If you knew Jason Schippers -- affectionately known as "Skippy" to many of his friends -- you may have been on the receiving end of his unfailing Friday texts, "Happy Pimpin Friday!" Why a "Pimpin" Friday, and not just "Happy Friday?" I never knew, and just attributed it to another of his funny quirks. If there is a story behind the origin of those messages, this would be a great place to share it.
Despite the longevity of this ritual, it seemed that Skippy never quite worked the kinks out. Sometimes, you'd get the message on Thursday. Or, you'd get it no less than 50 times on Friday. Or, you'd get it a 5 a.m. in the morning. And despite our sometimes exasperation, there isn't a friend among us who wouldn't give anything for another cheerful greeting from Skippy.
He could be unusual in the best possible ways. He was someone who led with his heart. Who was an open book. And who had no qualms about saying "I love you." He was a self-professed comic nerd who could also be a trusted source of style advice, much to the delight of his gal-pals. He'd be the first to share in your happiness, or to make a joke when times weren't so good. He was kind, exuberant, and just so darn happy, almost all the darn time. He knew how to love, and he shared that gift freely.
I'll borrow a phrase from my grandfather's gravestone. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."
With so many hearts full of the memories of the life and love of Skippy, we will continue to share with him our lives.
-- Nicole (Slaterface) Selinger
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