| Location | Northglenn |
| Age | 19 years |
| Cause of Death | Suicide |
| Date of Birth | 23/10/1989 |
| Date of Death | 14/05/2009 |
| Visitors | 3,085 since 05/07/2009 |
| Creator |
When Michael James Schrimpscher walked into the room, those in his company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Michael was and how he impacted those around him. Michael was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Michael wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Michael was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve him well throughout his life.
Michael was born on October 23, 1989 at Aurora Humana Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. He was the son of Cindy Church and James Schrimpscher. Michael was raised in Aurora, Colorado. Always at the ready with a good joke, he grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Michael might describe him as an idealist, his friends and family understood well that Michael was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to him.
Michael was raised with four siblings. He had two older sisters Tanya Schrimpscher and Jennifer Maichle and an older brother Jimmy Schrimpscher and a younger brother Tommy Schrimpscher. Michael was very accepting and supportive of his family. He was perceived as the central person in his family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, Michael was typically the member who brought about resolution and harmony. These traits served Michael well in his adult life and, along with his wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew him.
As a young boy, Michael was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew him into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Michael was intelligent and had little trouble getting along with his peers. He was almost always the first to jump in when it came to playing games or participating in other childhood activities. Michael took part in baseball, soccer, basketball and football. He was a boyscout. In his spare time he liked fishing, camping, hanging with friends. Michael's memorable achievements included being a member of the DARE program in elementary school and completing his high school graduation at Thornton High School where he received an award for his American Indian participation. Michael had the ability to find amusement with almost any activity he and the many childhood friends he shared might discover.
During his high school years, Michael responded enthusiastically to any new project and was regularly in search of one adventure after another. He graduated from Thornton High School in 2008. Michael was a very good student, and generally did well in his courses. For Michael, school often became just an extension of playtime, thanks to his ability to turn just about anything into a game. Friends considered Michael a good listener, knowing that when necessary, they could go to him to discuss just about anything. His favorite class in high school was American Indian teachings and creative writing. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr Antonio Escobel and his Dean Mr. Colin Ellerbruch. Michaels major accomplishment in high school was making it through and getting his diploma, he was so proud and he worked so hard for it.
With a talent for making acquaintances easily which in turn brought him an endless stream of friends, Michael was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Assertive and outgoing, Michael was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. He always seemed aware of what was going on with people around him and throughout his life he made many, many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Grant Payne and Ryan Allen. Later in life, he became friends with Chad, Junior, Mikey, Anthony, Jessica and Danielle and many many others.
Michael was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, traits that made him an exceptional worker. His primary occupation was a hard worker, only 19, doing any jobs that he could, like painting, roofing, construction, laborer, and some mechanic work. He was employed for 2 years, doing all of the above occupations. Michael was enterprising, inventive and working against deadlines seemed to energize him. Michael had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of his gift for insight. Michael's fellow workers saw him as a supporter and a mentor.
Michael wanted to join the Army in 2009 but never made it since he died before he had the chance to test.
Because Michael loved to have a broad variety of activities in his life, he took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. His favorite pursuits were working at whatever jobs he could find and hanging with his friends. He also did some beautiful work painting his Mom and Stepdads basement and family room and the trim around the back shed. Michael also put up a shed at his Mom and Stepdads and put together a huge trampoline with his friends. Michael had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of his favorite pastimes. However, Michael's ever-present concern for others always took precedent.
Michael derived much satisfaction from participating in and watching sports. His charisma, supportive nature and ability to improvise when called upon to do so all made perfect attributes for enjoying a great many sporting activities. Recreational sports included hackey sack, he loved that.
Michael's love of improvising in his daily life was a perfect fit for his enjoyment of traveling. His favorite vacations were ones that were not planned. Traveling in a casual manor fit his personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer, Michael took his vacations seriously, well, as seriously as he possibly could. Favorite vacations included Walt Disney World in 1998, a trip to California in 2000, many fishing and camping trips, a trip to South Carolina in 2007 and a trip to visit his sister in NY in 2009.
Michael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His favorite pet was Cheyenne, his rottweiler at his Moms house., was a best friend that was rescued from Rottie.Aid in August of 2008. His family was rounded out by his dads cat and his brothers hermit crabs. We gave Michael a hermit crab but it didn't last long, seems it didn't like living in its shell.
Michael Schrimpscher passed away on May 14, 2009 at At his fathers house in Northglenn, Colorado. He is survived by his Mom, Cindy and his step-dad Mike, his Dad Jim , his Grandmas Dollie Schrimpscher and Doris Reese, his Grandpa Roger Adams and Grandma Elaine Adams, his sisters Tanya and Jennifer, his brothers Jimmy and Tommy, His Uncles Milton, Roger, Frank, John, Gary and his Aunts Debbie, Dollie, Rhonda, Lilian and Beth and many many cousins. Services were held at Olinger Highland Mortuary in Thornton, Colorado. Michael was laid to rest in Fort Logan National Cemetary, Colorado.
There was always a certain style and inventiveness to Michael. He was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. He had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While he was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to Michael for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. Michael was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with his loved ones and he will be deeply missed by all of his friends, family and everybody that knew him.
He will be forever loved and missed.
AND GOD SAID
I said, "God, I hurt" and God said, "I know"
I said, “God, I cry a lot” and God said “That is why I gave you tears”
I said, “God, I am so depressed” and God said “That is why I gave you sunshine”
I said “God, life is so hard” and God said “That is why I gave you loved ones”
I said “God, my loved one died” and God said “So did mine”
I said, “God, it is such a loss” and God said “I saw mine nailed to a cross”
I said “God, but your loved one lives and God said “So does yours”
I said “God, where are they now”
and God said “Mine is on My left and yours will be in the Light”
I said “God, it hurts” and God said “I know”
For My Michael
FIREWORKS DON'T LAST FOREVER
....by Christine Ross in memory of Luke Ross
You're the one that made me sparkle,
Gave my eyes that happy glow.
But fireworks don't last forever.
It's something I've come to know.
Your death started an explosion
That blew my perfect world apart.
There's no more fireworks in my life
Because the light's gone from my heart.
You had your independence day
When your soul let freedom ring.
Your spirit soared with fireworks
When you left these earthly things.
I never walked in darkness,
Not until you left that day.
Fireworks don't last forever,
But for awhile you lit my way.
MISSING YOU NOW
MISSING YOU THEN
OH HOW I WISH
IT WAS BACK WHEN.
MISSING YOU ALWAYS
HOW TIME STANDS STILL
MISSING YOU BAD
AND FOREVER WILL.
I WISH I DIDN'T HAVE TO MISS YOU
I WISH YOU WERE HERE
IT SEEMS TIME STANDS STILL
WISHING YOU WERE NEAR.
I LOVE YOU BUDDY
A Letter From Your Angel
To those I love.....since we parted, you have been sharing so much of ME with those around you.
The memories are so fresh and real..... you hold on to me so tightly in your hearts - where I shall always be......your concern has always been for me, but I wonder how you are doing.
You will never know all of the prayers that have been prayed for you, the tears that have been shed over your grief and the concern that has been shown for you in a multitude of ways,
but I find it so comforting to know you haven't been left alone......please know that I am not alone, either.
The death that hurt you the most has given me the gift of eternal life, God's promises have been fulfilled in me...... when I left you, God was there, waiting, just as He promised.....
I am surrounded by perfect love..... never let anyone tell you God doesn't exist.
If you need to be mad at Him for a while, that's okay; He can handle it but never let hate, anger
or bitterness fuel your emotions, talk to Him and let him talk to you, listen for Him in the voices of the people who love and care about you.
It is comforting to know that you hold me so close while struggling with the prospect of letting
me go........you need to know that we will always be together....... eternity is not 'out there,' eternity is now! I have simply moved a little farther ahead of you.
Remember that God never wastes anything - especially love...... the love that we shared on earth will be even greater in Heaven, for now, you must rest assured that I am safe in God's perfect love. I would like you to take some of the love you have for me and share it with those around you.
You can never run out of love - the more you give away, the more you will have.... and let others love you.... you are worth loving.
Life is forever....mine has changed in the twinkling of an eye while yours is changing day-by-day and minute-by-minute, though your lives will never be the same, that does not mean that they cannot be filled with peace, joy and love...... always look to the future.... don't be afraid of tomorrow - God's already there.... be patient with yourselves.
You will make some mistakes, and you will even find yourselves not thinking about 'me' from time
to time...... that's all right too.... all of my needs are being met; you need to take care of you.
Hold onto one another, help each other, give hope and love to all you meet and above all,
be prepared to welcome others into your world of grief and mourning..... you are being taught valuable lessons that will need to be passed along..... some will not have your strength,
many will not have your faith, and most will feel they are all alone but all will need the love
and understanding only you will be able to give...... now, your pain is the only credential you need
to minister to others......when you think of me, never think of me as being alone, think of me as smiling, laughing and enjoying all that God has prepared for me.
Finally, never believe you are alone.......do not focus on what you have lost, but look always
at what you have left...... you are surrounded by people who love you and care about you.......
live with them, love with them, share with them and laugh with them.... make every day
a celebration of life - a life that will never end...... we will meet again, and until we do,
know that I am very proud of you for never giving up......I love you!
NO MORE
I MISS YOU MORE THEN WORDS CAN SAY
MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU EVERYDAY
I WISH I COULD BRING YOU BACK THIS IM SURE
I WISH THIS PAIN WOULD BE NO MORE.
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO
WITH THESE FEELINGS INSIDE
MY HEART SO MISSES YOU
THE HEARTACHE JUST WONT SUBSIDE.
I KNOW YOUR AT PEACE NOW WHERE YOU ARE
BUT FOR ME ITS JUST TO FAR.
I WISH YOU WOULD COME THROUGH THAT DOOR
SO THIS PAIN WOULD BE NO MORE.
I LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
For Mothers Day
Dear Mr. Hallmark
I am writing to you from Heaven and though it might appear a rather strange idea,
I see everything from here.
I just popped in to visit your stores to find a card,
a card of love for my Mother as this day for her is hard.
There must be some mistake I thought, every card you could imagine,
except I could not find a card from a child who lives in Heaven.
She is still a Mother, too, no matter where I reside,
I had to leave, she understands, but oh, the tears she’s cried.
I thought that if I wrote you, that you would come to know
that though I live in Heaven now I still love my Mother so.
She talks with me, she dreams with me, we still share laughter too,
memories are our way of speaking now, could you see what you could do?
My Mother, she carries me in her heart, her tears she hides from sight,
she writes poems to honour me sometimes, far into the night.
She plants flowers in my garden, there my living memory dwells,
she writes to other grieving parents trying to ease their pain as well.So you see Mr. Hallmark, though I no longer live on earth ,
I must find a way to remind her of her wondrous worth.
She needs to be honoured and remembered too,
just as the children on Earth will do.
Thank you Mr. Hallmark, I know you’ll do your best,
I have done all I can do, to you I’ll leave the rest.
Find a way to tell her, how much she means to me,
until I can do it for myself, when she joins me in Eternity.
A Mothers Grief
You ask me how I’m feeling but do you really want to know?
The moment that I try to tell you, you say you have to go.
How can I tell you, what it’s like for me....I’m haunted and I’m broken,
you start squirming on your chair.
Because I am lonely, you see, no-one comes around,
I’ll take the words I want to say and quietly choke them down.
Everyone avoids me now, they don’t know what to say,
they tell me, “ I’ll be there for you”.....then turn and walk away.
“Call me if you need me”, that’s what everyone has said,
but how can I call you and scream in the phone ....”My God ....my child is dead”.
No-one will let me say, the words I need to say,
why does a Mother’s grief scare everyone away?
I’m tired of pretending, as my heart pounds in my chest,
I say things to make you comfortable, but my soul, it finds no rest.
How can I tell you things, that are too sad to be told,
of the helplessness of holding a child, who in your arms grows cold.
Maybe you can tell me, how should one behave,
who’s had to follow their child’s casket and watched it perched above a grave.
You cannot imagine, what it was like for me that day,
to place a final kiss upon that box and have to walk away.
If you really love me, and I believe you do,
If you really want to help me, here’s what I need from you.
Sit down beside me...reach out and take my hand,
say, “my friend, I’ve come to listen, I want to understand”.
Just hold my hand and listen, that’s all you need to do,
and if by chance I shed a tear, it’s alright if you do too.
NEVER LET YOU GO
ALL THESE QUESTIONS IN OUR MIND
NO ANSWERS CAN WE FIND
ALL OF US WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND
IS LOOKING FOR THE BUTTON TO REWIND
OUR LIVES CHANGED IN A BLINK OF AN EYE
IT HURT SO MUCH TO SAY GOODBYE
SILENT TEARS AS WE SIT HERE AND CRY
STILL WONDERING, NOT KNOWING WHY
BUT REST ASSURED WE LOVE YOU SO
AND MISS YOU, I HOPE YOU KNOW
AND WE WILL NEVER LET YOU GO.
WRITTEN BY,
UNCLE FRANK I LOVE YOU MIKEY
Distant Angel
You are my distant angel,
Watching over me with care.
I can not help to think,
What would happen if you were still here.
Love lives on in whispered prayers,
Of a happier life for you.
You are my distant angel,
And I will always love you.
I'm afraid to live without you,
Afraid to face my own fears.
You have been my distant angel,
Through all of your last years.
There will never be another,
Who has changed my life like you.
You are my distant angel,
Through everything I do.
As the days, the weeks, the months go by,
And I sit alone and wonder why.
Why did you leave me,
And where did you go?
Though you are watching over me,
I still feel alone.
My heart starts to ache, and my eyes start to cry.
Living without you has left a hole in my life.
You have been my distant angel,
Through all the thick and thin.
May God bless you and keep you,
Until we meet again
written...
By Caroline Leakey
(Contact: Lilkid1603@aol.com)
I WISH
I wish i could bring you back
to us once more
I wish i could have saved you
this i'm sure.
I wish i could heal all of us who hurt
and end the pain
I wish you could see then
how we would never be the same.
I wish i could hug you
in my arms today
I wish i had the chance to tell you
please never go away.
I wish i can fix
all things undone
I wish i can give
my sister back her son.
I wish all these things everday
but most of all i wish
I wish you would have chose to stay!!!!!!!
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