To the parents of Chris: I was surfing the Net trying to locate a Precious Moments figurine made by the artist in memory of his 27-year-old son who was killed in an accident. I happened upon your site. My 22-year-old son was also killed in a car accident in 1999. I still miss him very much, but God's grace has been sufficient to see me through. If you've never read the book, "Roses in December" by Marilyn Heavlin, it is very helpful in dealing with the loss of a child. That title is the name of the Precious Moments figurine, also. May God give you strength from day to day. C. Shelton, Indiana Carolyn Shelton <clshelton@msn.com> - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 23:34:16 (MST) 1/1/04!!....The art is the bumper sticker we designed and had made for distribution at the first Chris Fest in June of 2001. Many people have commented it should read, "Keep your EYE on the Road" but at the time it was made we didn't realize we were dealing with a blind driver. The photo is of the sign post at that horrible corner... where the white crossing signal is STILL malfunctioning and has been for more than a month now. Adam has reported it the Livonia police but still no action has been taken! When my sister and her family visited a few days ago they gave me a small calander as one of my Christmas gifts. It's called Angel Reflections, Daily thoughts and Inspirations. I thought I'd put them here on the web page. Some of them REALLY hit home. Today's reads as follows: Angels have heard more New Year promises, plans, and resolutions than anyone on earth could comprehend.Greet this new year with a passion for living true, reaching goals and keeping promises. Fran Kempa - Thursday, January 01, 2004 at 12:20:51 (MST) 12/31/03....The art is once again a drawing with an altered left eye. Note it's much smaller therefore, less effective than the right. The photo was taken 12/31/99, Chris' last New Year's eve and first and last New Year's eve kid party. He has his sparkling grape juice. Jones Soda was always his beverage of choice but for special events, sparkling grape juice always won out...he loved the bottle. Chris was so looking forward to 2001...he thought it would be so cool..I wonder how he would have felt about 2004, the year he should have turned 20! We'll spend a quiet night with friends for dinner and welcome in the New Year with heavy hearts. After the last three years, I have NO expections for the new year. I have truly learned to live one day at a time...there are no guarantees. Fran Kempa - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 14:18:52 (MST) This year is coming to an end Please lend an ear to my thoughts, my friend. May I really tell you how I feel About another year with which I'll deal? I won't always ask that you understand, And when you don't, just hold my hand. If I look ahead with a sense of dread, Help me look again with hope instead. If on New Year's I shed a tear For a precious child no longer near, Just know I need a little time To blink back tears then I'll be fine. This hurt will last my whole life through, But I can manage with God and you And I know again my child will shine, Because he's in your heart and mine. A NEW YEAR <Nan Gurski TCF, Houston, Tx.> - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 14:07:29 (MST) We now go into the new year with renewed hope that our loved ones that have gone before us are at peace and are happy. Much love to you all and may you continue to receive signs from Christopher...Signs that give you hope and comfort. Love Jo and Bill xxx <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 09:05:04 (MST) 12/30/03...The art is the same LIGHT work as yesterday that reminds me of a certain person. The photo was taken Christmas time 1988. Chris wearing his Mickey Mouse slippers and hugging his Cabbage Patch Kid...a little boy doll he named Charlie Mike...I know we still have Charlie Mike somewhere, I just have no idea where right now. I do hope some day we rediscover him. I decided to go through a drawer full of cook books I NEVER consult in the kitchen. I was looking for something different to possibly make for New Year's eve. I thumbed through several and was uninspired. I was getting toward the end of them and picked up this small one called Culinary Classics. It's from Century 21....I got it in 1991/1992 when Auburndale was for sale! I obviously hadn't been through it in years. I opened the first page and written inside the cover in Chris' young hand writing was, "Moms." I then started thumbing through. Chris apparently had gone through the cookbook at the time and circled the recipes he thought sounded good. He circled, Bob Hope's Lemon Pie, Favorite Chili, Best Chili Yet, Beer Chili, Lemon Bread, Pretzels, Poppy Seed Muffins, Doughnuts, Blueberry Fruit Salad, Tasty Peas, Lettuce and Vegetable Melange, Pizza Loaf to Barbecue, Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Desert, Baked Apple Meringues, Cherry Cake, Yankee Doodle Dandy Pie, Country Apple Pie and Cowboy Cookies. It really made me SMILE and I consider it my New Year's "Hello from Heaven!" On the 6:00 news tonight there was a story about the Lynch Funeral Home in Milford that provides drivers on New Year's eve for people who feel they've had too much to drink. They were interviewing the funeral director, Mr. Lynch. He stated how a death in the family is so sad but when it's AVOIDABLE, that makes it so much more sad. While the circumstances in Chris' death were different...blind and claimed brain damage vs. drunk, I will go to my grave KNOWING it was avoidable.....both to me are driving while impaired. As I've said SO many times in the past, had that one man not been on the road that morning, Chris would still be with us today. My sister and her family are safely back home in North Carolina! Adam and Sarah should be home from Chicago some time tonight....the house has been VERY quiet for a few days now! Fran Kempa - Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 16:39:11 (MST) Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at 13:55:38 (MST) 12/29/03...We call the art LIGHT. I'm not sure the year Chris did it but I know it was during the last three years of his life. During the depositions in the law suit filed in Chris' case one of the people to be deposed arrived at his second deposition with the most filthy finger nails I'd ever seen...It made me think of this work for some reason. For such an important event, you'd think you'd try to clean up...it's little things like that that tell you a lot about people. The photo was taken Christmas morning 1989, Chris and his new pup Charlie. I know they had a wonderful Christmas this year up in Heaven. Someone reminded me that they were most likely joined by our first two cats Rusty and Dusty... both went to Heaven in 1992. We had a very short but very nice visit with my sister and her family...Arrived Saturday about 4:30 PM, left Sunday about 11:oo AM. The cemetary was very sad....Lots of Christmas pictures for the January web page. Fran Kempa - Monday, December 29, 2003 at 21:54:44 (MST) 12/27/03...The art is one of Chris' computer generated sayings. Shortly before he was killed he was in to poetry very strongly. The end of October 2000, we attended a meeting with Chris and his guidance counselor to discuss what classes he would take second semester, Junior year. Two of the classes were poetry classes...he was very excited and looking very forward to them. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1996. Charlie and Chris' Santa hat. This was Charlie's first Christmas in Heaven. ...I know he and Chris had a good one. My sister and her family from North Carolina are coming to visit today. I haven't seen them since November 2000. We'll go to the cemetary and the memorial. How I wish Chris could be here to visit with his cousins. They had grown apart over the years and the distance. Joan and Chris had revived their friendship in August of 2000 when we were all in Buffalo for my parent's 50th Anniversary party. They continued to keep in touch on line for the remaining three months of his life.....Things like that are still very sad to me. Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 13:17:21 (MST) keep off i dey hereooooo MUGU <MUGU@MUGU.COM> - Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 09:44:42 (MST) 12/26/03...Yesterday's and today's art is a drawing Chris did for Travis Messenger in Junior High I believe. Travis said his Mom was driving them some where and Chris kept drawing and drawing...Travis saved this one and was kind enough to loan it to us two years ago to copy...we still have it. Yesterday's photo was taken on Christmas morning, 1995...Chris and his Santa hat. Many people have guessed that the art is another self portrait but I'm not sure. Today's photo was taken during Christmas time, 1996 while Christmas tree shopping....Chris always wore the Santa hat. Another Christmas survived with a broken heart...it can be done but it's so not the same...and never will be. Fran Kempa - Thursday, December 25, 2003 at 23:15:54 (MST) Merry Christmas Chris, Where ever you are. Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Thursday, December 25, 2003 at 14:27:56 (MST) Happy Holidays to all of you. May you remember the beautiful times spent with Christopher and believe in the fact that he is at peace and very happy. Rest in peace Chris..and make sure my Mom is enjoying her first Christmas in that glorious place. love always, JoAnne xxoo <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Thursday, December 25, 2003 at 03:27:02 (MST) JR wanted fairness for his Nephew? Fairness he got from LPD, County Prosecutor and the Observer. Where was fairness for Chris all that time? It had to be long fought hard for when really the answer was there all the time. Merry Christmas Chris and Kempa Family! A blue Christmas for sure, but one with a bit more of Peace and a whole lot of Truth! Blessings to all of You in the New Year. MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 14:48:15 (MST) 12/24/03...The art is the last piece Chris ever worked on, the same work as yesterday. The photo was taken during our parish Christmas party in 1986. This is one of very few pictures I have of Chris crying. For some reason he didn't like that Santa. He was so good with the ones in the malls. He had had his first hair cut shortly before this picture was taken, October, 1986. This entry will end the deposition excerpts from JR Schniers: ...Q. What are you taking it from then? A. From the police reporting in the newspaper. ...Q. Would you agree that of your own independant knowledge you don't know whether, how far Chris was from the sidewalk when he was hit? A. I have not the faintest idea. ...Q. What did you hope to accomplish by your actions in these postings and E-mails to the Kempas? A. I think I would have liked to have seen a more even--actually I would have liked to not have seen any depiction--I would have liked to have seen the web site been strictly used as a memorial to their son, to bring honor to their son. I felt from the very beginning, involving anything to do with the accident took away from it. I wanted FAIRNESS for my nephew. After that little commentary, Adam piped up and said, "They killed our son." and was quickly admonished by the insurance company attorney. Q. As to the issue of fairness, isn't it fair to say that you have no independant knowledge of how this collision took place, correct? A. Correct. Q. Wouldn't it be fair to say that you never made an attempt to find out what the facts of this collision were by looking at police reports or talking to witnesses or hiring your own experts; isn't that true? A. Correct. Q. Wouldn't it be fair to say that you were operating on assumptions without any factual data? A. Correct.... Shortly after Chris was killed...only about one week, a neighbor told me he came to her in a dream and told her to tell me he was OK but "TO KEEP SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH." At first I thought she was nuts but the more information that unfolded with the independant investigation into this matter the more I believed and believe what she told me. We found the truth Chris, I know you're happy it's finally out. It's obvious who lied and why they had to. You can rest now....sleep in Heavenly peace sweet-heart. I love and miss you more than most people can imagine. It will be another blue Christmas. Fran Kempa - Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at 12:45:18 (MST) 12/23/03...The art is the last piece Chris ever worked on. We never saw it until after he was killed...he never finished it but even unfinished it's so beautiful. I think you can tell how gentle he was from this water color. It became our Christmas card for 2001...that was the last year I sent cards out. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1991. Adam and Chris with their Pirate Legos. We were dealing with two house payments that Christmas so Pirate Legos were the big joint gift that year....but as you can tell by their faces, they were thrilled! Who would have ever dreamed those Legos would one day be incorporated into a Lego mosaic of Chris lovingly made by his brother shortly after he was killed. Speck has been VERY BAD lately! He broke into his presents yesterday and had taken two out of the bag but I was able to get them away from him before he destroyed them! I told Adam and Adam I think he's just very anxious for Christmas and can't wait any longer for his gifts!...One of which is a sweater! When I was buying it a few weeks ago the cashier at the pet store asked, "What breed of dog are you buying this for?" I told him, "A beagle." He replied, "Good luck!...save your receipt because you'll be returning it the day after Christmas...he'll never wear it!" That's what Adam W. said about the jingle bell collar I bought him...he LOVES it! He's now the jingle dog...the BAD jingle dog.. but he keeps me going! The following are almost the last of the JR Schniers deposition excerpts: ....Q. Did you author that? A. Yes, I did. Q. Is this what would be called a posting? What would you describe this as? A. A posting, I believe. Q. What you wrote is the following. "This is a free and open forum and until it isn't, you will just have to live with it. The lies this cult has spread must be addressed, and I can't think of a better spot to do it. Given the gestapo tactics of this cult, I would advise anyone who disagrees with the teachings of Kempa to use caution." What lies are you referring to? A. I believe the story that was circulating around. Q. What story? A. The story of how the accident took place. Where was this story put out? ....A. I don't know the date. Q. Well, do you know when the story that was circulating that you referred to was put out? A. I believe this was spring but I can't be certain. Q. Are we talking 2001 or 2002? A. I would say 2002. Q. What was the story? A. How Chris was actually killed. Q. What is the story? A. That he was half a step from the curb. Q. Do you in fact know how many steps he was from the curb? A. I have not the faintest idea. Q. How do you know it's a lie then? A. I am just taking it from the police....from the police. Q. From the police report? A. No. I never saw a police report. Fran Kempa - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 21:38:37 (MST) Chris your "batman" ornament is on the tree. Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 11:33:00 (MST) Congratulations Fran on a good CT scan. We pray the chemo goes well for you. Thinking of you all today...and always! love JoAnne xxx <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 03:29:30 (MST) 12/22/03...Yesterday's and today's art we call SMOKE 2. Once again, notice the deformed left eye...and I never asked Chris why....why do you often draw men with altered left eyes?? I wonder if he could have even told me. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1994. Adam and Chris opening their gifts and enjoying the time together! I drove today! After getting the OK from Physical Therapy last Friday I practiced. First in a parking lot, then on the road. After my PT appointment this AM, which Adam drove me to, I drove myself to visit my former co workers, to a Dr. appointment and then to the cemetary and did fine. It was so nice to see all my old friends! As I told them, I don't miss the work so much....working with Seniors can be VERY hard at times but I do miss all of them...I was lucky enough to work with a great bunch of people...I miss the socialization. I hadn't been to the cemetary alone since September...sometimes you just have to go alone. Our Christmas tree this year is beautiful! Adam W. reminded me last night that I didn't quite get the one I planned when he said, "Remember...you were going to get a small one.." It's only about 6' tall but it's VERY wide..I like to call it "full." I know Chris would have liked it. It accommodates the biege K Mart angel he picked out perfectly! I thank God and Chris for a negative CT scan!!. Now it's six more months of chemo and I pray I'll be home free!....I'll finish up JR's deposition tomorrow I think. Fran Kempa - Monday, December 22, 2003 at 21:45:22 (MST) CmK, it's winter time again...remember the all night IMing during the horible snow storm that kept us locked in our houses? :) that was fun... and the late-night trips to Ram's Horn. Remember that faux- camp fire we made with the flashing Hard Rock Cafe' pins on the bus home from Toronto? I do. It's always in the winter when I'm reminded of all the fun times and also the time that I miss you the most...but, I can smile just knowing that I have these memories and smile just because we were friends. S* *** USA - Monday, December 22, 2003 at 19:16:04 (MST) Christmas is coming, Oh, Lord let me hide. I don't want to be happy My child has died. Everyone is laughing, So full of good cheer. Can't they see my sad eyes? I've lost something so dear. I hear them all singing, They're having such fun. How can I survive this? I lost my son. Then almost like magic, A small voice in my ear... "Can't wait till you put the tree up Mom, I'll be your angel this year." My Christmas Angel <Carolyn Dickerson> - Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 21:48:01 (MST) You remember the days you've saved, not the ones you've lost. The District <12/20/03> - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 21:47:25 (MST) 12/20/03...The art for yesterday and today we call SMOKE. Note the altered left eye. This is one of the many eye drawings from Chris that turned out to haunt me. Yesterday's photo was taken during Christmas time, 1993 while Christmas tree shopping. Today's photo was taken Christmas morning, 1995. Felix, Chris and Adam. Chris always wore the Santa hat... I miss Chris EVERY day, but as I've said before and many people know, this time of year is much more intense. I miss his energy and humor. Chris had a personality to match the hustle and bustle of the season....the house would be much more lively...but then that's the 16 year old Chris I'm talking about. At 19 and a half, I know he would have matured but I doubt he would have lost those qualities...that zest for life.. Once again, yesterday's CT scan itself is not what I was dreading...it's the results. Hope to hear something by Tuesday. In the mean time I AM sweating it out. I keep meaning to mention this here... The day I came home from the hospital this most recent time, Oct. 17th, there was a wrapped package on the porch...among others. This one was from Lauren Rossi. Inside the package was a little boy angel with wire wings holding a puppy. The card simply said she hoped it would make me feel better. I was so touched...all I could think of was Chris and Charlie reunited up in Heaven and it made me feel SO good! He is called the Angel of Comfort. A few weeks later, Sarah brought me a package from her parents. Inside the package was a lady angel with wire wings with her arms outstretched...by the same artist. She is called the Angel of Courage. They are so beautiful I displayed them on the mantle and have incorporated them into our Christmas decorations. More excerpts from the October 8, 2002 deposition of JR Schniers. Q. Is number 6 a posting? A. It would appear it's to the Detroit News. I don't know if it's a posting or if it's a letter. Comments to the editor. I'm not certain to tell you the truth. Q. It starts off, "I have to point out that this young man was killed due to his own recklessness and not by a speeding truck." Where did you get this information from. A. The newspaper. Q. "I know the real victim in this accident is the driver of the truck. This poor man had no chance to see Chris and the police report makes that clear." Where did you get that information from? A. The newspaper. Q. But this refers to the police report. A. I never saw a police report. It would be assumption on my part because there were no charges filed. Q. So you're just kind of making this up? A...No. I'm deciphering this from the newspaper report. Q. My question is, it says the police report makes that clear, and I believe you have acknowledged you've never seen the police report? A. Correct. Q. So if you haven't seen the police report, but you make reference to the police report in this sentence, then you're just making that up, correct? A. I'm assuming-- I wonder why Mr. Schniers neglected to add to his little posting to the Detroit News the reason this man had no chance to see Chris was because he's blind in his left eye as the result of brain surgery...and that's the side Chris was crossing from. Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 18:12:16 (MST) Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Saturday, December 20, 2003 at 11:07:33 (MST) Number9 Number9 Dwane - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 14:09:12 (MST) I haven't signed the guestbook in a really long long time but I read it as much as possible. Tonight, I sat down though and read all the way through to October. Even after all of these years, I still cry for Chris. I see him though as much as possible because my mother is buried in the same cemetary. I always visit him when I go to see her. I just moved back home with my parents from wixom and now I am happier because I get to see them more than just once a week. I am sorry for everything that has been said from the whole Schniers family. It's obvious that they can't to this day deal with the reality. Everytime I go by Chris's memorial on the corner, I can't help but think that if I had gotten a ride from my usual ride that day, we would have picked him up the second we saw him. I still get mad that my ride didn't come to get me that day due to her illness. I still visit the memorial as much as I can and espacially his grave. Which by the way looks beautiful. It looks like Chris's life. I hope that all of the Kempa family is doing okay during these holidays, and Mrs. Kempa I still say prayers to you to get better. I know you can beat this. Chris will help. Anyway, love and prayers to all. kat - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 00:56:02 (MST) 12/18/03...The art is the same eye drawing as yesterday. The photo was taken Christmas morning 1996. That's Felix and Charlie waiting for Adam and Chris to come down stairs. They wore matching Christmas kerchiefs that year! Adam F. had a Christmas morning house rule...no presents were opened until everyone was down stairs and there was a roaring fire in the fireplace. Someone was kind enough to bring us a program from the Wayne State commencement 12/11. We discovered Adam not only received a degree in Electrical Engeneering but graduated Cum Laude!...He never mentioned that. I was VERY proud but not surprised. Adam has always been VERY smart. He had developed a vast vocabulary and knew ALL of his shapes by two and was reading at three.....Chris on the other hand had a five word vocabulary at two...mom, dad, ball, Yayi for Adam W. and tete for kitty. He really didn't read until second grade.....but by two he was drawing and already beginning to amaze people. Even at that young age many commented on his use of color and DETAIL! He continued to amaze until the day he was killed. Adam W. and I continued a tradition last night, we went Christmas shopping together. Until 1999, Adam, Chris and I always picked a day and made an afternoon of it. We'd go to lunch and then go shopping. When they were in elementry and high school, I'd pick them up at noon and let them miss a half day. Due to schedule conflicts in 1999, the three of us couldn't get together so Adam and I went one day then Chris and I went a few days later....we had NO clue this was our last Christmas together. The last store Chris and I went to was Media Play...and he still hadn't found his brother's gift. I was off by myself looking at something and Chris came up to me. He told me he'd found the "perfect" gift for Adam and started to explain....Adam had just gotten a DVD player and LOVED the movie Good Will Hunting...he pulled the Good Will Hunting DVD from behind his back. He went on to explain he didn't have enough money to pay for it. I was impressed with the thought he'd put into the gift and told him I'd make up the difference. That was the last Christmas present Adam ever got from his brother...I hope he keeps it in a very safe place! Last night we went to Kohl's, the parking lot was VERY crowded. As we drove through, a space three from the door opened up. Adam was looking at some nice Dockers dress pants. They had the color he wanted but not his size. While he was in the fitting room trying on other things, I was leaning on a rack of Lee Khakis. I looked down and there laid across the rack underneath my arm was a pair of the pants Adam wanted...exact color and right size! We bought them. The last gift we needed was special. We found the one we wanted but the sheen was gone and the packaging was damaged. We started to look for others. We returned to where the damaged one was and a little above it to the left was another one of the same....sheen and packaging intact!....Coincidences? Maybe....but I think Chris came shopping with us last night! Tomorrow I have to have a CT scan to check for "recurrence of cancer" before my chemo starts in January...I am very nervous to say the least. The following are more excerpts from the deposition of JR Schniers. Q. Next sentence is, "The driver was not at fault and I have the legal system and the truth on my side." Where did you get that information from? A. Probably from the newspaper where, the newspaper,where they said in the newspaper that said they were not going to file any charges. Q. Do you know if the driver Michael has any disabilities? A. Yes, I believe he does. Q. What's that disability? A. I believe he's either blind or has poor eyesight in one of his eyes. Q. Which eye is it? A. I don't know. Q. Where did you get that information from? A. I was at the hospital at the time of his brain surgery. Q. Have you ever spoken to Michael after he's had this surgery? A. Yes. Q. Have you talked to him about his visual impairment? A. No. Q. How many times a month would you see Michael...from January 2000 to date? A. Christmas, Easter. Q. Any more than that? A. Thanksgiving. Holidays is the only time. Q. Have you seen him since this collision with Chris Kempa? A. Yes. Q. Have you ever asked him what happened? A. No. Q. Have you ever inquired from him about his visual impairment, how he's doing with it? A. No. I sat through all of the depositions but one, the second deposition of Amy Wilhelm. The insurance company attorney refused to let me sit in on that one because I was not a named party in the law suit. I wanted to see these people...I wanted to look them in the eye and I wanted them to look me in the eye...some of them couldn't! Fran Kempa - Thursday, December 18, 2003 at 11:07:35 (MST) Incredible depos! If you sat through all of the depos in person, I have no clue how you survived them all. So much garbage and stupidity. Just reading them is enough to make a person ill. MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 13:06:15 (MST) 12/17/03...The art is a drawing of one of the many eyes Chris drew...he seemed so interested in drawing eyes...how ironic. The photo was taken during Christmas time 1996, Chris, Adam and Charlie. Notice the nutcrackers and Lego figures still adorned the mantle then. The following are more excerpts from the October 8, 2002 deposition of JR Schniers. ....Q. How many E mails do you think you sent to the Kempas? A. Directly to the Kempas, I believe just this one that I'm aware of. ...Mr. Schniers, would you tell me what the difference between E mails and postings are? A. E mails are actually direct contact. Posting on a bulletin board is just a public to the best of my knowledge. Q. And you believe you only sent one E mail to the Kempas? A. I believe so. Q. Would you possibly have sent E mails to different web sites that the Kempas have? A. Not E mails. Q. How many postings did you leave for the Kempas? A. I have no idea. Q. Are we talking one, ten? A. I would have to be guessing. I don't know. Q. Could you give me some range? A. I'd have to guess again. I really don't know. .....Q. Would it be your feeling that if you didn't send it, it could be your daughter or your son? A. No. In fact, under the circumstances, I'll take responsibility for all the E mails. Q. Okay. Number 4, exhibit number 4 indicates, "What do you think the final police report said?" Did you have an opportunity to read the final police report? A. No. Q. The next sentence is, "The report placed 100 percent of the fault on Chris, not the driver." Where did you get that information? A. Any information I received would have been from my sister or from the news media. Q. Next one is, "Guess who paid the deductible to repair the damage Chris caused to the truck?" Where did you get that information from? A. I would have to, again, say my sister or the news media. Q. You keep saying my sister, not sisters. Is there one sister that's more attuned? A. No. You can assume it's plural. Q. It says "T hats right, the Kempa's insurance company." What does that mean? A. I would guess it was a typo. Q. That's right the Kempa's insurance company. The next one is, "Get the facts before you shoot off your mouth. It's the Kempas that should be saying the apologies." Where did you get your facts? A. I'm not certain that they are facts. Any information I received I had gotten from the news media or my sisters. Q. Could you please take a look at deposition number 5? Did you have a chance to review that? A. Yes, I have. Q. Is that an E mail that you sent? ...A. I'll take responsibility for it. Q. Let's talk about the one that has Subject: His Actions, and the date is the 27th of January, 2001. That's from you to Mary S., correct? A. Yes. Q. The first you have, answer the questions, then you have number one. "Why didn't the police ticket the driver? They have three witnesses who collaborated the driver story." Who did you get that information from? A. I would have gotten it from my sisters. Q. Did you ask your sisters where they got the information from? A. No, I did not. Q. Two, "Why did the Wayne County Prosecuter find the driver completely not at fault?" Where did you get that information from? A. Again, it would be my sisters. Q. And who did your sisters speak to to get that information from? A. I have no idea. Q. Did you ever ask your sisters where are you getting all this inside information from? A. I'm not certain. ...Q. Did you ever say to your sisters where did you get this information that you're providing me with? A. No Q. You weren't interested? A. No. Q. Well, you certainly were interested enough to put it on the E mail on a web site ? ...But you didn't attempt to find out if it was valid or not? A. No. Q. Okay. Then the next paragraph is, "The chain of events from the parents has no validity except in the mind of people who can't believe the truth. Just for the record, when Chris left this world, he left it in the arms of the driver." Where did you get that information from? A. I got that information from my sister, the specific sister is my sister Annie. Q. I'm sorry, where does Annie reside? A. Northville. Q. Where did Annie get that information from? A. I have no idea. Q. How do you know it was, precisely it's from Annie? A. I do remember our conversation. Q. Would Annie be the person that you got most of your information from because she lives in the area? A. Not necessarily Q. Has Annie been speaking to the driver who you call Michael? ...A. I have no idea... Seems JR Schniers should have gotten his facts straight before he shot his mouth off. And as for Annie...I guess I have to add her to the list of people who may have initiated that evil lie about Chris leaving this world in the arms of that man. Fran Kempa - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 11:43:50 (MST) Dear Adam...It is so true about everyone going back to their lives. The loss my family and I suffered with the sudden death of my beautiful Mother a few months ago was a shock to many...but they have continued with their lives and we are left to pick up the pieces. It is NEVER the same, and of course the death of a child is so much more intense and tragic. One's purpose in life and daily living is so different once a loved one leaves this world. It is so hard to describe...the only way I can put it simply is "sad and empty". My heart goes out to you all every day and my wish for you is that you continue to find happiness and peace in the beautiful memories of Christopher now and every day for the rest of your lives. much love always... JoAnne <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 04:46:01 (MST) This time of the year we miss them but that is only partly true. We miss them each night at dinner, our eyes rest on his empty chair before we are through. That is why I write "Miss you always" it is true morning day and night. Everyone else gets to go back to their lives, except us. Ours has a large hole in it, that seems to grow larger with time. Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 23:53:11 (MST) best wishes from frida !!! what a nice page ! i really enjoyed surfing by ! kredit <kredit> - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 18:06:52 (MST) Horribly and tragically I think many based their opinions on what happened that fateful day possibly by what was written in the original article in the Observer about the accident. So where did the Observer get their info from? A Police Report that wasn't handily ready for the Family in a reasonable amount of time, but info was available for a storyline? The story was pretty much biased against Chris in my opinion, like many stories before his. There are accidents and there are accidents. Some avoidable and some not. Amazes me how many teen pedestrians get the short end of the stick against an injurious and deadly vehicle. It is assumed they are not using their brains and that the drivers on the road have perfect driving skills. Not all teen pedestrians are in the wrong when sharing space on or off the road! MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 16:41:50 (MST) When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world, and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass and spin the earth in dizzy circles.Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the day time when they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing wind songs they whisper to us, "Don't miss me too much. The view is nice and I'm doing fine." Ashley - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 12:51:01 (MST) 12/16/03...The art is the same whimsical self portrait done for Cori as yesterday. The photo was taken Christmas morning 1997, Chris and Adam. Chris thought his Miami Beach T shirt with a shark on the back was very festive because it was red! The following are more excerpts from the deposition of John R. Schniers taken October 8, 2002. ...Q. Have you had any other discussions with any family members about how this collision took place? A. I've discussed it with my sisters. Q. Who are your sisters? A. There's Frances, there's Margaret, there's Theresa, there's Patricia, and there's Ann Elizabeth. ...Q. And what did you discuss with them regarding this collision? A. Basically they sat there and went through what they felt was, what took place, how it was proceeding. Q. Okay, where did they get their information? A. I have no idea. Q. In your discussions with them, did you ever ask them what the basis for their opinion was? A. No. Q. And did they have a collective opinion on what transpired? A. I would believe so, yes. Q. What's the collective opinion? A. I believe they believe what took place was that Christopher was caught in the middle of the street and that he stepped out or walked out in front of the vehicle, was hit tragically. Q. Where did they get this information? A. I have no idea. Perhaps newspapers. Q. Do you know if they discussed the case with the driver of the vehicle, your nephew Michael? A. No. How wrong Aunt Fran, Aunt Marge and the rest were in their collective opinion. I wonder where they DID get their information. Fran Kempa - Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 12:11:19 (MST) 12/15/03...The art is a whimsical self portrait Chris drew for Cori on November 16, 2000...just 4 days before he was killed. He had loaned her his Kentucky Elliott sweatshirt and wanted it back. He made himself say in the drawing, "I miss my hooded sweatshirt cuz I'm cold." Thank God she kept that sweatshirt until the evening of November 20th when she brought it over to the house and gave it to Adam W. If he had had it that morning, he WOULD have worn it and it would have been cut to ribbons by the EMS like all of his other clothes were. I'm so thankful Cori preserved it for us...although none of us knew that's what was happening...we're so happy to still have it...it was such a part of Chris! The photo was taken Christmas afternoon 1990. It was obviously a green Christmas that year and Chris couldn't wait to ride his bike! The training wheels didn't stay on long! Because his feet could touch the ground, he was riding the two wheeler quickly! The following are excerpts from the deposition of John R. Schniers taken on October 8, 2002. Out of respect for Angie Schniers, I'm not going to put all the excerpts here. They are all public record and can easily be checked. ....Q. Would you agree that Michael was the driver of the vehicle that struck Christopher kempa? A. I believe so. Q. Have you reviewed any documents relative to how this collision took place? A. Define documents. Q. Police reports, witness statements. A. No. Q. Have you spoken to any of the witnesses who saw this collision? A. No. Q. Did you speak to the police officers? A. No. Q. Do you know any of the police officers? A. No. Q. Do you know any of the witnesses? A. No. Q. How did you become aware that the Kempas had a web site? A. My niece informed me of it...... Fran Kempa - Monday, December 15, 2003 at 10:29:27 (MST) Hello webmaster ! i like your nice page ! Have fun surfin the web ! cu, Pete ! kredit darlehen <kredit darlehen> - Sunday, December 14, 2003 at 23:40:26 (MST) 12/14/03...The art is the same TEDDI as yesterday. The photo is another taken during Christmas time, 1992... Chris, Adam and Charlie. Chris' nutcrackers are prominently displayed on the mantle along with the Lego angels and Santas. During our neighborhood Christmas walk Fri. night we couldn't help notice one of the homes had nutcrackers about two feet tall on either side of their mantle. I said to Adam, "Chris would have LOVED those!" We haven't used the nutcrackers or the Legos on the mantle since he was killed. I'm sorry to report the crossing light at West Chicago and Merriman is STILL not functionong...two weeks now! The county has more than enough trucks to tend to the Christmas light display in Hines Park...but no truck to send to the corner. Fran Kempa - Sunday, December 14, 2003 at 21:32:43 (MST) Don't worry Mrs. Kempa, I've heard God keeps accurate records. A Friend - Sunday, December 14, 2003 at 13:25:58 (MST) 12/13/03...I forgot...Today's art is the cute drawing we call TEDDI. It's also the work three of Chris' GOOD friends chose to have made in to tattoos. The photo was taken Christmas evening 1992...our first Christmas in our new and loved home. That's Chris, Adam and Adam about to enjoy our traditional Christmas desert...Adam F.'s birthday cake! Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 12:01:42 (MST) 12/13/03...Yesterday's art was the same beautiful TIGER work as Thursday. Yesterday's photo was of Charlie, the best present opening dog in the world! I can't believe I neglected to mention him with my losses over the last three years. This will be our first Christmas without both Chris and Charlie. Speck will have to learn how to open presents this year...Charlie opened his for him last year! There was an interesting article in the Thursday Livonia Observer. The title was, : Counselor says grief "trashes our health." I said to Adam, "I'd say I'm living proof of that!" In the article it stated one study found that eight out of ten people in the hospital...besides women there to deliver a baby or people in for elective surgery...had lost someone within six months. The counselor, Wes Baldwin spoke at the Neely-Turowski Funeral Home in Livonia. This is the first holiday season in 29 years I haven't had to work one or more of the major holidays! Last night we attended our annual neighborhood Christmas Walk with two other couples. There were only four homes this year and we drove! By the time we were finished my legs were killing me but I was so happy I went. I told Adam since this may be my last Christmas I'm going to enjoy it! It was nice to see current and old neighbors and even hear one family is moving back to the neighborhood after living in Ann Arbor for three years...they missed it that much! That's what Chris loved about it...the closeness, he knew and visited with MANY more people than we did! Before I put excerpts from JR's deposition in, I want to place one last thing from him...an entry he made here in the guestbook shortly after Adam started putting in his, "The truth will come outs" He didn't sign it with his name but signed it, The truth and put one of his E mail addresses...foyo...@....com. And once again, his trademark gave him away! It reads as follows: I would ask anyone who can bring anything about this tragic loss. I hear much calling for the truth and some one must have seen this accident other then the three witnesses who gave the police their MISTAKEN testimoney.The Livonia Police and the Prosecuter must be made aware of the truth. The truth has come out and we don't like it. Just one or two people who know what really happened to come forward will make a difference. We waited three years to make it known. I wanted to hear from the experts and others during deposition before we revealed anything...THE TRUTH. I'd known exactly what happened since that horrible day after Adam spoke to the unfortunate woman who had a front row seat to Chris' tragic death. But I waited...I wanted to get my facts straight rather than reveal MISTAKEN facts and out and out lies like some people did. Entries like the last one make this web page so worth it!! Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 11:52:58 (MST) Dear Mr., Mrs., and Adam Kempa, I'm sorry if this message doesn't make a lot of sense, it's very difficult for me to write.. but I'd really like to leave a comment with your family. You have created an absolutely beautiful site. I never met Chris, but I wish I had. From what I've heard from friends, and from what I've seen on this site, he seems like an amazing person. What you've done in his memory is incredible. On September 26th of 2000, my best friend of 10 years, Dianna Bastien, was hit and killed by a truck in front of Thurston High School (in Redford, on Schoolcraft Rd) when we were running cross country practice after school. We had always run and danced on competitive teams, and she lived just three houses down from me, it was such a shock. Dianna's parents divorced immediately after her death, and very little has been done in her memory. There is an athletic scholarship (through THS) and dance scholarship (through our dance studio) set up in her memory, but in rememberance of her actual personality, her spirit, her incredibly selfless nature, nothing has been done. The hardest thing to deal with now, is growing up. This August, I'll be 19, but Dianna will always be the same age. When I'm older, get married, have children, whatever, she'll still be that teenage girl I left behind. The strength your family has to stay together, support each other, and to keep Chris' memory alive is more inspiring than you know. Your site has touched me very deeply. Everyone that has participated in keeping Chris' memory alive, friends, family, teachers, the whole community.. you are all amazing people. Sorry if I'm going on and on! Your site has had quite an effect on me! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and thanks again for everything you've done. We're nothing today if we can't remember our past. Take care, Leah Diehl dileah@umich.edu P.S. I hate to be morbid now, but I forgot to mention that Dianna's bithday is November 20th. Crazy, huh? Leah Diehl <dileah@umich.edu> - Friday, December 12, 2003 at 10:28:01 (MST) I'm so happy the truth is finally comming out...My thoughts and prayers are with you this season and always...I know your bruises may fade but the pain will remain forever...Keep speaking the TRUTH Kempa's ..My best wishes are with you! Best Wishes Kempas <crypticfairy03@aol.com> USA - Friday, December 12, 2003 at 04:03:46 (MST) 12/11/03...The art is the beautiful TIGER drawing Chris did in Oct. 2000 as a project for the Visual Communications program at the Career Center. This is the work we were shown at parent teacher confrence that month. The photo was taken during Christmas time 1984 after seeing Santa. Congratulations to Adam William!...We are VERY proud of him...always have been. I was blessed with two wonderful sons. On 6/24/01 at 11:20:32 I received the following E mail from one of Chris' friends..the sweet young girl I referred to yesterday. It reads as follows: Mrs. Kempa, This was in my inbox today. Honestly, I started to cry. I almost didn't open it because I didn't know who it was from , but the name sounded SO familliar...I just didn't know what it was , and at first I thought that someone got the wrong E mail address. When I read it farther I realized what it was...the driver. I really...I feel so sick to my stomach. Why would anyone say anything so hurtful? Now I understand what you meant. I really wanted to say something back , but I remembered you wanted the messages forwarded to you. I just wish that I could tell him so much...it's taking everything inside me not to. I am just so upset, shaking and crying. I can't believe it at all. It just makes me sick to know that he would cause even more pain. Is there anything I can do with this letter? I don't want to ignore it. The letter she refers to is from John Schniers and the subject is: He didn't. It reads as follows: What do you think the final police report said? The report placed 100 percent of the fault on Chris not the driver. Guess who paid the deductible to repair the damage Chris caused to the truck? Thats right the Kempa's insurance company. Get the facts before you shoot off your mouth it's the Kempa's that should be saying apologies I told Chris' friend her mail wasn't from the driver but from his uncle. I also told her as hard as it was to IGNORE him. I believe she did. Two interesting points: The story about our insurance company paying the deductible is another complete and total FABRICATION. And once again, it makes you wonder which Schniers initiated the lie. Was it William Michael, William Leo or John Rudolph? The other interesting fact is that during JR's sworn deposition in Oct. 2002 he denied several times under oath that he'd ever seen or discussed the police report with anybody. He sure pretended to know quite a bit about it didn't he??? Fran Kempa - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 16:08:49 (MST) adam, congrats, your parents should be proud of you! franklin friend - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 09:32:15 (MST) Hi Fran, Just wondering how you are doing. Hope that you're recouperating. Janice Janice Martin <JEMartin6452@aol.com> - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 05:15:47 (MST) Congrats Adam on your Graduation from Wayne State!! MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 02:57:17 (MST) 12/10/03...The art is the same work title and signature as yesterday. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1984. Chris has on his SANTA'S HELPER bib and Adam is engrossed in one of his gifts. We started decorating for Christmas tonight...a little more than last year but no where near what we did when Chris was alive. When we were finished and sat down to take it all in, the conversation turned to Chris and sadness followed. Speck graduated from his MANNERS FOR LIFE class tonight! Adam W. enrolled him in the class several weeks ago and has taken him faithfully! He had his picture taken in a cap and gown...CUTE! Tomorrow is the day Adam W. officially graduates from Wayne State....but he chose not to walk. His dad is rather disappointed but I feel he's an adult and it's his decision. I simply asked him if it was something he'd look back on in years to come and regret... he assured me it isn't. In my mind in a way it's a relief. One event we can miss the glaring absence of Chris. I know it would have been Adam's event but how could you keep from missing Chris?....His absence shadows everything. Adam W. received another E mail from JR Schniers on 2/28/01. This one at 10:08:05 PM.It reads as follows: Your brother is in the public domain and I have every right to express my option. I am not in the public eye but a private citizen and you don't have the right to use my name. To tell you the truth the slander of my name adds much to your site. It draws attention to the facts about your brother and the people who love him. On second thought keep it in. During his sworn deposition on 10/8/02 Mr. JR Schniers stated he didn't know who he was sending these E mails to....but notice he refers to "your site" and "your brother."...I guess he knew who he was sending this one to. Excerpts of his deposition to follow after one last E mail. This one to another one of Chris' friends...another sweet young girl he upset very much. Fran Kempa - Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 21:28:52 (MST) I sure hope the media that tried to blame Chris for his unnecessary death will read this and report the HONEST TRUTH ..hopefully it will help to change the state's laws that want to protect the impaired drivers over the safety of its citizens. Evan Szczepanski Evan <Evanski@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 20:32:32 (MST) What a freakin Idiot for JR to give threat for referencing his name! He asked for it! I doubt anyone gave him permission to post his garbage talk on this site and the Newspaper forum, not to mention his threatening emails! MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 13:37:17 (MST) 12/9/03...The art is an example of the way Chris signed some of his works. This one he titled, signed, initialed, and smiley faced...but didn't date! He was very lax in dating them. It was never a problem when he was alive...I never even really noticed it. But since he's been gone I'd LOVE to know when certain works were done. It's a guess at best. The photo was taken Christmas evening, 1987. You can see in this picture, they truly loved each other. Chris idolized Adam until the day he was killed. Adam W. received his second E mail from JR Schniers on 2/28/01 at 5:22:32 PM. It reads as follows: You have 24 hours to remove any reference to my name or face many more messages from many more people. I did not give permission to use my name in this public site. It's signed John R. Schniers. I told Adam to keep his name in. And shortly after, I believe he made good on his threat. We received many hateful messages in the guestbook. One from High School Buddy Joe who stated Chris was gay and used graphic examples. Another written to me implying Chris walked in front of the truck and comitted suicide because he was gay....and on and on. I just had Adam delete them as they came but they were copied and saved. JR was deposed in this case on 10/8/02, excerpts will follow. When asked about these entries during the deposition, he didn't deny writing them he simply replied he did "not recall" writing them.....But once again, I believe the poor spelling and grammar gave him away. Fran Kempa - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 12:09:11 (MST) MCS....you go girl!!! We always knew the truth, but now it is revealed. Rest in peace Christopher!!! JoAnne <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 09:14:49 (MST) I certainly have two words for JR should he still be monitoring this website ~ THE TRUTH has arrived! MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 06:37:16 (MST) Amen to Mary Bamma - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 06:01:13 (MST) It is good to see the truth come out... This is still too sad As Fran has said, they gambled and we lost. We miss you Chris...Always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 02:01:43 (MST) 12/8/03...The art is the same frame from one of Chris' computer animations as yesterday. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1990. The boys always left cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and water for the reindeer. One of the first things they checked on Christmas morning...after making sure there were presents under the tree was how much Santa and the reindeer ate and drank! We went to the cemetary yesterday and found an I AM LOVED button attached to the ribbon on Chris' Christmas tree. It makes me feel SO good to know some of his friends do go there..it really means a lot! That last entry did make me feel very good...Thank You! A phone call I received today made me feel even better and will definatly help get the story out. After JR's posting in the News survey and his various E mails, people began to talk about him here in the guestbook and mention his name. He didn't like that very much. As a result, his next E mail victim was Adam William. He received the first in a series of three on 2/27/01 at 12:07:21 PM. It was not signed but contains one of the same E mail addresses as all the rest...and then there's that spelling and grammar. It reads as follows: Hay buddy thanks for the english lesson. I think you know what I wanted to say but just in case it's still a problem I'm thinking of two words and it's not happy birthday. Amen Mary Saia of Westland. I couldn't have said it better myself! Fran Kempa - Monday, December 08, 2003 at 18:33:03 (MST) I just wanted to let you know that the message is getting across all of Michigan. I am a student @ Western Mich Univ and here in Kalamazoo today I saw 2 seperate cars at 2 different times that had the bumper sticker for Chris. Maybe thats a sign? I thought I would let you know, maybe it will brighten your day or bring a smile to your face that the message is all across Michigan. My thoughts are with all of you. -- <--> - Monday, December 08, 2003 at 17:56:39 (MST) I have been visiting this web page since the beginning. I remember all of the nasty JR Schniers incidents. After reading for the last month, I would have to say Mr. Schniers has his facts backwards in this last E mail to Chris' friend. It was William Michael Schniers who didn't look to see if pedestrians were coming. When you're 26, blind and brain damaged and in control of a potentially lethal device you do dumb things. William Michael just didn't think about what he was doing when he drove through a school zone crosswalk at 35 to 40 miles an hour when he admitted he couldn't see what was to his left or ahead of the van in front of him. I think it's JR who needs to get his facts straight. Mary Saia <Westland> - Monday, December 08, 2003 at 12:42:02 (MST) 12/7/03...The art is a frame from one of Chris' many computer animations. I remember the day he completed it vividly. I was upstairs doing some household chores and he called from the computer room, "Mom come here, you HAVE to see this one!" I went back there as I did so often and he played it from the beginning and we LAUGHED!! God how I miss him and all the calls to see yet another example of his amazing talent and humor! The photo was taken Christmas time 1984, Chris' first meeting with Santa and was he ever happy! I agree with everything Cathie said in the last entry. As far as I'm concerned the driver and his parents have gambled one time too many and as a result, we lost our most precious son and brother. If he is still driving...last I heard he is, in my opinion he is still a ticking time bomb... and it's not just the general public he endangers every day...don't they realize he's a threat to his own safety and theirs if they ride with him? As I said in an earlier entry....everytime I hear about another pedestrian being hit I wonder... After receiving my chemo therapy over dose and becoming comatose, I've been seeing a new Oncologist at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. My next round of chemo begins in January. I am very nervous to say the least but it's a different drug and will be administered IV instead of orally. I'm still no where near 100% and I know this will knock me down again but I pray after 6 more months of chemo I'll be totally back!.... That is my hope and then my real work can begin! I have not driven since mid September. I had just begun to drive again after my surgery and then I fell into the coma. No Doctor or other medical professional told me I couldn't drive...COMMON SENSE and a sense of RESPONSIBILITY to the public told me I shouldn't drive. I happened to mention not driving to my Physical Therapist the other day and she said, "I'm not telling you you can't drive, it's really up to you...but your balance is still off and your legs are still weak so it probably wouldn't be a good idea." I assured her I wouldn't think of driving at this point...and I can see fine. I would never chance my balance and coordination. I have no idea when I'll drive again but I won't let selfishness decide. Mr. JR Schniers next target for an E mail was one of Chris' friends. A very nice young girl of 16. Luckily I had warned many of his friends not to be surprised if they heard from him. I instructed them to show their parents and then forward the E mail to us which she did. It was still very upsetting despite the warning. This E mail was sent 2/26/01 and forwarded to me at 11:36 P.M. It reads as follows: Chris was crossing the street against the light. He didn't look to see if traffic was coming and finally he was in a dark clothes. When your 16 you do dumb things and Chris just didn't think about what he was doing. I stand by my words the victim is the driver he will have to live with the memory holding Chris and feeling his life slip away. I wish more than anyone that this didn't happen but it did and now it's time to move on......It's signed John Schniers. He continued to perpetuate that same lie about the driver holding Chris as he died. I wonder how many other people he and they told?? Fran Kempa - Sunday, December 07, 2003 at 20:22:39 (MST) I had a very interesting talk with one of my patients yesterday. Due to complications after a minor surgery she suffered brain damage and loss of mobility. She's now in "rehabilitative driver's education." She told me her first TWO HOURS were spent testing her EYESIGHT to determine how she would have to compensate while driving. Her instructor also told her how even with one eye not seeing or seeing as well, the other eye is involved. Her second TWO HOUR session focused on her mobility or lack of. She's still doing this on a one on one basis until she's comfortable driving again. I told her about Chris and THAT DRIVER. I told her what a good idea it is to re-educate herself to keep herself safe on the road. "Cathie, my daughter could be on the road when I'm driving. I need to be able to respond to any situation while driving." Her instructor did point out to her that MOST of their students err in too much speed at any given moment. My patient is the opposite and is going too slow while she's relearning. So, if THAT DRIVER or his relatives are still reading this, there is still time to get re-educated. You are still a HAZARD on the road. You have been lucky with your driving record. You gamble EVERY time you're on the road. What are the probabilities that at some point your luck will run out? I would say be a man and get some help but I honestly think you should be a human being and get some driver's help. Cathie Vyse <Wysetalk@aol.com> - Sunday, December 07, 2003 at 15:10:45 (MST) 12/6/03...The "art" is the same Chris T shirt as yesterday. The photo was taken during Christmas time 1989 in Buffalo. That's Adam, cousin Billy and Chris holding his new furry brother Charlie....Chris looks so happy and he was! The boys and I had wanted a dog for a long time and what a GREAT dog he turned out to be! I'd never be without one now. In February of 2001, the city of Livonia ordered the Memorial constructed at the corner where Chris was killed be removed based upon one complaint. We complied with their order and removed it. During this emotional time, the Detroit News did a story. They also conducted a survey on their web page, for roadside memorials or against. People could write in and express their views. The following was contained among the postings: Posted: Sat.Feb.24, 2001 at 10:14A.M. From: John R. Schniers City: Holly, Mi. Subject: Roadside Memorial Comments: I have to point out that this young man was killed due to his own recklessness and not by a speeding truck. I know the real victom in this accident is the driver of the truck. This poor man had no chance to see Chris and the police report makes that clear. We do have public memorials to people and events. We don't place them on street corners. City parks and cemeteries, are the proper place. I think the Kempas want this to be public because of the lawsuit they have started,I know "it's not about the money." The question remains is the city of Livonia ruled by laws or mobs? Some other postings contained the same poor spelling and punctuation but different names...it made me wonder just how busy JR was during this period of time....As I said, they became his trade mark. Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 20:24:29 (MST) If and when my health improves Tracy, ALL these questions WILL be answered. I am NOT finished with this...you might say, I'm finally just beginning. I owe it to Chris and his memory. Fran Kempa - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 12:14:21 (MST) I was reading the entry a few down from MCS about LPD information not always being correct, and I couldn't agree more. I was involved in a hit and run car accident over the summer, by a very obvious drunk driver. It took the LPD 45 minutes to get to the scene, as we sat in the middle of Plymouth road with a smashed car and minor injures. Once they got there they were very rude to us. Even though my friends in the car behind us chased the other car long enough to get the license plate, the officers made no attempt to find the car. 2 months later I went to the station and found out that the car had been reported stolen 2 days after the accident (seems so convenient) and when I asked the officer, he told me that there had been no investigation to find out if the person who reported the car was the person who hit us. We gave descriptions of the driver and everything. It seems to me that the LPD really doesn't take things seriously. The police report was written wrong (didn't even say hit and run on it and it listed my male friend driver as a female and didn't say I was injured). I makes me so upset to see them do that with something so minor, and it makes me even more upset that they wouldn't be thorough with a fatality. Has anyone approached the Livonia city council and asked why the police have been so lacking? Tracy <tracyelaina@hotmail.com> - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 11:49:25 (MST) Why didn't the Police ticket the driver? Because they were too busy pinning the blame on the unsuspecting pedestrian. Why did the Wayne County Prosecutor find the driver not completely at fault? Because the blame was pinned on the pedestrian as the driver was not thoroughly investigated as should have been especially in a fatality case! The chain of events from the Parents had MUCH validity and truth because no one, but no one, knows the victim and their habits better than the Parents! Chris did everything right that day and the driver did everything wrong even before that fateful day with his Family as coverup. There is no covering up the real Truth. It comes out sooner or later. For shame that it has to come so much later though. MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 06:28:36 (MST) AMEN to Jo ! Lee - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 06:27:03 (MST) I find it difficult to believe that the uncle is an adult. His spelling and entire attitude is so elementary. That is a frightening thought when you do think about it...How scarey that he is supposedly a responsible contributing person to society. Fran, Adam, and Adam...we DO know the truth now...and we DO believe you....as we always have!! All of his chatter is nonsense. When it comes down to it..only one being will judge him...and that will be all that matters!! Rest in peace Christopher Jo <xxx> - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 05:59:22 (MST) Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 00:00:48 (MST) Mrs Kempa, Its been a while since I've posted anything in here. I just want to let you know I still think of you and your family often, and of course of Chris. My prayers are still with you. Tracy <tracyelaina@hotmail.com> - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 21:34:53 (MST) 12/5/03...The "art" is the T shirt Adam W. designed for the second annual CHRISFEST held in 2001. The original T shirt was navy blue. I was SO touched when I saw the Franklin 2002 year book. In the panoramic photo taken of the senior class, Matt Comben wore his Chris T shirt! I felt like he was included with his class. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1997. Chris playing with Felix and Charlie and their Christmas presents..we had such fun! Mr. John R. Schniers chose his targets for his nasty E mails after reading the guestbook here on the web page....that's how he got their E mail addresses. As a result, to this day, people are reluctant to give their E mail address. They don't want to hear from this type of person. His second E mail was sent to the same woman he sent yesterday's to. It was sent the same day, Sat. 27 Jan. 2001 ai 17:09:31 and is from John Schniers. It reads as follows: answer the questions 1 why didn't the police ticket the driver?They have three witnesses who collaborated the driver story. 2 why did the Wayne County Prosecutor find the driver completely not at fault? The chan of events from the parents has no validity except in the mind of people who can't believe the truth. Just for the record when Chris left this world he left it in the arms of the driver. The guy was trying his best to care and comfort the young man. The driver was not at fault and I have the legal system and the truth on my side. To this day, I would like those first two questions of his answered. Perhaps hidden facts were a reason. I hope to have them answered in the media some day. I think it's quite apparent now just where the truth lies. His last statement about the driver holding Chris as he died is a COMPLETE fabrication! What kind of person would lie about a child's last few moments on this earth? Then you have to wonder which one of them initiated that lie. Was it the driver himself, William Michael Schniers because he thought it made his story sound good or was it initiated by John Rudolph Schniers because he thought it made his story sound good....I have a guess, but I wonder. Please refer to my guestbook entry of 11/22/03, excerpts from the deposition of William Michael Schniers about half way down....the TRUTH, from his own mouth: Q. What did you do after you made the cell phone call? A. By the time I got off the cell phone call, the police had arrived. I called my wife and spoke to the police. Q. Did you ever go back to Chris Kempa? A. I tried but by then there was a lot of people, a lot of cops asking me questions, trying to keep people away. Q. Would it be fair to say after you made the telephone call, you never went back where Chris Kempa was? A. I never got back there, yes. We knew this was a lie as soon as we saw the E mail. We had already spoken to the witness, the woman who did actually hold Chris as he died after seeing him mowed down by Mr. W. M. Schniers. Fran Kempa - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 21:17:06 (MST) nonetheless, that crazy JR is a major jerk Ann - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 20:34:32 (MST) The guestbook spam we get here is just spam from various people looking to get more clicks to their sites. I've taken the IP addresses from several spam messages and they are sporatic worldwide, mostly outside of the U.S. This Uncle is a very sick man to have tormented Chris's family and friends by sending emails like that. It's good to know he's completely wrong, and these depositions prove it. joe.cwik <[-o-]> - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 11:37:15 (MST) How clueless JR Schniers was and trying to cover up a tragic crime. Unfortunately he was going on LPD info which as we know is NOT always accurate. Wonder how he feels about the REAL Truth now. MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Friday, December 05, 2003 at 07:33:12 (MST) Is that the same pervert that keeps leaving PORNO AND SPAM ? The Pedestrian's Friend - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 21:59:10 (MST) 12/4/03...The "art" is the 1" buttons Adam W. redesigned for the second annual CHRISFEST in June of 2002. The design remains the same today. The photo was taken Christmas morning, 1985. Chris was 18 months old...what a doll he was! He's eating one of the baby carrots left over by the reindeer...and as you can see, he demonstrated an early interest in the keyboard! That is the same toy piano our dog Charlie loved to play! He would stand on the keys with his front paws and dig!....He LOVED it. Just about two months after Chris was killed, people, including our family, began to receive nasty E mail from John R. Schniers, uncle of the driver, William Michael Schniers and brother of William Leo Schniers. He didn't know us, he didn't know them, but that didn't stop him from inflicting pain and hurt on grieving strangers...including two of Chris' friends, literally children! The first of the rash of E mails was sent to a friend we met on the internet who was unfortunate enough to have had her daughter struck by a car but most fortunate enough that she lived!..another Franklin parent. The first E mail was sent Sat. 27 Jan. 2001 at 13:15:57 and is from "john r schniers". It reads as follows: Hay ass, hole the driver is the victim and this bull shit has gone to far. The kid ran out in front of him and he hit him that's the end if the story like it or not Chris was the one at fault. The legal end is simple keep it up and you will need your own lawyer for slander. The driver has many friends and a vast supply of resources......It's signed, The Drivers Friend. Please note, the poor spelling, grammar and punctuation are Mr. Schniers', not mine. They kind of became his trade mark. Fran Kempa - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 20:56:48 (MST) Hello webmaster ! i like your nice page ! Have fun surfin the web ! cu, Pete ! kredit darlehen <kredit darlehen> - Thursday, December 04, 2003 at 12:10:14 (MST) 12/3/03...The "art" is the one inch button Adam W. designed and made in loving memory of his brother. The photo was taken over Christmas, 1984 in Buffalo. Chris was 6 months old. That's Chris and cousin Billy who is one year younger than Adam. The bib Chris is wearing says, SANTA'S HELPER. I still have it somewhere. I am sorry to report the crossing light at the corner, northbound crosswalk is STILL malfunctioning...FOUR days now! The following excerpts will finish the deposition of March 7, 02 of William Michael Schniers: ....Q. Did any Dr. ever give you a prognosis as to your medical condition relative to your vision or the tumor? His attorney interjects; Do you know what a prognosis is? A. I'm not sure exactly what he's asking. His attorney again; That's a prediction, what the future holds. A. No. ....Q. Had you ever driven through that intersection of West Chicago and Merriman at night? A. Yes. Q. And how many times would you say you had done that before November 20th of 2000? A. I don't know how many times I've driven through there at night. Q. Could you give me a range? I mean, are we talking like, 500 times? More or less? A. I really don't know. Q. You lived in that neighborhood on Alabama for about five years before this incident? A. Correct. Q. So that gives us somewhere around 1,700 days before the incident. Would you say out of those 1,700 days, you would have driven through there half the time at night going to or coming from work or going places? A. I don't know. Q. Would you say more than 100 times? A. Probably, yeah. I don't really know, I didn't really count them. Q. We can agree it was more than once? A. Yes. Q. We can agree it was more than 50 times? A. Probably. Q. We can agree it was more than 100 times? A. Probably. Q. We can agree that it was more than 250 times? A. It's possible. ......Q. Would you agree that you do not turn your head more to the left to compensate for the loss of vision in your left eye to pick somebody up, such as another car, pedestrian or anything of that nature? A. No, I wouldn't agree with that. Q. So the statement you gave to me on page 18 of your deposition in June of 2001, and I'm looking at line 12--- My question was: I mean do you have to compensate for the loss of vision in your left eye by turning your head more to the left so that your right eye can pick up somebody, another car or pedestrian or anything of that nature? And your answer was: Not that I can say dramatically, no. That's the statement you made in June of 2001, correct? A. Yes. Q. And now you're telling me you do in fact, turn your head to the left to compensate for the lack of vision in your left eye? A....I turn my head further to check for blind spots, for cars in the blind spot that can't be picked up by the mirrors. Q. But that's not what you told me when I asked you that question in June of 2001. The question was: I mean, do you have to compensate for the loss of vision in your left eye by turning your head more to the left so that your right eye can pick up somebody, another car or pedestrian or anything of that nature? And your answer was: Not that I can say dramatically, no. Is that correct?.....A. Yes. Q. Okay, I don't have any further questions. A few people have commented that Mr. Schniers was well prepared for his depositions by the insurance company attorney who represented them, Witold Sztykiel. They based this opinion on the number of, "I don't knows" given by Mr. Schniers. I wonder... Could it be evidence of the claimed additional brain damage in his law suit against his Dr.? In my opinion poor memory, poor judgement and POOR reasoning skills are all evidence of brain damage. I wonder.... I am happy to say I've received permission from all the recipients of JR's E mails to put them here in the guestbook. Fran Kempa - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 20:41:10 (MST) What a cute picture today. Our son Billy just loved Chris. As you can see, he is patting him on the head. Gosh, I remember that day like it was yesterday. The kids always got along so well. Billy would always cry when we would have to part company. Such wonderful memories to hold on to. Thanks for the great picture of the kids today Adam!!! JoAnne and Bill <jgvpri@adelphia.net> - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 12:16:53 (MST) After reading the depos, another fitting slogan would be "If You Don't Know, Then Slow Down". MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 06:06:07 (MST) 12/2/03...The "art" is the bumper sticker we designed and had made for distribution at the first annual CHRISFEST in 2001. We got the idea from friends and thought of the slogan after speaking to the witness who said Mr. Schniers couldn't possibly have been looking at the road 11/20/00...he literally mowed Chris down. Neither she nor we knew of the blindness or claimed additional brain damage at the time. As it turned out, it was a halfway fitting slogan. The photo was taken in December 2000, shortly after the Memorial at the corner was constructed by family and friends....loved ones. I honestly believe some people thought it was there for their benefit rather than ours. I believe these same people began stealing individual items at first, then went on to totally trash it and desecrate it three seperate times. I'm not sure who these people are...but they know and God knows and that's good enough for me! It was also very interesting to note the trashings ended right after certain people moved away. I am happy and proud to say the Memorial still exists today and will continue to exist for years to come...as long as I live or as long as I live here...which ever may come first....these days I'm uncertain. I am sorry to report the crossing light at the corner was STILL malfunctioning tonight! Three days so far and who knows how long it was out before we noticed it?! Fran Kempa - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 21:25:35 (MST) best wishes from frida !!! what a nice page ! i really enjoyed surfing by ! kredit <kredit> - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 15:38:43 (MST) 12/1/03...The art and photo will be random for a couple of days until Adam can do the page for December. The art is the skateboard bed we found recently that Chris made. The photo was taken in late August 2000 just about three months before he was killed. The signal at Merriman and West Chicago is still malfunctioning today. It will be interesting to see how long it takes them to fix it this time. The following may be the remainder of excerpts from William Michael Schniers deposition of 3/7/02...if not today, tomorrow for sure. Then I move on to Uncle JR. Q. And wouldn't you agree that if you would have slowed down, you could have seen Chris Kempa and you would have stopped in time to avoid this collision? A. No. Q. Why do you say that? A. It happened too fast. Q. Well, if you would have slowed down and reduced your speed, you would have had more time to perceive or see somebody crossing from west to eastbound in the northbound lane of traffic, Correct? ....A. I don't know. I really don't. I don't know. I don't know. Q. Well, isn't it fair to say that when you impacted with Chris Kempa, it was on the right-hand side of your vehicle, correct? A. Correct. Q. And if you would have slowed down, Chris Kempa might have been on the sidewalk at that point, correct? A. Might have been. Q. Right. And if you would have slowed down, you would have had more time to brake, correct? A. Possibly. Q. And if you would have slowed down and braked, Chris Kempa would have been on the sidewalk and would not have been hit by the right side of your vehicle, correct? A. I don't know that. Q. Why do you say that? A. I don't know. I don't know when I saw him. I don't know how much extra time---I can't tell you how fast I'm going to brake at a certain miles per hour. I just don't know. Q. Well, would you agree that he was on your right-hand side when you hit him? A. Yes. Q. And if you would have slowed down, he would have been farther to your right, correct? A. Possibly. Q. And if you would have braked in addition to slowing down, he would have been even farther to your right, correct? A. Possibly. Q. And he would have been on the sidewalk and you would have missed him, correct? A. Possibly. Q. Isn't it common sense that if you slow down and you have more time to brake, he's going to be farther to your right, correct? ....A. Yes. Q. Do you agree that if there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk when the light turns from red to green, that the driver, in this case you, has to yield to that pedestrian? ...A. Yes. Q. Do you agree that you're supposed to stop for a pedestrian when you see him? A. Yes. ...Q. Do you agree that you're supposed to slow down when you're approaching an intersection when the light turns from red to green to make an observation that there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk? ...A. I don't know. I've never seen anything written that says I have to. Q. Do you agree that you're supposed to make a proper observation that there's nobody in the intersection including a pedestrian , when the light turns from red to green before you proceed through that intersection? A. Yes. Q. Do you agree that if you're not able to make a proper observation of the intersection to make sure that there's no pedestrians in the intersection when the light turns from red to green, you should slow down so that you can stop in enough time to avoid any pedestrians in the crosswalk? ...A. I don't know. Again, I've never seen anything that says I have to. Q. Would you agree that you're supposed to be able to stop your car in an assured, clear distance? ...A. Yes. Q. And if you can't stop in an assured clear distance when there may be a pedestrian in the crosswalk, when you can't make a proper observation, then you should slow down, correct.....so that you would be able to come to a complete stop to avoid that pedestrian, correct? ...A. Correct. Q. And would you agree that you should never enter an intersection if you can't make a proper observation of what's going on in that intersection when the light turns from red to green? A....Yes. Q. And do you agree that you're supposed to slow down when you're approaching an intersection when the light turns from red to green so that you can make an observation to make sure that there are no pedestrians are in the crosswalk? ...A. Yes.... Fran Kempa - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 17:37:05 (MST) Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Monday, December 01, 2003 at 01:02:51 (MST) 11/30/03...The art is another self portrait. Chris did this one in Sophomore year, 1999-2000. It was exhibited at the Civic Center Library spring art show in April, 2000. He and we were very proud. The photo was taken in mid August 2000 at Lake Superior while visiting Casey's cottage in Munising. That's Chris and Casey's cousin Ginny. Ginny really liked Chris. We went to the Memorial earlier this evening to clean away the pumpkins and the fall decorations. I couldn't help noticing the signal at that corner is once again malfunctioning. We only visit the site about once a week now, not every day like before. But it really makes me wonder how often this really happens....all too often I would say. We heard on the 11:00 news last night about a Westland man who was hit and killed on Merriman....it was a hit and run. Judging by the debris left at the scene, the police determined the vehicle was a late 1990's Ford pick up truck which sustained right front end damage...sounded familier and made me wonder.... Fran Kempa - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 21:26:46 (MST) well designed,interesting and informative website ! best wishes, Dori kredit finanzierung vergleich <kredit finanzierung vergleich> - Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 08:11:20 (MST) 11/29/03...The art is the same MIRRORS self portrait as yesterday. The photo is another taken on November 9, 2000 in Chicago. In the portrait Chris is wearing his navy blue WEEZER hoodie and in the photo he's wearing his navy blue KENTUCKY ELLIOTT hoodie. He LOVED his hoodies, wore them winter, spring, summer and fall! Today we went to the cemetary to put down Chris' grave blanket. We got one shaped like a Christmas tree this year. It's decorated with a bead garland just like the trees we decorated at home. As we were pulling up, there was a young lady at his grave. Unfortunatly she left before we could speak. She was driving a white SUV...Thank you for caring, I wish I knew who you were. The following is more from the 3/7/02 deposition of william Michael Schniers: A. I may have. Q. You just told me that you continued at a constant rate of 35 to 40 miles an hour and you didn't slow down even though there was an unknown, correct? A. I said that, yes. Q. And if there's an unknown, wouldn't you agree when you don't slow down, that's unsafe driving? A. Maybe, I don't know. Q. Let me ask you this, how far were you from the intersection when the light turned from red to green? A. I don't know. Q. Were you two feet? A. I don't know. Q. Five feet? A. I don't know. Q. Fifteen feet? A. I still don't know. Q. Twenty feet? A. Still don't know. Q. A hundred feet? A. I really can't put a number on it. Q. Two hundred feet? A. I really don't know. I'm not going to speculate on it. Q. Five hundred feet? A. I'm not going to speculate on it...... Q. How long was the van stopped in the left lane for the traffic light going northbound before you entered the intersection? A. I don't know. Q. Would you agree that when you entered the intersection, the van in the left lane hadn't moved yet, isn't that true? A. Yes. Q. Would you agree when you can't see around the van that's in front of you and what's to the west of the van as you're entering the intersection going 35 to 40 miles an hour, you haven't made a proper observation? A. I don't know that. I just don't know. Q. When you say you don't know, what do you mean by that? A. I've never seen anything that told me I have to and I have never seen anything that told me I don't. I just don't know. Q. You've never been told or learned anything that says if you can't make a proper observation of what's in the intersection because your view is being blocked by a vehicle that's stopped for a traffic light, that it's okay to proceed through that intersection and maintain a speed of 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. I don't recall ever being taught anything in regards to that. Q. You don't believe common sense would tell you that if you can't make a proper observation when there's a vehicle stopped in the left lane and you can't see what's in front of it or to the left of it, that it's okay to continue at 35 to 40 miles an hour in the right lane? A. It's possible. Q. What do you mean when you say it's possible? A. I don't know. Does common sense come into effect? I don't know. Q. Do you agree that you're supposed to use common sense when you're driving? A. Yes. Q. And would you agree that common sense says if you can't see what's to the left of me--if a car is sitting there at the traffic light and it hasn't moved and you can't see what's in front of it or what's to the left of it, would you agree that common sense would tell you, hey, maybe I should slow down to make sure there's nobody in the intersection? ....A. Yeah, it could tell you that. Common sense could tell you that. ....Q. Well, let me ask you this. Let's not beat around the bush, okay? Does common sense tell you that or doesn't it, yes or no? A. Yes. Q. And if common sense tells you that you should slow down, you didn't do that, correct? A. The way you're saying it, yes. Q. And if common sense tells you to slow down and you didn't, that would not be safe driving would it? .....A. Correct.... Fran Kempa - Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 16:06:14 (MST) 11/28/03...The art is Chris' favorite self portrait he called MIRRORS. We had it framed and displayed for his wake...he asked several times to have it framed sooner...I always thought we had time and put it off, I'm happy we did it for him in the end. The photo was taken November 9, 2000 during the Chicago trip. As you can see by the two, he truly captured himself in the portrait. Fran Kempa - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 20:46:51 (MST) I like your nice designed website ! Have fun surfin ! best wishes, Sue kredit finanzierung <kredit finanzierung> - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 10:18:03 (MST) We went up to the corner memorial last night. There were there candles burning... thank you. After three years this is still a very hard holiday... We miss you Chris, Happy Thanksgiving where every you are... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Friday, November 28, 2003 at 00:44:39 (MST) 11/27/03...The art is the same POP as yesterday. The photo is another taken 1/1/00...Chris and one of his many cameras! I can't believe this has been our fourth Thanksgiving without Chris. We were both thinking it was the third, we forgot about 2000. Thanksgiving is still for me the day we took Charlie to the funeral home for Chris to say goodbye to his furry brother. It's still the day I sat by my baby's coffin in an empty funeral home except for the four of us while other people cooked my dinner....I wonder if that will ever change? I must say even though I've experienced terrible loss over the last three years...loss of my child, loss of my health and loss of consciousness, I still have a lot to be thankful for this year....I am SO thankful to be alive after being given a 5% chance of recovery. I am thankful for our family and friends who supported us when Chris was killed and were right back there for us when I became so ill. They continue to offer us love and support. I am SO thankful for Adam William who gave me a reason to go on living three years ago when I thought I wanted to die. I am SO thankful for Sarah who gave Adam William a reason to go on living and helped him find happiness again. I am thankful for my husband who has allowed me to grieve my way for as long as I need and has supported me through my illness in a way that surprised me. I am thankful to God for allowing such a wonderful person as Chris to grace us all with his love and peace, talents and presence even if it wasn't long enough. I wouldn't trade those 16 years for anything in the world. I am thankful for Speck the beagle who injected life back into our household and made us laugh through our tears and continues to do so. I am even thankful for those few people who tell me to "get on with it, get over it." I have news for them, I am getting on with it...but I'm taking Chris along with me every step of the way. There will never be a day that goes by that I won't think about him and talk about him....and if they don't like it they can just get over it. Fran Kempa - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 22:05:07 (MST) I am thakkful for a sound mind To be able To recall all those wonderful mrmories. I am thankful I live in a country where, I am able to express my right to be thankful. I am thankful for each and every one of you out there Who help strengthen me and help me to go on. And I am thankful for the pain... for you see without the pain there would have been no love... And for that love, I am eternally Thankful. I wish for you all a warm peace filled Holiday. AS the tears fall and mingle with the smiles, Know that as long as we have each other, we will make it. Shelia Simmons <Dallas, GA.> - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 22:48:06 (MST) 11/26/03...The art is another one of my favorites. We call it POP. It now graces the mantle in our new familyroom along with Man/hand.....and every day I look at them I wonder where he'd be with his art at 19 if he was producing such works at 16! The photo was taken 1/1/00 just after midnight at the first and last kid New Year's Eve party Chris ever attended. He was SO excited about the year 2000! As Dana said in her entry the other day, EVERYTHING came together for him that year, it was the best year he'd ever had until he met Mr. Schniers 11/20/00...then it became everyone's worst year. So sorry to hear about another senseless death. We know exactly what my brother and sister in law's friends are experiencing right now. Losing a child is the most horrible thing and this time of year just amplifies the tragedy. I can't believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Even Adam W. commented the other day this is the fastest year he can ever recall. Due to my ill health, we didn't even do our pseudo Thanksgiving this year. We'll spend a very quiet day and observe some traditions. More excerpts from the March 7, 2002 deposition of William M. Schniers: ...Q. Did you ever change your speed from 35 to 40 as you proceeded in the right hand lane? A. I don't believe so. Q. As you approached the intersection, how many cars were stopped for the light in the left lane? A. I know of one that I can recall. Q. And what sort of vehicle was that? A. A van. Q. And what color was that van? A. I don't remember what color it was...... Q. As you approached the traffic light in the right hand lane, were you able to make an observation whether there were any individuals crossing the street in the northbound crosswalk going from west to east? A. I don't know. ....Q. Can you tell me as you were proceeding in the right hand lane, what attempts you made to make an observation whether there was somebody in the northbound crosswalk going from west to east? A. I looked forward. Q. You looked forward? A. I looked forward. I would have tried to have turned my head earlier to see anything and then continued through. Q. When you said you looked forward, are you saying in your lane, the right lane of traffic you were looking forward? A. Yes. Q. Would your vision have been blocked to your left by the blue van? A. I don't know. I don't remember the color of the van. Q. Well, would your vision have been blocked to your left by the van? A. At some point yes. Q. At what point? A. I don't know...... Q. Let me ask you this. How can you make a proper observation when there is a van in the left northbound through lane and you're in the right lane and you can't see what's in front of the van and you continue at 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. I don't know if you can do that or not. Q. Well, wouldn't you agree that you can't make a proper observation at that point because you can't see around the van or through the van while you're driving 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. Yeah, I guess so, Yeah. Q. And even though you can't make a proper observation, you did not reduce your speed from 35 to 40 miles an hour before you entered the intersection, correct? A. Correct. Q. Would you agree that continuing at the same speed when you can't make a proper observation is not safe driving? ....A. I don't know, I don't know. Q. Why do you say you don't know? A. I just---I don't know. Part of me says no. Part of me says yes. I just don't know. Q. How can it be safe driving when you can't make a proper observation of what's in front of the van that's to your left or west of the van and you don't reduce your speed from 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. I don't know. I don't know how it could be considered that. Q. Wouldn't you agree it's not safe driving? A. No, I won't agree with that. Q. So it's your position that even though you can't see what's in front of the van that's stopped for the traffic light, what's in front of the van or to the left of it, I'm just going to continue to drive 35 to 40 miles an hour through that intersection when you know there's a pedestrian crosswalk on the north side? How can that be safe driving? A. I don't know. It's just something---it's something that happens on a regular basis. The unknown is the unknown. Q. What do you mean the unknown is the unknown? A. If you knew, you would change it. If you don't know, you don't know. Q. And if you don't know, don't you slow down????...... Fran Kempa - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 21:08:37 (MST) Best wishes out ot Austria !!! Nice website ! keep up the good work kredit finanzierung <kredit finanzierung> - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 15:49:37 (MST) Chris, you have another young man to welcome to Heaven. Brad Burgher from Clarence is now with you in that glorious place. He is 23 and had a tragic construction accident yesterday. He is the son of our friends in Clarence. Please guide him around until he is used to it. I could not think of another young man who would make him feel more welcome. JoAnne <jgvpri@adelphia.net> USA - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 at 05:35:59 (MST) A Holiday Prayer Thank you for life, for it's good times and bad. Thank you for the love, even when I can't feel it. Thank you for the love I used to share, For the arms that held me tight. Thank you for my family In faraway places , In different times. Thank you for the songs we sang , For the smiles we shared. Thank you for the strength that eludes me just now. Thank you for the weakness that sends me to my knees. Thank you for the searching, the reaching, the hoping. Thank you for the bonds of memory that hold me in place, Even when I don't believe in it anymore, Or...forget what it is all about. Thank you most of all For having been blessed with the love I have known, Even now when I fear I will forget it. Thank you for memory and For filling it full measure for me. It wasn't nearly long enough , but it will have to do. Thanks for the moments we shared. Thanks for the little while. Darcie Sims <Louisville, KY.> - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 20:03:56 (MST) The art is the same Lego mosaic Adam W. made. The photo is another Chris took of himself...this one in late October, the evening of Homecoming. He had the most beautiful eyes, and the longest eyelashes I've ever seen...Rather ironic. In some ways the anniversary of the 25th is harder than the anniversary of the 20th. Three years ago today we were forced to say our final goodbyes to our baby and little brother. It sounds weird I know but from the 20th to the 24th part of him was still with us so it didn't seem final. I honestly thought in my grief and shock at some point he'd step out of the coffin and assure us it was all a tragic mistake....but deep down I knew that was impossible. So on the 25th we cried our final goodbyes and they closed the coffin and I watched his friends carry his body to the hearse. It's hard to say what day from 11/20/00 on was the worst...they were all horrible for different reasons. I have no tim to give to Mr. Schniers deposition tonight but I will finish it up over the next few days. The I'll move on to the E mails and guestbook entries of Uncle John R. Schniers. Some of the E mails he sent to Chris' friends in the midst of their grief are shocking...coming from an adult to children! Fran Kempa - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 19:51:24 (MST) Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 22:28:18 (MST) 11/24/03...The art is the Lego mosaic Adam made of Chris a few months after he was killed with all of their childhood Legos and then some. To this day it remains in front of our fireplace in the livingroom. The photo is another from Autumn Bash 2000 taken that October. In this photo you can see a hint of the intricate design Chris made on his right hand in permanent marker....that's another night I remember vividly, sitting across the kitchen counter from him talking about how the night went, hearing how great it was, then noticing his hand, and him telling me it had to "wear off!" Luckily, it was a BEAUTIFUL design! The following are excerpts from William M.Schniers' second deposition of March 7, 2001. You'll see he knows even less than he did the year before including what kind of truck he was driving. Q. Would it be fair to say that you really didn't have any vision in your left eye at all after the removal of the tumor? A. Correct..... Q. What my question is, did your parents ever go to any meetings with any of your doctors regarding the tumor you had and your problems with vision in your left and right eyes? A. Yes..... Q. And I'm talking about meetings before November 20th of 2000 with your doctors relative to your problems with your vision in your left and right eyes. A. Correct. Q. Would it be fair to say that your dad knew that you had a tumor removed and you had problems with your vision in your left and right eyes before November 20th of 2000? A. Yeah.... Q. Okay. Did you have any mental disabilities at all prior to this automobile collision with Chris kempa? A. Not that I remember. Q. Did you have a loss of depth perception as a result of this tumor? A. AS A result of losing the vision in one eye, yes. Q. And do you still have that loss of depth perception? A. I would assume so..... Q. Did Amy Wilhelm, the director of safety, ever meet with you after you had your tumor removed to discuss your ability to drive safely? A. No. Q. Did she ever meet with you at all to discuss safety, including your own safety, after you had this tumor removed? A. No....... Q. Since you've had the tumor removed and lost vision in your left eye, have you ever gone back to the Secretary of State and informed them of that condition? A. No..... Q. And how would you describe the size of your truck? A. S10 pickup..... Q. Do you believe that this surgery that you had for the removalof the tumor has affected your reaction time? A. No...... Q. When you left your house on the morning of November 20th 2000, what direction did you take? A. I headed north on Merriman Road. Q. And that required you to make a left from Alabama onto Merriman Road, correct? Q. Did you stop at a 7-Eleven or a McDonalds or anything? A. No. Q. How far is it from Alabama to West Chicago? A. About a mile...... Q. Could you see the traffic light from West Chicago and Merriman as you were going northbound in the left through lane? A. I really don't recall. Q. Do you know how far from the light you were that controlls the intersection for West chicago and Merriman when you went from the left lane to the right lane? A. No, I don't. Q. would it be less than 20 yards? A. I have no idea. Q. Would it be less than 30 yards? A. I don't know. Q. Would it be less than 50 yards? A. I don't know. Q. Would it be less than 100 yards? A. I really--I can't put a distance on it. I don't know...... Q. Do you know why you moved from the left lane to the right lane? A. Not with any certainty. Q. Do you have some belief or guess? A. I don't really know why I'd change lanes. I'll have to continue tomorrow, once again very hard.....it's been a tough few weeks and will continue for several more. Fran Kempa - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 17:55:58 (MST) Mrs. Kempa, thank you for supporting the Franklin theatre like you do! I love seeing you and Mrs. Allen at the productions! We loved having Chris as a part of our family. He was the absolute best behind a camera, and I treasure the footage of "Anne of Green Gables" knowing that it was from his point of view. I think of him often when I am directing, and his spirit is surely alive within the walls of our tiny theatre. With love and prayers... Ms. Hillman - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 14:54:26 (MST) Hi Mrs. Kempa! It was nice to see you last night! I'm so glad to see you up and healthy. I hope you and Chris enjoyed the show. Colleen Baidoon <blondbabe1385@yahoo.com> - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 14:30:12 (MST) It was really nice to see you saturday night Mrs. Kempa, although I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you. Chris did love the play and I still have the Jones Soda bottle he gave me that Saturday night, that being the last time I saw him. I'm so grateful for the time I had with him. He was so happy that night. He had his headphones on as usual and made me stop and listen to the song playing. "you got to admit it's getting better, getting better all the time" was on and he said "that describes my life perfectly right now" It made me glad to know that he was feeling that way, little did I know that would be the last conversation we had. If you'd like to talk more my email is listed below. If you ever need anything I'm more than willing to help. Dana <gloomypeaches8403@msn.com> ; - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 13:22:35 (MST) 11/23/03...The art is the same Man/Hand as yesterday. The photo is one chris took of himself in Oct. 2000 as a joke and sent it to one of his internet friends. She E mailed it to me after he was killed. Claudia and I attended the Franklin fall play last night. It was an excellent production as usual. It was great to see Cori, Dana, Colleen and Angie and Mrs. Hillman. I went to support Franklin, a school both my boys loved. I also went in honor of Chris. He loved being involved in the theatre and working on the fall play was one of the last things he did on this earth....I'll never forget that Sat. night, the Jones Soda bottles clanking together as he DASHED out the door! More from Mr. Schniers June 5, 2001 dep: Q. Did the police show you your first statement before you made your second statement? A. No. Q. Why would you in your second statement, have said you were in the left lane of traffic? A. I don't know. Q. You must have believed that when you filled it out, right? A. At some point, yes. Q. So when you went in there --you had a day to think about what happened and you go in there and tell the police: Look, I'm in the left lane of traffic when this collision occurs, correct? A. Correct. Q. And you believe that to be a truthful statement then, right? A. Correct. Q. When you left, did you discuss that with anybody? A. No........ Q. Would your memory of the collision have been better on the first day rather than the second day? A. I'm not sure honestly. I don't know if I have a complete clear picture of what happened to this day. Q. Would you agreethat in Exhibit #16--that this is the first statement that you gave to the police? A. Yes. Q. Would you agree that in this first statement you don't have what lane you were in before you struck Chris Kempa? A. No, I do not have the lane in there. Q. Would you agree that in your first statement you don't have what your speeds were either? A. Yes. Q. Then you gave statements two and three on November 22, correct? A. I believe so, yes. Q. That's two days after your impact with Chris Kempa? A. Two days after. I'd have to check the dates to make sure that that was the accurate date but I'm pretty sure that's when I did it...... Q. I'm going to show you Exhibit #17 and ask you to take a look at that. Is this the statement---your second statement? A. Yes. Q. This statement indicates you were in the north left lane, correct? A. And it also indicates you were driving at 35 to 40 miles an hour, correct? A. Correct. Q. I'm going to show you Exhibit #18. that's your third statement, correct? A. Yes. Q. In this statement you say that after you had a chance to rethink the action of that morning, you have indicated that you were in the right lane of traffic when you struck Chris Kempa. A. Correct. Q. And you have indicated that you were going 35 to 40 miles an hour at the time you struck Chris Kempa, correct? A. Correct...... Q. How many vehicles does your father's business own at the time of this collision? A. I don't know how many vehicles Air and Water Systems has. Q. Are we talking three, two or twenty? A. More than two. I honestly ---I don't know how many trucks are on the road. Q. Can you give me an estimate? A. I'd say over 20. That's the best I can give you.. Q. 50? A. I don't know. Q. Do you know if you're D-O-T regulated? A. I don't know. Q. Do you know what D-O-T is? A. Department of Transportation. Q. Did you ever receive any driver's training from your father when you started with his business? A. No. Q. Did you ever receive any updates or any information about safe driving from your father before you started driving one of his vehicles at any time? A. No...... Q. Do you have somebody at your place of employment who's in charge of safety for your business? A. Yes. Q. Who is that? A. Amy M. Wilhelm Q. And what is her job title? A. Vice-president. Q. She's Vice-president of what? A. Air and Water Systems. Q. Does she have anything more in her title; I mean Director of safety, director of enviornment? A. I'm not honestly one hundred percent sure. Q. What safety function does she handle? A. OSHA reports. you know what, without saying anything that might be incorrect, I'm not really sure what all her safety regulations are. Q. Did you give her any statement or somebody working for her relative to how this collision with Chris Kempa occurred? I gave one to the insurance company. That I remember. I don't know if I gave her a direct one or not. Q. Did you talk to her about how this collision occurred? A. I don't recall honestly...... Q. Is there any procedure at your place of employment where driving mishaps with the company vehicle are reported and analyzed? A. They're reported but I don't know what you mean by analyzed. Q. Well ther's some program put on by your employer to reduce unsafe driving. A. not that I have been made aware of. Who should I direct those questions to, Amy Wilhelm or your father or both? A. My answer would be possibly both, but I can't answer that as well as others...... Fran Kempa - Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 12:07:43 (MST) 11/22/03...We call the art Man/Hand. Adam made a beautiful frame for it and it now graces the mantle in our new family room. A room Chris never lived to see completed but he would have loved it! The photo is another taken Nov. 9, 2000. One of Chris' favorite places to be, behind the camera...any camera! I hope this entry will complete the rest of Mr. William M. Schnier's "Story" of 11/20/00 form his first deposition given June 5, 2001. I'll follow later with his account from his second deposition given in March of 2002. Q. Now you told me it was just an instant between the time you saw Chris Kempa and struck him, correct? A. What it seemed like to me. Q. Your vehicle was in the right lane of traffic? A. Yes. Q. And when you first saw Chris kempa he was on the--where was he? A. Driver's side front of truck. Q. And when you impacted with him where was he? A. Passenger side of truck. Q. How many feet from ---was he from being on the curb when you struck him? A. I don't know how close he was from the curb when I hit him. Q. You have no idea? A. No. Do you know how wide the lane of traffic is for you? A. No Q. Your car was fully in the right lane when you struck him, correct? A. Was fully in the right lane? Is that what you said? Q. Yes sir. A. Yes it was. Q. And when you struck Chris Kempa, what happened to him? A. He passed away. Q. When you struck Chris Kempa, did any portion of his body hit your vehicle? A. Yes. Q. Where on your vehicle did he hit? A. Right front of truck. Q. When you say right front of the truck, what do you mean by that? A. Passenger side--right front passemger side of the vehicle, front corner. Q. Did a portion of his body wind up on your hood? A. What are you asking for? What I knew then or what I know now? Q. What you knew then. A. I don't know where all he hit. Q. Before you impacted with Chris Kempa, did you ever apply your breaks? A. Yes Q. For how long were your breaks on? A. I don't know, until the truck stopped. Q. how long were your breaks on before you impacted with Chris Kempa? A. I don't know that. Q. Can you tell me in feet or seconds? A. No, I can't Q. When you struck Chris Kempa, was your truck still going in a---straight ahead? A. I had swerved but, yes, it was still going forward. Q. And were you still in the right lanr of traffic? A. AS far as I know, yes. Would it be fair to say you never sounded your horn? A. That is true..... Q. Can you tell me where Chris Kempa's body wound up in relationship to your vehicle? A. In front of. Q. Do you know what the distance was between the front of your vehicle and where his body wound up after your vehicle came to a stop? A. No, I don't. Q. Can you give me an estimation? A. I didn't count my steps. Q. Was Chris Kempa's body in the right lane of traffic? A. Yes. Q. After you hit Chris Kempa and your vehicle came to a stop, what did you do? A. Put the vehicle in park. I got out, went over to him, tried to see if I could get a response, checked for a pulse, checked to see if he was breathing. I had both at that point. A couple people had also stopped. Nobody had a cell phone. nobody else was stopping . I went and called 911. Q. What did you tell 911? That I was the driver of a vehicle that had just struck a young man at West Chicago and Merriman Road and to try to get somebody out there. Q. What did you do after you made the cell phone call? A. By the time I got off the cell phone call, the police had arrived . I called my wife and spoke to the police. Q. Did you ever go back to Chris Kempa? A. I tried but by then there was a lot of people, a lot of cops asking me questions , trying to keep people away. Q. Would it be fair to say after you made the telephone call, you never went back where Chris Kempa was? A. I never got back there, yes. Q. did Chris Kempa ever say anything to you when you went over to him? A. No. Q. Did you say anything to Chris Kempa? A. I just tried to get any type of response out of him. I don't know what I said. I could have asked him if he could hear me. I could have asked him what his name was. I just wanted to see if I could get a response out of him........ Q. As you were approaching the traffic light, as you were going Northbound on Merriman, when you moved from the left lane to the right lane, did you cut in front of any cars? A. Can you explain cut in front of? Q. I can't. A. I didn't cut anybody off. Q. How far was that when you moved from the left lane to the right lane from the traffic light? A. I don't know that..... Q. Did you signal your lane change when you went from left to right lane? A. I don't remember. Probably. I can't answer that with any certainty though. Q. Let me ask you, how many statements did you make to the Livonia Police? A. Three. Q. Three? A. Three Q. And when is the first time you gave one to them? A. At the scene. Q. And that was hand written? A. Yes. Q. When was the second one? A. A couple days after, hand written also. Q. And when was the third one? A. Later on that afternoon.--of the second day, sorry. Q. What was the difference between your second ststement and your third statement? A. The lane of travel I was in. Q. What did your first statement say? A. Right lane. First statement said right lane? A. Yes. Q. What did your second statement say? A. Left lane. Q. What did your third statement say? A. Right lane. Q. And these weren't all given on the same day, were they? A. Pretty sure the last two were. Q. Were the second and third statements given on the same day as the first one? A. No, not as the first one Q. This was a day or so after? A. Couple, yes. Q. And did you consult with anybody before you gave the statements on the second--before you gave the second and third statements? A. No. Q. After you gave the second statement, did the police give you a copy of it? A. No. Q. You just made a statement, you left it and you went away? A. Yes...... Q. Why would you , in your second statement have said you were in the left lane of traffic? A. I don't know. Q. You must have believed that when you filled it out, right? A. At some point, yes. Q. So when you went in there --you had a day to think about what happened and you go in there and you tell the police: Look, I'm in the left lane of traffic when this collision occurs, correct? A. Correct. Q. And you believe that to be a truthful statement then, right? A. Correct. Q. When you left, did you discuss that with anybody? A. No. I'll have to continue tomorrow. Fran Kempa - Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 14:59:04 (MST) A special thanks to all who have visited the site in the past few days...and a special "Thank you" for all of the postings. For those who haven't been here for awhile take a look at the last week or so of the guest book Miss you always... Dad <<<<<<>>>>>> - Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 00:03:03 (MST) Very difficult indeed Fran. Your courage and strength is amazing. Hope these facts and revelations do make the front page and media in the future. This time, the right story can be told if allowed by the Court System. MCS <mopcopsop@yahoo.com> - Friday, November 21, 2003 at 19:52:05 (MST) 11/21/03...The "art" is the front page of Thanksgiving day's paper, Nov.23, 2000. Had I acted quickly enough, perhaps they would have published the real story this Thanksgiving. The photo was taken Nov.9, 2000 at Geno's East pizza in Chicago. Three years ago today it was a Tuesday not a Friday. We were very deep in shock, wake and funeral arrangements. The following are the remainder of the deposition excerpts of William Michael Schniers taken June 5, 2001 describing the events of 11/20/00. Q. Do you know how long the light had been green for the traffic in the northbound lane before you passed them? A. No. Q. Would it be fair to say the the light had just gone from red to green as you were entering the intersection because the traffic in the northbound left lane hadn't moved yet? A. I don't know when the light changed exactly. Q. Do you have any idea in either feet, yards or seconds how far you were from the intersection when the light turned from red to green? A. No I don't. ......Q. Would it be faif to say that you were timing the light so that you wouldn't have to slow down and you could just go through the intersection at 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. No. Q. Would it be fair to say from the time that you got on northbound Merriman heading toward West Chicago your speed remained a constant 35 to 40 miles an hour as you approached and entered the intersection of Merriman and West Chicago? A. Yes. Q. As you were approaching the intersection of Merriman and West Chicago, can you tell me what observations you made of whether there might be pedestrians crossing the road? A. I didn't see anybody. Q. I didn't ask you--what OBSERVATIONS did you make? A. The light had turned green. There was traffic stopped in the left lane. Q. Okay. A. That's what I observed as I went up to the light. Q. How far behind the traffic that was stopped in the left lane were you when the light turned from red to green? A. I don't know that. Would you have been behind that traffic or even with it when the light went from red to green? A. I don't know. I can't speculate. I can't tell you exactly. Q. Give me your best estimate. A. I would have been behind the traffic when the light turned. Q. How far? A. I don't know that. Q. Are we talking about a foot or a half mile? A. I don't know. I don't know. Q. Is it closer to a foot or a half mile when the light turned from red to green when you were behind the traffic that was in the northbound left lane? A. I don't know. Q. Let me ask you, how can you make proper observations if there is snybody in the crosswalk either northbound or southbound, when your speed remains a constant 35 to 40 miles an hour while you're approaching the traffic light? A. As I was approaching the light, I didn't see anything in front of me other than two stopped cars. Q. Did you see anybody crossing the street in the northbound pedestrian lane? A. No. Q. How were you able to make an observation of what might have been in front of the cars sitting in the northbound through lane , which we have been calling the left lane, as you're approaching the intersection going 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. I couldn't see through the vehicles in front of me. Q. If you can't see through the vehicles in front of you that are on your immediate left as you're approaching and entering the intersection, how can you be sure there is nobody in the pedestrian crosswalk, either northbound or southbound, at that point while you maintain a speed of 35 to 40 miles an hour? A. I don't know. I didn't see him from further back. Q. Wouldn't you agree as you're approaching the light, you cannot see what's in front of the two cars sitting in the leftbound--left northbound lane of traffic as you're approaching? Isn't that true? A. Yes........ A....But I do know there is a crosswalk sign posted on my way to that intersection and there is one today in that picture. Q. what does that mean to you as you're approaching the intersection? A. That there is a crosswalk there. Q. And it means there could be pedestrians in that crosswalk correct? A. Correct Q. How could you be sure there were no pedestrians in the crosswalk when you can't see what was in front of the two cars in the northbound left through lane as you were approaching the intersection? A. In my field of vision, I didn't see anybody and had to make an assumption. Q. Is an assumption the same as making a proper observation? A. No. Q. Is an assumption the same as making an observation? A. I made a n observation and assumed the rest. Q. I move to strike that. My question is is an assumption the same as an observation? A. No. Q. If you can't make an observation and are relying on assumptions , shouldn't you recuce your speed until such time as you can make an observation if there is anybody in the-- any pedestrian in the crosswalk? A. Yes, I guess so. Q. Would it be fair to say that even though you couldn't make an observation of what was in front of the two cars in the northbound through lane of Merriman , you didn't slow down as you were approaching and entering the intersection? A. Yes. Q. Wouldn't you agree that if you had slowed down and made a proper observation as you were approaching and entering the intersection, this collision with Chris Kempa wouldn't have happened? *** After much argument back and forth, his attorney, Witold Sztykiel, refused to let him answer....not enough coaching I guess on that one.***** Q. As you were approaching the intersection of northbound Merriman in the right lane, did you wonde