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How I Became My Brother’s Keeper




How I Became My Brother's Keeper: A Eulogy & Memorial for Nicholas Andrew (Nick) Kampmann

Am I my brother’s keeper?  The answer is yes, and I’ll tell you how. Have you ever felt compelled to write a eulogy for a loved one? “If you feel compelled to do something, you feel that you must do it, because it is the right thing to do.”

How I Became My Brothers Keeper

I’m a sibling of and became a paid primary caregiver for Nicholas Andrew Kampmann, through the DORS Personal Assistance Program.  This is an example article of a eulogy and a memorial.  It’s based on the true story of how I became my brother’s keeper.




Bookmark this article if you wish, and perhaps to refer to should you want to write a eulogy for a loved one yourself someday.  As my little brother’s big sister, I knew him well.  For instance, Nick loved to talk and was quite a storyteller.

Nick and Holly Kampmann
Personality & Quirks

Anyone who knew Nick knows he always had something to say and would tell tall tales to keep a conversation going.  He was fun to be around, and cared to be an all around funny guy. Indeed, there were many times when he’d said to me, “I’m trying to make you laugh.”  He never failed to do that! 

How I Became My Brothers Keeper

I became my brother’s keeper when he most needed a caregiver.  It was a few short years after we’d lost our mom.  Dad had already passed when we were barely adults.  Moreover, I had more good memories of him than bad, so I didn’t mind embracing the role of my brother’s keeper.  Furthermore, I learned a lot as his personal assistant and caregiver.




In Memory of Nick Kampmann

Throughout his life, Nicholas was a tree trimmer, a mechanic, and an asphalt repairman. His last job was at Rail Logistics in St. Louis, Missouri.  His favorite activities were fishing, BBQ, telling campfire stories, watching movies, and paintball guns.  Nick was a talented cook when it came to grilling.  The grill was his happy place.

How I Became My Brothers Keeper
Occupations and Activities

Nick loved to socialize and be around people, to whom he’d tell jokes and never ending stories.  My son once told me that he noticed how his Uncle Nick would do all he could to make people laugh, even though he was always dealing with his own painful ailments.  I too witnessed it and most certainly agreed with him.




Stay Calm and Keep On Keeping On

Nick was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of vasculitis and endured kidney failure in the year of 2014.  After that, his lifestyle changed drastically.  That’s when I found myself stepping up to the plate, so to speak, as my brother’s keeper. 

How I Became My Brothers Keeper

Furthermore, he kept on keeping on through the years, whilst remaining calm, and being good company to others.  It wasn’t always easy for him, but it was worth it to him.




Funny Guy and a Kid at Heart

When not working or socializing with others, Nick loved to eat pizza, watch the travel channel, and play games on his phone and computer. His favorite games to play were Doom, Command and Conquer, and Idle Miner Tycoon Simulator.

funny guy
Relations and Relationships

Nicholas was preceded in death by our parents, grandparents, numerous other relatives, and many of his peers.  Furthermore, Nick did not marry, and had no children. However, he did want to become a dad and loved kids.  My own children were fond of him.  He’s survived by many aunts and uncles, several cousins, his two siblings, a niece and nephew, and his friends. 

How I Became My Brothers Keeper
Celebration of Life

Nick’s friends and loved ones are planning for a gathering at a nearby lake,  fishing and barbecuing together, in celebration of his life.  The event is to take place sometime in the Spring of 2023.  Stay tuned for instructions should you like to attend.




Memorials can be made immediately to the family via Thomas Saksa Funeral Home in Granite City, Illinois.  I’m extremely thankful for their careful handling of my brother’s remains. Thomas Saksa Funeral Home has delicately assisted with many of my relatives throughout the years.

How I Became My Brothers Keeper
A Genuinely Tough Guy with a Gentle Soul: Regarding Nick's Wishes

Nick lost the battle against a triple infection during the hard-fought war against an aggressive form of vasculitis on January 15th, 2023 at 11:41 am. He had just turned 40 years old the day before.  Nick’s wishes were to first have his remains cremated. Then, he wanted his ashes to be shared with family and friends.

the life and times of nick kampmann
Creating a Crowdfunding Page for Financial Assistance

Furthermore, Nicholas didn’t have a life insurance policy, and the state can only assist with so much.  Many people are enduring hard times right now.  Therefore, I’ve created a gofundme page asking for financial assistance in hopes of being enabled to cover the exact costs of his cremation, as needed upfront, via crowdfunding.  Anything helps.




Mentioning My Brother's Keepers

Furthermore, this link is the original documentation via photos from the beginning of Nick’s battle against Vasculitis. He received an accurate diagnosis in 2014, with the help of Doctor Seth Goldberg (pictured below with Nick.)  Moreover, the staff at Barnes Jewish Hospital helped save his life many times! 

Doctor Seth Goldberg with Nick

As a volunteer participant of The Pexivas Research Study, directed by Dr. Li Tingting, Nick became a regular visitor, and made fast friends with everyone at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Center for Advanced Medicine, and The Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri. 

How I Became My brother's Keeper

After spending many years walking the halls of these places with him, I can’t express my gratitude enough, for the positive impact made by all the staff, including his nurses and doctors. 

Furthermore, I appreciate all the people we crossed paths with along the way who also taught us something, including the staff and friends Nick made at Davita Dialysis.  The aid provided helped him continue to fight to live his life to the best of his abilities, for as long as possible.   Thanks to all who helped us help Nick!




Our Brother in Christ

Truth be told, Nick might not have lived to turn forty without the help of all the peoples at these places.  Thank you neighbors!  As his siblings, we originally agreed to donate his remains to medical science upon his expiration.

Nick Kampmann with a rescued squirrel

We thought it would be honorable of him to assist future generations of humans with finding solutions for ailments such as he endured. Unfortunately, due to multiple infections we weren’t able to make those arrangements.

Our Brother in Christ

This is why a gofundme.com page was created, to assist with ensuring the granting of his final wishes.  Thanks for all your contributions!

How I Became My brother's Keeper

Furthermore, Nicholas Andrew Kampmann became a believer also, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior.  He didn’t mind me discussing lessons learned from Jesus with him either.

Even as he dealt with pain and long-suffering, and didn’t want to die, our father in heaven ensured his transition was peaceful, painless, and swift in the event of his death. I held his hand for the final time, whilst we were surrounded by of our friends and relatives, in person and online.  Thank you for being here for us!




As a believer myself I have faith as well, that even though the flesh returns to the dust of the earth, it doesn’t mean the end of our essence.  Moreover, I think the spirit thereafter remains eternal, just as Jesus said in other words, “when the dead rise, they become like angels in heaven.”  

Special Olympics
The Life & Times of Nick Kampmann

I feel so much gratitude towards all of you who became my brother’s keeper along with me, and for sharing in the life and times of Nicholas Andrew Kampmann.   Thanks again all my brother’s keepers, for listening, and for all your contributions!

A Lesson from Nick

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Encountering A Symbol Of Authority: Handling Police Confrontations

In The Event of An Encounter With A Symbol of Authority, Perception Matters and So Do Manners.

Encountering a symbol of authority can be anxiety inducing for most people; which makes handling police confrontations more difficult.  It’s a good thing to be perceptive It means to be aware of our environment and the behavior of those in it.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is located in Edwardsville Illinois.  They created an educational video to serve as a tool for helping to reduce confrontation anxiety.    If you’d rather skip past the lessons and see  funny viral videos of police department lip sync challenges, then just keep scrolling down.


Maybe You Were Stopped By Police While in a Rush to Get to Work.

Maybe you’re trying to avoid severe weather, are running late for school, or just appear suspicious.  For whatever reason you find yourself stopped by a cop, remain calm and try to be pleasant, even if you encounter an officer who isn’t.  View the video below to watch their lesson. It covers what to expect during a traffic stop in under four minutes.  “This video is designed to reduce the stress and anxiety through information and knowledge. An informed community is a safer community.” – Lt. Kris Tharp.

Now Ponder This!

When we use our manners to behave respectfully towards others, we ideally expect them to return the gesture.  Realistically, that doesn’t always happen.  Police officers are a symbol of authority and looked to as an example. Not all set a good one though, and bad experiences can be disheartening for those of any viewpoint.

Remember This For Handling Yourself During Police Confrontations.

When we abase each other we make unpleasant memories that cause discord and separation, which then leads to issues further contributing to a social crisis.  The truth is that it’s important to consider how we interact with others.  Whether online or off, as a civilian or officer, our actions invoke a reaction from others.  Developing and improving our social skills is vital for human survival.

It’s possible as individuals for us to reach our highest levels of potential no matter our titles or hindrances. Social media is an excellent tool for getting practice. Practice is what makes the master.  Those who choose to partake in uncivil or lawless behavior risk harm or death the same as the lawful called upon to restrain them.    There is no law anywhere in the world against self control, but those living by weapons risk dying by weapons.



Not All People Deserve the Condemnation
They’ve Endured

There are bad apples in every tree.  It doesn’t mean the branches are bad or that the roots are dead.  It’s important to remember that we’re all human beings.  Most of us care to right the wrongs that are done.  That’s why many humans enlist as officers and put their lives at risk in the first place.  Productive members of society seek to labor according to our abilities in order to be enabled to provide for our families.

It’s stated by definition that police officers aren’t civil servants, and that they’re lower ranked as public servants, yet it’s their job to respond first and intervene in uncivil situations.  They are meant as keepers of the peace for the betterment of the public, and they wear badges as symbols of authority, so I beg to differ.

When Police Fail to Set The Example.

Civilians should think to set the example of respect by being the first to show it.  We don’t need to be paid by the public to be civil or to live up to civil servant standards.  It’s necessary for our civilization to thrive.  You may be surprised to discover how behavior is reciprocated.

Maybe you won’t.  Even if you’ve been robbed, gas-lighted, defamed, falsely accused, charged, jailed, maced, and beaten for having the audacity to regard your rights despite others violating them, don’t take it out on the next officer you see.  I’m not going to deny the negativity, it’s controversial, and I’ve had some bad experiences myself.  I’m well aware how predators will disguise themselves as protectors in an effort to gain easy access to prey, but all predators in nature eventually wind up exposing themselves by their individual behaviors. However, my aim here is to point out the positive in an effort to make the most of what I’ve learned from my experiences.

The World is Riddled With News of Those Who Abuse Their Position of Trust & Power of Authority.

Predators deliberately seek out positions of trust and power of authority because it’s how they gain easy access to prey, but just like not all animals eat meat, not all people are predators.  We have to remember and remind ourselves that not all are guilty over those who are, regardless of our experiences with the bad apples that manage to infiltrate any association.  If there’s any position we are all associated with it’s being human. We all make mistakes.  We all start out inexperienced and we all share the desire to be a success, to celebrate our successes and to be regarded and respected by others.



I’m perceptive and I’ve observed a strong movement.

When I saw the “Lip Sync Challenge” videos by departments all over the nation become viral sensations, I witnessed more than something fun and entertaining for people to watch.  I saw a psychological tool for progress that triggered more than just my sense of respect for police officers.  Not all of them are deliberately out to harm others.  Many have lost their lives genuinely trying to protect society.

I see it from an empowering point of view.  These videos display our ability to relate, unite, and serve as a reminder to our own and other nations, through the use of entertainment, that even though we’ve made mistakes, our bonds can still be strengthened.

America is a melting pot of a nation, made up of cultures as various as the colors of the spectrum.  We live in an era of worldwide virtual connection and our social structures are ever changing.  We can be conservative by holding on to the good and liberal by changing the bad.  That’s how we find middle ground.  The best way to get along with someone who is different than us, or whom we disagree with is to point out and focus on our likenesses.



Below is a list of Lip Sync Challenge videos by various departments.

  Wouldn’t it be neat to see more police departments all over the world represent themselves as keepers of the peace by accepting the challenge?  I’ve certainly found it entertaining and educational.  Some tactics maybe unorthodox but they can still be extremely useful, especially when it’s moral and unites our communities.  Click here and add your State to the search bar to see if your department has participated, and if you don’t see your community involved, then be the first to encourage your community to participate.  Black lives do matter, even those wearing the badges!

Illinois State Police Department

Columbia Illinois Police Department

Leroy Police Department

Norfolk Virginia Police Department

Bexar County Texas Sheriff’s Office

Granite City Illinois Police Department
Granite City Illinois Police Department

Should you wish to study to become a police officer, the job openings are endless.

 

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