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I am John, a Korean-American living in America. I was surfing the web when I came across the sad story of Mike's death.
After reading a couple of testimonials left by people that personally knew Mike, it was clear to me that Mike was someone everyone liked, and respected.
It 's hard for a mother to lose her son, especially in a foreign country. I am ashamed at how poorly the Korean government is treating this case. I hope questions will be answered, and justice will be served.
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It's been nearly two years since Mike was stolen from us. I still find it hard to believe he's actually not physically here anymore.
The pain I felt that night, Mother's Day 2008, is still fresh in my heart and mind. Nearly two years later, I am still in South Korea, bound by honor to finish what I set out to do.
I am surrounding by Mike's belongings, I still care for his dog Lincoln. I tend to the birds he longed to have flying free on our terrace. Everyday I think of Mike. Everyday I force myself to live one more day so that I can finish what I set out to do.
Everyday I tend to the candle that burns in his name, a flame that has been tended to for nearly two years now. I serve his spirit coffee as he once brought me coffee every morning.
I have looked into the eyes of the man who held my son's fate in his hands. I've looked into the eyes of the man who failed to save his life.
I have nearly completed what I have set out to do. It doesnt' lessen the pain or the loss, but it will change things next time.
Mightie Mike's Mom ~ Stephannie |
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your recent article about the tragic death of Stephan Michael White. I will leave other people to comment about any discrepancies made in your article, because what I want to write about is Michael.
He and his mother have been close friends of mine for nearly four years now, and I was with them the night he died. His untimely death has brought an immeasurable, tremendous loss to his mother and all of us who loved him.
Michael was a young man with a compassionate heart. I remember him best for his huge, ready smile, his great sense of humor and his love for rescuing stray animals. The day he died, he had spent the entire day entertaining my 9-year-old daughter. I don't know many 14- year-old boys who would be willing to give up their leisure time to make sure a 9-year-old had a good day. He was the doting big brother. My daughter got a small scratch on her foot and Michael was the one to get the first aid kit, apply ointment and put on a band-aid.
How horrible that later the same day, Michael was the one who needed help and help did not arrive when he needed it. Michael's life was worth fighting for. I wish the patrons and staff at the sauna with him that night would have realised that.
They have left a mother without her central reason for living, without the joy of her life, without the person who would be there to bring her comfort for the rest of her life. Michael's mother has not only lost the son she loved to a preventable death, but she has also lost the possibility of grandchildren to bring her joy when she gets older.
I wish the people who saw him and didn't help, could have watched later that night while Michael's mother refused to give up on him. Watched while his mother kept hoping and pleading for the doctors to try something else to help Michael. Watched while my daughter, his little sister, held his hand and prayed for his life. Watched while his mother and I performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation for an hour and a half after the doctors quit, because how can a mother give up on the life of her only son?
There is absolutely nothing that can make up for the death of Stephan Michael White. There is nothing that will ease the sorrow his mother will carry in her heart for the rest of her life. However, the truth of what happened that night will at least allow Michael's mother to grieve without the interference of all of the unanswered questions.
Please help those of us who loved him to find the truth about his death.
Sincerely, Corina Fransen |
Let's Stay Together
by Al Green
I, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do Is all right with me
'Cause you make me feel so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you
Since, since we've been together
Loving you forever Is what I need
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue
Let's, let's stay together
Lovin' you whether,
whether Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad
Why, why people break up
Then turn around and make up
I just can't see
You'd never do that to me
Being around you is all I see
(repeat to fade): Let's, we oughta stay together
Loving you whether,
whether Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Sung by Svetlana
ThunderBirds Lounge Fundraiser, May 30 2008 |
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Mike may have passed away some months ago, but I still remember him and think of him, because he was such a happy, nice, polite kid. Basil - 12/18/08 |
This wonderful guy is someone whom all of us should emulate because of his warm heart and excellent mind.Stephannie, I've written to you in the past and will send letters to you in the future: I think about the two of you often and hope to be able to make you feel better somehow.Peter Hunt Seoul, R.O.K. |
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As I'm listening to this podcast, my heart is breaking into a thousand pieces- I met Stephanie and Mike whilst teaching in Chungju. It was my first trip abroad and I was certain I wouldn't make any friends- but then I met them and everything changed- on occassion we would do a movie night- I remember one night Mike took me home on his scooter- at first I was terrified,but he soon made me feel relaxed and at ease and got me home in one piece.The first time we met- they had set up a game of Killer Bunnies at a coffee shop Downtown, Chungju- I didn't know what to expect but ended up enjoying myself so much that I had to tear myself away to go on and meet some other friends for dinner. I will never forget the special date Stephanie and MIke took me on before they left for China, because I was leaving Korea and they wouldn't see when they got back- it was such a fun filled evening. I never even got to say thanks for the gifts I received from them almost 4 months after arriving in South Africa- and when I did get them Mike was gone...Mike I will never forget you.... and Stephanie, I'm still praying and thinking of you everyday...Love you lots Elvira |
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Stephannie:
I don't know if you remember me from Appalachian State University. We were both in the College of Business and knew each other from our mutual activities. I also had the opportunity to meet Mike and found him to be a wonderful young man.I just wanted to extend my most sincere sympathies on Mike's passing. It goes without saying, I was very distraught at the news of Mike's accident in Korea. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.
Lyle Schoenfeldt
Faculty, App State |
Stephannie,
My warmest sympathy to you and your family
Jeff Myers |
I first met Mike White in November of last year. My husband and I had announced to the foreigner community in Chungju that we were looking to get a puppy, and we were wondering if anyone had information. I was given Mike’s phone number, and was told that he had a habit of rescuing abandoned puppies in the area. |
We love you sweet young man. I knew him as 9 year old Stephen who was already quite the traveler. We met on our dive certification trip and Stephanie and I were paired up as scuba buddies. They invited me into their camp as I didn't have any equipment and planned on sleeping in my car for the weekend. |
love him like a nephew ~Stephen-Peter Jinks |
You are family and we love you. We will never forget your generousity of spirit, your sense of humour and your zest for life.
Love always, Corina & Maggie |
Just over a week ago, a very bright and loving kid was found dead at a public bath. Mike White was a friend of mine and he will be missed. His loss is very personal and made even more difficult to bear by the fact that so little is known about the circumstances of his death. However, as personal as this loss is, it does bring up a whole host of issues that we should all be interested in. |
I met Michael in the winter of 2007 when he and his mother drove down to Pusan to deliver the special gift of a rescued puppy to me. I could instantly see the optimism, love and light that radiated from Michael.
Though I only met him for a brief time I could feel that he was truly a special young man. He shared a special bond with his mother that was instantly evident. They were more than just son and mother, they were best of friends which even to a stranger was apparent. That he was taken from us too soon is tragic but it is important to celebrate the life that he led and to remember the person he was and the spirit and light that radiated from him.
Cheryl Binstock |
Mike was a great kid. He had a great smile. He was a gentleman, soft spoken, very well-behaved, maybe a little bit of a rascal, and he was very caring. You could tell he had a tender spirit. |
My Daughter; Karey and Mike are childhood friends. Karey is in denial right now, and doesn't want to believe that her friend is gone. I don't blame her.
Mike has been one of the sweetest guys in her life. He has always shown her how much he cares and loves her. I remember when we were visiting Korea, we met Stephannie and Mike in Seoul, we were walking on a street, all of sudden, he found something from one of carts on the street. He whispered and told his mom that he wants to get a necklace to Karey. I think that was cute.
He was a bit shy...you know how he is...red cheeks, stunning blue eyes, and smile..but he was happy. I was so surprised how much he has grown when they were here in NC to visit us. He was "almost" a man yet still a kid; you have to see how playful he was. very well-mannered; opening/holding doors for ladies, carrying luggages, paid for our meals (well of course his mom did...but he distracted me so I won't pay)...a very good team, his mom and he. He will be missed dearly...
MJ Kim & Karey |
Stephannie, I am unbelievably shocked and saddened by this news. It seems inconceivable. Even though it's been many years since I've seen you two in person, I always think of you two fondly. I am terribly sorry for your loss. There are no words to express. My heart goes out to you. |
I'm a korean.. but, I'm so sorry that happen.. I'll wish you'll happy in heaven.. JinKyoung Sung |
I met Mike soon after he moved to Chungju. Though he was only 14 years old, he was a force of personality with a great sense of humor and a confidence that surpassed most adults. He studied with us in our university's Korean language class and held his own with the big kids, both in the classroom, and at lunch afterwards, where he entertained us with his goofy, slapstick humor. His death at such a young age is a loss to all who knew him. We'll miss you, Mike!Pete and Becky |
It is terrible to see this sort of thing happen...As Mike was, so we should all be - kind, caring, loving, and determined....I hope and pray that everything will go as God has planned, and that we all do our part to help out...Love and hugs,
Jennifer Brown |
| Dear Stephanie,
I know that I hardly know you, but I have thought of your son often. You see, I had been given your number almost two years ago to get some advice on finding schooling options for raising Western kids in Korea. When I called your office number, I reached your son. Thinking he was your office mate, I explained that I had heard you were educating your kid in Korea and wanted your advice. In my mind, I can still hear him tell me, "I'm that kid!" I thought that you would want to know, at least at the time I talked to him, how much he enjoyed studying with you, how good an experience it was to be in Korea, and how fascinating he seemed to find everything in life. Every time I ponder decisions for my boys, I think about his happy voice and hear his advice again. My heart breaks for you, and there is nothing that I can do to change anything. But I want you to know, that at least in my heart, I will remember our conversation. I will remember his happy voice, and I won't forget his excitement for life. It may be only small comfort, but I will remember. Elizabeth Kim |
I am Stephanie's cousin from Atlanta Ga USA. I knew Mike was a special child when he was a rock thrower extrodinaire. He loved life and loved people. I am beyond speachless as to the news of his death and I know that heaven is a better place tonight because of Him. stephanie deserves nothing but the best as She has always been a class act dating back to our time spent in Alabama as children. Thanks to all of you kind people for everything you have said and continue to do.
Scottie White |
Stephannie Hello!
I am following what is going on with you regularly. It saddens me a lot. Stephen always had a special place in my heart. Both me and Nancy remember both of you guys . We have been thinking of both of you all along.
Your postcard sent still hangs on our fridge. I specially spent a lot of time together with Mike. And since I was doing nothing much else at the time I was baby sitting for him in Boone, the memories are etched forever in my brain. The skipping lessons were my favourite as I knew it would invariablely mean Mike trying to get me tangentially lost on some story of his in effort to do less of them. Playing hide and seek in the car lot. Cooking macroni and cheese or simply walking down to your office. He had some thing which i see less and less now in general. He had immense love and ability to love you without any hesitation, without any boundaries. I remember us painting the home.
Those days always held very special place in my heart and even closer now. I salute your grit and determination and hope and pray god gives you more of it. For lack of my courage I could not write to you earlier and even now as I write I sincerely hope that my words get you some happy tears only.
Vikas Sharotri
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand |
My Dearest Stephannie,
I am sorry I have taken so long in responding to you. I guess part of it was that I did not want to believe it was true.
We were in Boone when Tom talked to you and told me it was true that he was gone. All the way home all I could say was "It's not real, It's not real" over and over and over. I am still confused as to what happened as I am sure you are.
I cannot tell you the pain I feel in my heart for you and the loss of your son and my friend. You know I loved him dearly as if he were my own son. I still cannot believe it. Tom said you were contacting the US Consulant and I was just checking as to see if you had any results.
I am so so sorry. I know he was all you had and the world to you. You know I am here for you and I hope your heart does break so badly that you cannot come back from it. I love you dearly and I love him too. Email me whenever you feel you can and whenever you get a chance.
Love Always, Maureen
PS Meghann cried her eyes out when I told her and even Tom was crying. We just cant believe it. We are so sorry Stephannie. We love you.
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