In Memory Of

As I sat writing my last entry about why I teach I couldn't help but think about one very special student who died Dec. 24th 2005. His name was Michael Schneps, and though he was only a student for about six years, I definitely considered him to be a true friend, who touched my life on many levels.

Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer, and though the outlook was bleak he faced his illness with a positive unyielding spirit. Throughout his treatment, throughout the pain and uncertainty he looked to the future. He saw the positive, where others would have succumbed to their misfortune and drowned in self-pity. Even in the end, when he was placed in a hospice unable to talk, or move most of his body, he had a smile on his face and an aura of peace and serenity.

I'll never forget the look on his face, the peaceful calm he projected, especially when he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would die. I hope, when it comes my time to face such adversity, or I know my days are numbered, I face the storm with the same strength and courage as Michael.

I learned a lot from Michael, both during his life and how he faced death. However, I will remember him most of all as one of the few people who was there when I faced heartache and needed someone to hear me vent my feelings, and as someone who helped me see things would get better, and that I had to take an active role to see that they did.

I will also remember him for his wit and wisdom, his mischievous smile, and his ability to make perfectly timed snide comments that would make us all laugh.

As a student I will remember Michael as someone who really help guide me and support my effort to promote the school. He was responsible for the school's first web site, as well as helping me formulate a partial curriculum for the weapons portion of what I teach. He will also be remembered as the man who chipped my skull with a bokken (partially my own stupidity), for a Matrix style sword toss across the length of the school, and for sustaining the first and most bloody sword related injury in the history of the school--an injury that wasn't totally his fault, which could have been a lot worse, and that he fully recovered from.

I will also remember him training with his son, (also one of my students), and how proud he was of his son's accomplishments both in and out of the dojo.

I truly feel fortunate for the time I was able to share with Michael, and will always remember our conversations on subjects ranging from the philosophical to the absurd. Most of all I enjoyed his stories regarding his life growing up in Japan, and his career as a professional photographer. Michael was an intelligent, articulate, unassuming person who will truly be missed by all those that knew him. He lived a full rich life, a life that was cut way too short.

In Memory of Michael Schneps 1944 - 2005 May his positive and unyielding spirit be an inspiration to all.