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Brandon
Postscript---June 27, 2005
"Great occasions do not make
heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently
and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak,
and at last some crisis shows us what we have become."
--Brooke Foss Westcott, British theology professor and bishop
(1825-1901)
He was a wonderful boy who
became a fine young man, and--to the last--he never lost the sweet
spirit and positive outlook that always had been his way. He
fought with all he had for as long as he was able against a foe he could
not defeat, and will be mourned and missed by all of us every day of our
lives.
Brandon left this world Sunday
afternoon just before 2 p.m., surrounded by those he loved and who
always will love him.
We feel so very lucky
to have known him and been his family. Watching him grow, being a part
of his days, always was a great joy, and we were--and are--so
very proud of him.
We will remember his kindness,
his courage and his smile, and vow to honor his memory always by
embracing this life as he would have.
Gary, Terri, Beth and Amy
Hampson
Brandon Hampson
Our Son
August 11,
1985 Our Brother
June 26,
2005 Our Love
Brandon Postscript---June 28, 2005
Brandon’s sisters Amy
and Beth gave of themselves so richly to make all his hours wonderful,
and the photos we always will treasure show how happy he was. In
the days since his passing, they, Mom and Dad have created a website in
his honor, and it officially “goes live” (as he would say) today.
We welcome all those
who knew Brandon or grew to care for him along his last journey to
www.brandonhampson.com.
Brandon
Postscript---July 5
There were things
that happened in Brandon’s last days that we know he would have wanted
us to share, and though doing so now is harder, we will keep true to our
course.
He began studying
karate shortly before entering high school, though---looking back
now---we wish we had encouraged him to start at a far younger age. The
studio he went to, American Martial Arts Academy on Laguna Road in
Fullerton, impressed us from the start and forever after with its
emphasis on character and values, responsibility and strength of
purpose. This was a place where we never went without emerging
feeling better about life, and Brandon always enjoyed and benefited from
the hours he spent there. Because his high school schedule always
was so full, particularly with the many practices and performances of
marching band (and later his work with the website) he didn’t progress
in karate as fast as some do, but had worked his way through the belt
levels to green with one stripe by high school graduation. After
commencement, he’d committed to attending more often in hopes of earning
his brown belt before going off to college, and already had begun to put
this plan into action when his illness struck.
After September of
2004, he was able to return to the studio just twice, once to say good
bye and good luck to one of his long-time karate buddies, Adam Bronson,
then on his way to Marine training, and the second actually to take part
in a class, in mid-March after the bone flap had been replaced and it
was again safe for him to be active. Mom went along on both trips,
driving her young man who now no longer could roll up in his shiny new
car all alone. The first time he went in a wheelchair, which
caused some looks from many there that day who didn’t know him. He
never seemed fazed by that, just happy to see his friend again before he
went away. The second time he walked in on his own power, dressed
one last time in his black uniform, standing not nearly as tall or
straight as he once had, but standing nevertheless.
From the time he was
a tiny baby (all of five pounds) he always had been strong. He
didn’t weigh much as a young man, and some people might have thought him
unfit, but they would have been wrong. As he grew in height, he
also grew more graceful. One of the women instructors at the
karate studio always was after him to try kick boxing, because she said
he could kick straighter and higher than any guy she’d ever seen.
On that Saturday morning when he went back to class, after all the
things he’d been through, his kicks weren’t so high or his katas so
fast, but he put his whole heart into it. He couldn’t see himself
in the mirror anymore, but he still remembered the moves...and knew that
he’d made it back home. Mom will remember that.
On the afternoon of
June 22, 2005, Brandon was awarded his Shodan First Degree Black Belt by
Sensei Brad Wenneberg, founder of AMAA. With a cluster of his
friends and Black Belts standing at his bedside, he was presented a
scroll and the coveted belt, awarded in combined recognition of rank
advancements made before he became ill, and character and courage
displayed during the months following his diagnosis. Although, by
that Wednesday, his understanding of events sometimes wavered, he
clearly grasped the significance of the ceremony, and responded with
smiles and thanks. It was one of those Kodak moments we will keep with
us forever. He slept with his black belt grasped in his hand that
night, and kept it with him most of the next two days. He got to
see his certificate framed, and it and the black belt were near him
until the end.
Writing about Brandon
in an article he titled “Unwavering Leadership,” Sensei Wenneberg said:
“I would like to
introduce you to American Martial Arts Academy’s newest and honored
Shodan---1st degree Black Belt---19 year old Mr.
Brandon Hampson.”
“These are the words
I spoke during a very special Black Belt ceremony on June 22, 2005 in
the Hampsons’ home. As I and Mrs. Wenneberg and other senior Black
Belts gathered around Brandon while he rested on his bed, I couldn’t
help but reflect on Leadership. You see, Brandon began his journey
with AMAA in 1999, and over the time that we have had the honor of
sharing his life, he has shown himself to be a true leader.”
“Brandon has always
been enthusiastic, full of energy, joy, humor, and an uplifting
attitude. He has always been respectful, courteous, generous of
spirit, and helping in nature. Although he has had the personal
challenge of being hearing-impaired, he never allowed this to negatively
influence his efforts or attitude. In class, he always gave 110%.
He stayed focused and persistent and advanced steadily through the
ranks. He assisted the instructors, participated in our specific
classes (like weapons), and attended studio activities (like Idyllwild).
He always had a “Black Belt” attitude and his grace and smile have
persisted even through the most horrific of times during the last nine
months.”
“In September of
2004, Brandon was diagnosed with a brain tumor which has subsequently
proved to be a particularly aggressive form of cancer. Since that
day, though, Brandon has shown his usual good attitude, humor, and
courage in the face of four major brain surgeries, numerous painful
procedures and treatments, radiation, chemotherapy, paralysis and
seizures. He has amazed all his health care professionals with his
zest for life and his good nature and determination.”
“As I stood next to
Brandon, it was obvious that he had fought a good fight against this
horrible disease; and although he is now terminal, the light shines
bright in Brandon’s eyes and the courage of his spirit can be felt.
As I bowed and respectfully handed Brandon his new Black Belt and
conferred upon him the rank of Shodan in Goju Shin-Ryu, I knew that the
lessons I, and others, had received from Brandon would stay with us
forever. Looking into his eyes, pupil to pupil, we both knew that
leadership goes both ways and we have learned from each other.”
“Leadership is not a
gift – you must earn it with your very actions. We lead by how we
behave, by our attitude, by our contributions to the world as a whole.
We have the opportunity for negative or positive leadership on each and
every day. It is in our own hands. Brandon has led through
his consistent and unyielding integrity with positive, ethical
character, good humor, persistent effort, and undefeatable courage.
He has demonstrated what a Black Belt is by being the BEST he can
be even through the most dreadful of times.”
“We are ultimately
judged by the way we have lived our life. Brandon’s life is a
blessing and a way of courage and leadership. His leadership lives
today and forever. I encourage you to learn from his example and
to take on the responsibility of leadership no matter the challenges
encountered.”
This issue of the
AMAA newsletter arrived at our home July 1, and, of course...like most
things these days...made his family cry. Brandon, whose favorite
word in all the language was “respect,” would have been so touched by
Sensei’s words.
We hope somehow he
knows.
Brandon
Postscript---July 7
Our deepest
appreciation to all who honored Brandon by their attendance at his
memorial service and reception yesterday. It was a privilege to
share our remembrances of him, and wonderful to enjoy the company of
those who knew him or came to care for him along his last journey.
Our special thanks also to those who shared their written “Memories of
Brandon,” which we’ve read with interest and always will save.
Words and pictures from the memorial service will be posted later today
at www.brandonhampson.com.
* * * * *
Last winter, when we
had hope that Brandon’s vision might be improved, we visited a
“rehab optometrist” who’d just opened a new office near Cedars-Sinai.
Everything in it was modern and elegant, except for one ancient copy of
the Large Print Reader’s Digest. Knowing how much
Brandon missed reading, Mom picked it up to consider subscribing,
and immediately stumbled upon a quote that felt as if it were meant to
be found.
Written by Rabbi
Harold Kusher on the death of his 14-year-old son, it read: “God
sustained us by inspiring other people to show us they cared. And
others were moved by our example to learn to handle their own difficult
times with hope and courage.”
Through these many
months, the thousands of caring thoughts and acts extended to our
family, both by people we know and by people we’ve never met, have been
a source of great solace and strength...and these things truly often
have felt like the hand of God. We are so very grateful to
everyone who helped Brandon and all of us through these
terrible/wonderful ten months, and never, ever will forget how
kind people can be.
It’s been both too
long and too short a journey since September, and knowing others were
traveling along with us made our road so much less lonely. We will
miss being able to write about Brandon’s days, knowing others are
reading about them, cheering him on and holding him in their hearts.
We wish there could be more moments to share, but always will be
grateful for every single one we had.
As for us, we have
tried hard to tell Brandon’s story as it happened, with hope that the
courage and joy with which he embraced his life might help others to
better cherish their own. May health, happiness, peace, love and
joy be with you all.
The Hampsons
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