way through night and day, 'cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven. Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees. Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please. Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure, and I know there'll be no more tears in heaven. Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same if I saw you i heaven? I must be strong and carry on, 'cause i know I don't belong here in heaven. I miss you A LOT Chris. I think about night and day and it still brings tears to my eyes knowing that your gone. My thoughts and prayers still go out to the Kempa family! Keep your star shining bright in the clear night sky so i can see it Chris! I love you and i'll write back soon. I promise i will!! Love always, Katie
Katie B <Nightdreamer9928@aol.com>
-

hello. chris i havent written in a while but ive been thinking about you alot lately and what an impact you have had on my life. i put your christmas present at "the corner" the other day but i went up there today and it wasnt there. i didnt have a chance to give it to you but it was kinda corny. it was a magnet that said "in searching for the rainbows end i found not gold but you, my friend" it made me think of you. i miss you so much. i think the peter pan play is gonna be really good. i know u wanted to get in front of the camera for a change and its too bad that you arent here to do that. my guitar playin is really coming along good. i have to say life just isnt the same without you here. everywhere i go i think about you. you've been such an influence on me and i know ill never forget you. with much love- woody
jason <avsrule1449@aol.com>
-

As you can se from today's photo,{2/9/01} Adam was thrilled to have a little brother. They remained close until the day he was killed. Adam was Chris' idol. he ALWAYS wanted to cut his hair the same way , listen to the same music and dress just like his brother. Often times Adam found this very frustrating and would become angry when he found his new CD or new shirt missing because Chris had taken it. I would always say, "don't you understand? he wants to be just like you!" When Adam switched from wearing jeans to Dockers we joked that it wouldn't be long before Chris followed. But Chris Said,"no way Mom, I'll never wear Dockers. In about two weeks Chris was in Dockers just like his brother! I thank God for Adam's numerous friends who have helped to fill the void but then tere are the times I see him sitting alone in the basement watching a DVD knowing that Chris would be right there with him if he was here. It hurts me so much to see it and I know it hurts Adam so much to have to experience it.
Fran Kempa
-

Dear Mrs. Kempa, I recieved your letter today! I have a question to ask you, was i suposed to get the buttons in the letter or were they coming seperate? I just wondered because I didn't get them in the letter so... Chris, I was debating wether i should come back to Livonia this summer or not... I didn't know if i could bare being there knowing I won't wake up and see you smileing next to the door... not being able to push you into the pool and say, "oh did i do that?" But i thought about it more and more and I relized i had to come back I wouldn't forgive myself if i stoped coming to the place we shared the best time of my life! I love you and miss you so much it's unbelieveable! Ginny
Virginia Moshos <lemon_head14@hotmail.com>
-

have you ever felt snow fall.on your face.melting in little puddles.between the tears.kissing your eyelids.tickling your nose. floating gently down.from the sky.only to disappear.and for that brief moment.you are touched.by beauty.that vanishes forever
t
-

MORNING WILL COME Brokenhearted.... How can I bear the pain? So many plans....permanently interrupted. So many dreams shattered. Hopes...dashed. All gone Why? Why this? Why us? Why me? Helplessness...hopelessness.... Life will never be the same again. Is it even worth living? Where are you, God? I'm right here beside you my child. Even though you may not feel my presence, I'm holding you close under the shadow of my wings. I'll walk with you through this dark night. Do not shrink from weeping. I gave you tears for emotional release. Don't try to hide your grief. Let it become for you a source of healing, A process of restoration, For I have planned it so. Those who mourn shall be blessed. I'll be holding on to you, Even when you feel you can't hold on to me. Seek my face, child of mine. Receive my promise, impossible as it may seem now, That joy will come in the morning. It may take much time, but I will heal your broken heart. I know the night seems endless. But MORNING WILL COME. I have promised. ....from The Haven of Rest Newsletter
Aunt Kathy <MsKateP@aol.com>
-

After all, most wounds heal, even deep ones, but not the death of a child.
Author Unknown
-

TO my son, since your eyes were closed,mine have never ceased to weep.
Author Unknown
-

A nobleman once asked a Chinese philosopher to grant his family a blessing.The famous scholar thought for a moment ,then said,"Grandfather dies , father dies, son dies."The nobleman was horrified, but the philosopher shrugged his shoulders. "What other way would you have it?" he said?None.
Someone Who Cares
-

God Bless your family and I hope the days a head will be easier than the past has been. I will continue to pray for your family . A friend of Chris's friend.
A Friend
-

Chris' old band.
.... <...>
-

Dear Chris,

I finally had a dream last night where you came to me in the flesh. Unfortunatly it wasn't at all what I hoped it would be. I thought it would make me feel good but this dream made me feel very BAD. It showed me very clearly you did NOT want to leave this world at this time of your life.

I was standing at the kitchen sink and when I turned around you were sitting in your usual spot at the kitchen table smiling at me. You were dressed in your navy blue sweater with a white T shirt underneath and jeans.I was very startled but very calmly said, "oh honey,don't you know you're dead?" Now you were the one who looked startled but you never said anything....it was just your look.And I said to you ,"Honest to God honey in November you were hit and killed by a man driving a pickup truck." Neither of us said any more but YOU were the one who started crying and cried alot. Then I woke up and I was the one who was crying......again. I love you.
Mom
-

Close your eyes, and listen. In the whistle of the leaves, and the songs of the swallows, you can hear the sound of angels doing their chores. For when you smile look closely 'cause an angel was surely there, delivering the touch of joy, and loving you with care.
Author Unknown
-

Chris, I have spent so many days and nights, trying to figure out exactly what to say, to express to you.I still have nothing that is quite perfect... JUST THAT I MISS YOU!!! It's weird, we all seem to go through life living each day, but maybe not to it's fullest,but we live. And we struggle to keep and make friends,to show others we care, and to make ourselves and others proud. We walk the crowed halls and pray that people will remember us. For you, I know you will never EVER be forgotten. You have touched so many of us! I will always remember you...for all of the memories you have given me.( they may only be a handful, but they still mean a lot!) Like that mixed tape you made me last year, that hasn't left my tape player since i found out. I will cherish that forever and ever.I still cry every time i listen to it... I wish I would have thanked you more, for all those kind things you did. For myself and all of your other friends. you were always so giving! I don't think you realized how much you meant to me, to all of us. Sometimes we all have this idea, that thanks and apprecations can wait, we had to learn that the hard way. I will miss they ways you made us smile and laugh and the videos and photos and artwork and all of those great parts of YOU. I will miss them, I will miss you forever. You probably never thought you had touched so many of us, I wish you could have seen. Maybe you did?! I still remember the first day we met,( shawna B. introduced us in the theater), It was tie-dye day @ FHS, and I had this horrible tie-died shirt on. I remember that you couldn't remember my name, and for about a week you called me "tie-dye-gurl", it was cute and kinda stuck for awhile. Things that that, those memories I have can never be forgotten or re-placed. They will always be in my mind, just like you. I will NEVER forget you! I couldn't. I guess I am angry, or sorry. But most of all I'm sad,b/c you aren't here and so many of us wish you were! I am forever greatful to have had you as a bud, even though we weren;t the closest, you still meant a lot. I want you to know that! YOu will always hold a special place in my HEART!! I will continue to pray for you and your family, every night and visit your memorial ! I will not forget you , nor, will i ever let you go...all of my Luv :) I will be thinking of you Kempa, today and ALWAYS!
Amber ( "Tie-dye gurl") <Amber218_18@yahoo.com>
-

Hey Chris, God It's been a while. I have been so busy It's not like I don't pray to you every night and all but I was in Florida the past 5 days and stuff so i haven't been able to check the sight and all. As soon as i got home i came on and read all the messages i missed and all the pics. i missed! I was in a shop in Florida and was buying things for all my friends i came across this really cute magnet ( it was a guitar) I know you would have liked it so i bought it! I don't know what to do with it now... I'm kind of confused! Adam, you probably don't know me but I would love one of the Pins I'll send you a mail with my address k! Thanx! Love always and forever to all of you! Ginny!
Virginia Moshos <Lemon_head14@hotmail.com>
-

Dear Chris, I received some more horrible news today. Our neighor across the street died just a month after you were killed! Three days before Christmas. She was only 33 and had a three year old daughter, a husband and two beautiful dogs. The night you were killed our nextdoor neighbor sent over our dinner and she sent the desert.I didn't know her well at all but every time I saw her she always had a kind word. I would see her out side with her family and pets and she seemed very loving. I was so caught up in my loss I didn't even know she had suddenly become ill after you were killed.

It's impossible to understand why God would take such a young, kind ,talented boy from his mother and family and a young, loving mother away from her sweet little girl and husband.It doesn't make sense. As long as I live I will never get it. They say there's a reason for everything but this boggles the mind.

You were such a wonderful boy I know you are now a most wonderful angel. I hope you welcomed Kim and I hope you both now look down on your families and will help us all through these most horrible times. No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child and no very young child should have to experience the loss of a parent. It just doesn't seem right but most unfortunatly it DOES happen.

I will write again soon.You are always on my mind and always with me. I miss your presence and love you so much.
Mom
-

chris... i met this really cool kid in my metals class. he is gigantiously tall and he has brown hair that is in the oddest shaped cut... the sides hang below his ears and the back is long but it is shaped around his ears so u can see his ears and he has bangs...and blue eyes. he is the oddest kid i have ever seen but he seems so cool and is actually attractive in a peculiar kind of way. his name is brian... for whatever reason when i see him i think of you. whenever i see anyone in the art school i think of you... whenever i see art i think of you.... every time i listen to the music u liked i think of u. every time the silence of the room is deafening loud... i think of you. whenever my roomate wears her spiked dog collar i think of you... gosh chris i wish u could have seen that, well i am sure u did, but i wish we could have shared that moment together in the flesh. you are such a cool kid. i saw smokestack in mt pleasant this past weekend and it was the most incredible show and i thought about how you and cori couldnt have come with us bc u arent 18 and i wondered about how much fun we would have had the day u turned 18 and me and shawna could take u and lori and cori all around michigan doing crazy things. there was so much life left in you that i can only think about how unfair it is that it was sucked out of you. i just always figured we would have more time... that there was always more time to do everything... i see that isnt true for anything. the moment is now. this moment is life. i miss you chris... and i am sorry i took you for granted. i wont ever make that mistake again. i love you and i love every single one of my friends and my family. thank you, chris, for all the wonderful moments we ever shared.
sara <grandmanip@hotmail.com>
-

I just wanted to say that i thoroughly enjoyed the picture of Chris. Thanks Cori--it made me smile and brightened my day. Love u Chris, keep smiling down on us.
Shawna B <coffeeshopgal@hotmail.com>
-

I love you Chris and I miss you so much. Franklin is just not the same with out you.
ME
-

Chris, My dad found a picture you made a few days ago. It was a picture you made for Rich back in 1993. I couldn't believe it. It is a picture of a hockey player. Rich kept it all these years. I thought you might like to know that Chris.
Holly <Dolli87@aol.com>
-

Chris,

Special thanks go out to Cori for providing today's picture, which I LOVE! I'm having it enlarged. And special thanks to Lauren for providing today's drawing. Boyh of you girls will get the originals back, we just want to make copies.

Also a big thank you to Cori for providing me with two of your original CDs. Not only did I get to hear you talk, but sing and play guitar! Both CDS contained 32 original songs performed by you! What a treat. I remember hearing you make them in the computer room and I'd think to myself "sounds AWFUL" But then you'd ask, "Hey Mom, what do you think?" and I'd say, "You are so talented!" Thank God I never discouraged you or I may not have them today. They are music to my ears now!

I love you and miss you soooo much!
Mom <Notfranny@aol.com>
-

Everyone has lost someone who they have cared about and never forget, well i know how that goes, i had a grandma who has passed away about a year ago and she will never be forgotten. All day i hear my sister talk about you Chris, her name is Brandy, I hear how much everyone has loved you and ect. I may not have known you chris, but i will miss you, and im sorry family, that you have lost such a talented soul!!!!! Chris , I'll miss you!!! You shouldnt have gone soo soon, but im glad your in a better place, "heaven" , i cant wait to get there and see you.!! Scott allen has done a benifit show for you, i bet you are very proud of Scott and the rest of the band!! Good Job Scott! Well you will never be forgotten, with love - Heidi Bartlett
Heidi Bartlett <freddiesgurl14@yahoo.com>
-

Chris, We have heard from many people about how your death has affected them. However there are two members of this household who have not been heard. Your cat Felix and dog Charile. Your cat has decided to become my best pal. He is always looking for a head scratch. During the super bowl he sat with me for almost a full quarter.

One day when Mom was at work and Adam was out, I was upstairs. I saw Charile go into your room and sniff your bed. He then went into our bedroom. He left our bedroom again went to your bedroom and sniffed your bed. He then went to Adam's room. He repeated this for the rest of the rooms on this floor. I watched him sniff your bed and go downstairs through the house several times. Soon he came back and lay in front of your bedroom door with his head on his paws. I believe he was looking for you, and he was upset when he couldn't find you.

It is too terrible to believe that your gone. I will miss you always......Dad
Dad <afk@aol.com>
-

Mike and I saw LES MISERABLES last night, and the music reminded me of a time about 8 or 9 years ago when we were riding together to somewhere family function-wise in Buffalo while playing the music from LES MIZ and PHANTOM of the OPERA. Chris was 7 or 8 at the time. He was singing along with the music and knew every word by heart...he sang justlike a professional.We all wanted to ride longer because we were enjoying his concert so much , and I believe that was the day we all realized that he had a gift for the performing arts. (We had already figured out the visual art gift years before)That ride has always stood out in my memory. I know Chris is among the singing choirs of angels right now. My love and prayers continue for my you guys.
Kathy Putnam <mskatep@aol.com>
-

chris I drove past your memorial today and everything is still there and your parents light the candles everynight for you, I think about you all the time and I miss you so much I know that you are in a better place and your safe away from harm and that matters so much to me! You are a person that will NEVER be forgotten everyone loves you and misses you Chris.I even have dreams of you at night sometimes still I can here your voice in my head and I wake up to find your not there and I go back to bed. I love you Chris and always will!
chrissy
-

I just wanted to leave a message in here to let Chris' friends and family know that even strangers are still being affected by the tragedy and his artwork. I never knew Chris, I didn't know of him until earlier this week when a classmate of mine, Cyndi, gave a speech about him and showed a video of his work to our public speaking class at Kendall College. Chris' work and the dedication of people working to preserve his memory left an impact on me and after visiting this site yesterday I wanted to do something. I have placed a link to this site on my own website (www.surreality.cc). Also, I understand that Chris loved Ben Folds Five, which happens to be one of my favorite bands also. I am a member of the Magical Armchair, the oldest and biggest mailing list of Ben Folds Five fans around. I posted a message to it and mentioned this site and told other fans to visit. The owner of the mailing list, Frank Maynard, is from Novi, Michigan and is also a close friend of Ben Folds. Frank e-mailed me to thank me for the post about Chris and this web site, and told me that he would also be placing a link to this site on his own Ben Folds Five site at www.fmaynard.com/bff I hope this is alright with Chris/ family and friends, I thought it would be great to spread the dedication to even more people and help get more support for this site. I am amazed at the network of friendly people who have been touched by the life and death of this talented young artist. My heart goes out to Chris' family. Thanks for reading, Karen Rilett
karen Rilett <krilett@yahoo.com>
-

someone told me before that life is too beautiful and too short to waste. for most of us, we take that for granted. not chris. he lived his life with so much beauty. so much happiness. he painted smiles on our faces. he painted the sparkle in our eyes. and when he left us, he signed his name to show us his masterpiece - the happiness he brought to his family, friends and so many others every day. remembering chris missing the smiles
someone who cares.
-

Ryan, Doing a show in Livonia would be the ultimate. Make sure you find the largest place you can for it as it would undoubtly be a sellout. I've always known you and your brother's talent separately, but just recently, how popular RSB is. I read a great review in CMU News about RSB rockin New Moon Records. You have many a FHS fan up there. You are using your talents for wonderful things. Keep rockin.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

Hey Chris! I'm sorry that i haven't written to you in a while...it's just been so hard on me knowing that your gone. I couldn't put what i was feeling into words...I still hold back the tears while i'm in school. I think about you everyday and remember the first day that i met you to the last day that i spoke to you...we had so much fun in Ms. Hillmans class. I was so ready to do the "Spray Away" commercial for the tv segment that week with you...i couldn't wait! But i was put on hold for a week and done it without you there beside me. It's like a tape that keeps on playing inside my head from the beginning to the end...but i didn't want it too end! I DIDN'T! It's going to be so hard for me and the rest of the juniors to go threw our senior year with you! We all know your not going to be there with us in person to get our deplomas...but you will be there in spirit and in our hearts! I miss you so much...i don't think you knew how much i caired about you as a friend...but i think you realized that i did when i broke down into tears the day you died. I hope you do because i still do...i still brake down into tears just thinking about you. Well Chris it was great while it lasted but saddly it had to end. It's like a book, your story ended right in the middle. We never got to see the end of your wonderful story. But i realize that it will take time for the woons to heal. **My prayers, love and support still go out to the Kempa Family!** I miss you and i will always,ALWAYS love you Chris. Your Friend, Katie
Katie B <Nightdreamer9928@aol.com>
-

this message is in regards to a message a few days ago from kellie: please don't think that you were "pushed away" at the stormy records benefit show... that show as completely insane, and there was nothing anybody could do about it, seeing as that we were close to breaking fire code... however, we are so glad you came and tried to get in, and we all (the bands, stormy, the people who helped set up the show) appreciate it so so so much... hopefully we can do one more show with some of the bands from Franklin, Stevenson, and Churchill, who were friends with Chris, somewhere in livonia, so everyone has a chance to get in, have fun, and most importantly, remember Chris...
ryan <ryanrawk@hotmail.com>
-

I gave my presentation on Chris to my public speaking class last night. I showed the video of his art to my friends/classmates and they were amazed at his talent. I got a little choked up in the middle off my speech, but i get an A. I know that Chris was in the back of the classroom watching all the20-30 year olds drool over his artwork. He was also my cheering section. Thanks Chris.
Cyndi! <Goldfingercjl@yahoo.com>
-

(the entry I wrote below,goes with my with one too.) I wrote a song today...It would of been a song that I would of played for chris. we wanted to start a band the weekend before he died... That song would of been a song I would like to play with him. The lyrics would be diffrent though..the song is about our dear friend chris. I've written three songs about chris sence he's past away. I recored one. I want to record a hole album about him, and sent it to people. Maybe it might help everyone that has loved him so dearly. it will not be ready for a little bit though,(i want it as perfact as i can get it.) but when it is i will make sure to let everyone on the site know. You can e-mail me also if you want me to send a copy. Mrs. Kempa...about the tape of chris and everything I have of him, is gona take me a little time, it's very hard watching them, and I've been kinda busy with the play. i apologize. I will have them sonn though. i think I might also have some recording my dad did uf us when we were younger. I will give you a box of that stuff. I promise! I love you chris, and we all will never forget you... With love, scott robert allen
scott <pillfur@aol.com>
-

(the entry I wrote below,goes with my with one too.) I wrote a song today...It would of been a song that I would of played for chris. we wanted to start a band the weekend before he died... That song would of been a song I would like to play with him. The lyrics would be diffrent though..the song is about our dear friend chris.
scott
-

Seeing chris and I togethere in the picture made my heart warm with joy. That parade was a lot of fun. I can remember being jeliouse of chris's costume. He had a cooler one! ha. those were the times. holloween was a lot of fun with chris.
scott
-

Just a quick note to say that you have all been in my thoughts...Chris is on my mind every single day for one reason or another. His buttons that were made by Adam and Lauren are everywhere in the school.. on bulletin boards, sweaters, jackets, purses and backpacks as gentle reminders of a person who is so loved and will not be forgotten! Chris...May the Force always be with you! With love and treasured memories today and always...Ms. Hillman
Ms. Hillman <Woobie0070>
-

Chris, I felt so terrible about what happened. I had just talked to you on the saturday before you died. I told you I would e-mail you so we could discuss the movie we were making, but I took the little time you had for granted, I said bye like I usually did with a casual see-ya later. If I could just go back, if I would have known, I would have said something more, I would have told you what you meant to me. How much you encouraged me to keep making movies and drawing,if I could have given you just one more hug, if I could have just said goodbye. All I have left of you is a photo of you and a couple of picks you left at my house. I never thought how much I would have cherised these small material things you had left behind. I wish we had made that "lego Boy!" movie we had planned. We were starting that new movie, but we never got enough time. That's all I ever really wanted was time. I always thought of you as a good friend of mine. You always liked me for who I was, you could hang out with the "popular" or the "better" kids and it didn't matter. You would still be my friend even if I didn't fit in with them. You never judged anyone, you were always above trivial things like popularity, yet everyone loved you with all their heart. At the funeral I tried to sit close, but there were no seats left, so I sat behind and watched from a distance. I waited in line to see them play a tribute to you at Stormy records, but I got pushed away, I waited a while longer, but there was no room. It seemed almost in the end that if I wasn't someone other people liked I wasn't invited to mourn your death. All I wanted to do was say goodbye. I miss you so much and I never got to tell you what a wonderful person you were. I miss you so much, thank you for believing in me. Goodbye Chris. Love, Kellie
Kellie <Asrai14@yahoo.com>
-

Please let the Memorial stand just as those in other cities do. It is a reminder to all whether they be local citizens or strangers passing through just how dangerous our roads have become and to be extra safe and careful when using them.
MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com>
-

TEN WEEKS now Chris! Sometimes it still feels like two minutes ago and sometimes it feels like one hundred years ago. The pain is still present and on different days in varying degrees. It feels like I've been kicked in the gut and someone has reached into my chest and pulled out my heart. And I guess that's exactly what happened. I feel like I was in the midst of a wondreful, wonderful dream for sixteen years and then I woke up, the dream was over, and you were gone. I didn't want to wake up....I was violently awakened by a stranger. He gave me no choice.And now everyone is forever changed.We all must redefine our lives. Lives that no longer include you and that is the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

I still worry about you every day and pray to God that you're O.K. I have always believed in heaven but I believe in it so much more now! I measure time differently. Things happened now either "before Chris was killed" or "after Chris was killed". I have "good Chris days" and "bad Chris days".The bad Chris days are BAD. Until Friday I had always been at home when they hit. When they hit, they hit hard and without warning. Nothing seems to trigger them, they just come. Friday I happened to be at work. I couldn't stop crying and the pain was much more intense. I had to go home early.

Many of your friends are still E mailing me. Some are mailing me. Some have pictures to offer me and some want pictures of you. I've been slow to respond to some of them {I mean you Moriah} but I plan to answer everyone.

The Scholarship fund is off to a great start! We plan to start it this year.I know you love the idea but it would have been so much nicer to see you ACCEPT one rather than have to GIVE one in your name! I think for the first two years at least, Mr. Rheault will know who YOU would want it to be given to which I think is great! It will be like you selecting your fellow student from heaven!

You would love what Adam's done! He made your portrait out of Legos! We don't know quite how he did it but it's amazing! Soon after you were killed I couldn't bring myself to look at your picture or even worse, watch a video with you in it. It was much too painful to see you alive knowing you weren't. Now I have a need to do just that. I'M ALREADY FORGETTING YOUR VOICE AND IT BREAKS MY HEART. Does any one know if any video exists from THIS years Chicago trip? I believe it was Nov.9th and I know Chris took the video camera. Even if there is no film of him.....just his voice, I would love to have a copy. Please let me know!

I was up at the Memorial last night as I always am and Mike Harding and two of your other friends from school were with him. People still come! I've asked a few of your friends if we should take it down and the reply was a strong NO! Mrs. Deady, Mrs. Allen and I are going up Saturday to clean it up a little. Eventually we'll scale it down but as long as I live here there will be something left there in your memory.

The house is so quiet! You were a whirlwind! Adam has no one to fight with at night. Some of the fights you two had were hard to watch! Remember I would say, "please stop, it