A year ago, July 9, Mike and Kim George’s lives changed dramatically.
They lost their 16-year-old son, Keenan, in a car accident when he crossed over the median on White Lake and was struck by a large truck.
Even amidst the struggle of losing their child, the Clarkston residents have made it a mission to give back to the community which has continuously supported them through these hard times. At the same time, they can keep Keenan’s spirit alive.
“It doesn’t seem that it’s been a year,” Kim said. “The shock’s wearing off and reality is stepping in.”
“Not many moments go by in a day you don’t feel that loss,” Mike said. “It’s been a real struggle…trying to keep the family on the same path. It affects every member of the family differently. It pulls everyone in different ways.” The Georges have two other sons, Kris, the eldest, who lives in Walled Lake, and Derek, a 2003 Clarkston High School graduate, who’s leaving home this month for Central Michigan University.
“Christmas was hard not having him here,” Kim said.
“Once you get through the first year things feel a little bit different,” Mike said. “You’ve been through the first Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday. Reality hits after that first year. You really have to do this for the rest of your life.”
Mike admitted, “We’ve done a good job at fighting through this and facing it head on. We’ve been able to function at decently high levels.”
The Georges have focused on communicating about the loss as a family, and have felt the support of friends and community.
“His friends come around,” Kim said. “Many times it’s been on a day when I’m feeling down. It’s like Keenan must be sending them to me to cheer me up.”
“They’ve been really strong, good kids to feel comfortable to still come over,” Mike said. “This community has really supported us, and not just initial support. This is a very caring community.”
And the Georges want to give back.
Shortly after the accident, the Keenan George Memorial Fund was established. Because Keenan’s passions were music and the arts, his parents directed the memorial funds to go into those programs at Clarkston High School, where Keenan would have been a senior this fall.
In the past year, they awarded a $500 art scholarship to recent graduate Lance Red. Mike presented the scholarship at the senior award ceremony in May.
The Georges also gave $1,500 to the CHS art department which will go towards displays.
Kim said, “Last year Keenan came home with five pieces of art. I said, ‘Why don’t they display it?’ They’ve never displayed art work for art shows. Hopefully now they can do a spring art show. Keenan always liked art.”
Keenan’s biggest love, though, was music. He’d shown an interest in the guitar from a very young age.
“Keenan taught so many kids. He’s encouraged a lot of kids musically,” his mother said. “I miss hearing his music.”
And so, the Georges contributed to the CHS Battle of the Bands, part of Homecoming festivities each year. Keenan had played in the event with his band Euphoria.
His bandmates, Dave Torrone, Matt Vercauteren and Mike Baker, have since added Baker’s brother Vince, and renamed themselves The KGB (The Keenan George Band). With four judges, including Mike and Kim, the band took first place, out of 12 bands, winning a $1,250 certificate to Motor City Guitar in Waterford, where Keenan took lessons. A $750 certificate was awarded to the second place band, and $250 for third place.
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Georges held the 2nd Annual Keenan George Memorial Fund Bowl-a-thon at Cherry Hill Lanes, where Keenan was on a league. Last year, more than $3,000 was raised, as was the same for this year with approximately 125 people participating.
Mike and Kim hope to hold the fundraising event as long as they are in the community.
“Some people might not think the arts or music is what you should donate money to, but they are under-appreciated in our society,” Mike said.
“I don’t see too many funds for the arts,” Kim said. “We want to keep doing this every year to help out musicians and artists. It’s amazing all the young talent in the schools.”
“It’s a way to give back to the community and a way to honor Keenan. I always wanted to be involved with charity,” Mike said, who wants to do more with the funds given, in particular help out children in need at the holiday season.
“It feels good to be able to honor him,” Mike said.
“Hearing his name feels like he’s still here. It makes you feel good. His spirit’s still alive here,” Kim said.
“For a kid to die definitely impacts a small community. It changes people. Sometimes kids don’t know how to deal with this,” Mike said. “I would encourage any kids, Keenan’s friends, anybody who knew him that the answer doesn’t lie in doing drugs or drinking. The answer in getting through this is finding your spiritual side and finding how to deal with it.”
He continued, “We live in a society that has lost focus on what’s really important — family and friends. I’d like to tell other parents to enjoy their children each day. There’s no guarantee for tomorrow. I try to do better at living in the now instead of the past or worrying about the future. Watch your time at work, and spend more time with your kids. These are the best days you’ll ever have with your children.”
If anyone would like to contribute to the Keenan George Memorial Fund, send checks to 7003 Clintonville Rd., Clarkston, MI, 48348. There are pictures from the Bowl-a-thon on page 7B.