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In Loving Memory of Michael Adam Hampson
Michael Adam Hampson
This Webpage is dedicated to my son, Michael Adam Hampson. Born February 17, 1983 - Died August 21, 2004. Michael was a victim of murder. He was shot in the chest on August 17, 2004, and died five days later. Take action: talk to your legislators, write letters to members of congress, become educated about gun control, and make a move to stop handgun violence.
UPDATES
10/05 - Many of you have asked about sending contributions to the Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund. If you would like to send a donation, please make checks payable to: The Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund. For now, you may send checks to our home address; if you do not have it, please send me an email (fairymagic13@hotmail.com) and I will give it to you. You will be able to send your donations directly to the bank in a few weeks, plus we will have a PO Box number available soon, too.
CHECK OUT MICHAEL'S NEW MEMORIAL WEBSITE:
http://www.michael-hampson.memory-of.com
*****ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL*****
We celebrated Michael’s life the day before the one-year anniversary of his death. On Saturday, August 20, 2005, our family and friends met at our house. We then went to Los Dos Molinos (Central and Dobbins) for a celebration/memorial dinner. Afterwards, we returned to our house for dessert: a beautiful homemade cake that my sister, Michael’s Aunt Jean, made especially in honor of Michael. After cake and ice cream, all of our guests were invited to take as many helium-filled balloons as they liked and write loving messages not only to Michael, but also to other loved ones they’d lost in the past, as well.
Once everyone finished writing their messages to Michael on their balloons, we went outside near the new Jacaranda tree that we had planted in memory of Michael. We gathered in a big circle holding our anxiously awaiting balloons. I spoke briefly regarding how much Michael loved and respected everyone who was there, in life and in death. They indulged me by allowing me to read a poem I’d written titled, “Sands of Time.”
Finally, I told everyone that as we “release” our balloons, we should try to release some of our own pain, grief, sadness, guilt, etc. along with our balloons. We are all still so devastated by Michael’s sudden and violent death, so I know that we can’t release all of our pain, but even if we release just one layer, it may help us just a tiny bit.
In the light of the full moon, we released all of our balloons into the moonlit sky, with a collective, “ahhh.” After lots of hugs, tears, and laughter, the evening ended with everyone taking home a memorial gift bag that included a framed picture of Michael, some poems and inspirational words, information on POMC (Parents of Murdered Children), information on The Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund, several wrist bands that represented the Donor Network of Arizona, POMC, and one that said, “I have an angel in heaven.” I also included in each bag, a memorial music CD that I made in honor of Michael…oh, and of course some candy. It was a blessed day and an angelic evening that honored Michael’s life to the fullest.
Thank you to everyone who attended – you have made such a difference in our lives.. For those not present, please plan to attend next year as we celebrate Michael’s 23rd birthday on February 17, and his two-year anniversary on August 21, 2006.
*****On August 20, 2005, our family will celebrate the one-year anniversary of Michael's death at Los Dos Molinos. Following the memorial dinner, we will return to our house for dessert and a balloon release. Michael's big sister, Stephanie, bought a beautiful Jacaranda tree to commemorate the one-year anniversary, and we will have a small tree-planting ceremony early Saturday morning. August 21, 2005 will mark the official one-year anniversary of Michael's death.*****
*****The Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund*****
As you consider giving gifts this year, please consider making a contribution to the Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your donation will help students who wish to attend the Art Institute of Phoenix or who graduate from Summit High School. When you donate a gift in someone’s name, they will receive a lovely card that shares with them the generosity and meaningfulness of your contribution. In addition to the keepsake gift card, your donations are tax-deductible, too.
So, the next time you wish to commemorate a birthday, wedding, birth, or any other holiday or momentous occasion with a gift to your loved one, please consider the gift of donating to the Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Any event that calls for you to buy flowers that wilt, fade, and are soon forgotten will be much more significant when you choose to donate to the Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund instead. The Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship is the epitome of the gift that truly keeps on giving. For more information, please call 602-405-7401 or visit www.webspawner.com/users/mhblueeyes. Details on where to send your donations will be forthcoming.
*****Be sure to visit the new pages that I've added to Michael's website: Michael=Donate Life, The Michael Adam Hampson Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Quotes to Help Heal.*****
*****Sunday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m., was the annual commemoration of National Crime Victims' Rights Week at the Arizona State Capitol, 17th Avenue between Washington and Jefferson. The ceremony was held at the POMC Stepping Stones Memorial area. We (POMC Members) brought our rose lights. In addition, we were asked to bring teddy bears to donate in memory of our loved ones to "Child Help," an organization for abused children. We had a balloon release (sorry about the environmental issues associated with this, but symbolically, it was very healing). There was a beautiful ceremony in memory of our loved ones; photos and names were displayed. Awards and appreciation gifts were presented to victim service providers. The Guest speakers included Andrew Thomas, newly elected county attorney, and Steve Twist of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims.
The commemorative service and the importance for which it stands, are key factors in honoring and remembering our loved ones lost to violence.*****
*****The recent memorial service hosted by the Donor Network of Arizona and the Arizona Coalition for Transplantation was very touching. Thanks so much to those who were able to attend.
In all of my grief over Michael's death, I have forgotten that he was able to help so many people right here in Arizona live longer, healthier, and happier lives from his donations of his organs, tissue, corneas, and more. Michael gave all that he had to others in life and that is what he did in death, too.*****
Right on, Michael. You ROCK!!!
Donor Network of Arizona
Parents Of Murdered Children
The Compassionate Friends
Stop Handgun Violence
Million Mom March/Brady Bill
After Death Communication
Send E-Mail to: fairymagic13@hotmail.com
Copyright © 2007 M Bailey. All Rights Reserved