"This is my best Christmas present ever!"

Merry Christmas!

It is always tough this time of year for me and my family. We know in our bones that Brian should be here with us for Christmas. He lived to be with his family and  can’t help and remembering Brian going to mass at St. Charles, eating “duck dip” or egging on Joanna to drink more nasty “corn flavored” pop - and making her puke! (I had nothing to do with it). Brian greatly enjoyed having all the Gunnoe’s over for Christmas Eve, sleeping on my parent’s couch, and splurging on presents for his family.

As you know, Brian had tons of cool stuff. He was tough to shop for because if he liked something, he would buy it. He also would buy things even if he “kind of” liked it. I remember one year shopping for him on line. Somehow I came upon “Mexican Wrestling Masks.” Susan could not see the merit in this gift. I strongly disagreed and thought Brian would love it and probably wear it with pride. Naturally, I bought him a blue and white one because they are Xavier’s colors. Like sugar plums, I had visions of him sitting at the Cintas Center, drinking a beer and wearing it at a game.

I waited until all of our presents were exchanged to give him his gift. I say his eyes dance quickly through puzzlement, comprehension, and finally glee as he realized what I had got him. Brian smiled wickedly in eager anticipation and immediately proceeded to put the mask on his huge head. It barely fit. After he finally got it on he said “this is my best Christmas present ever! Thank you! Man, are my friends going to be jealous.”

We both laughed loudly. Susan and my mom thought we were nuts. (They do not understand subtle humor!) I later found out how much fun he had wearing the wrestling mask FISHING at Adam’s bachelor party. Though I was not there to see him in all his glory, it is a great memory because I know he had a blast wearing the mask. Who knows where the mask is now? However, I will always treasure this memory of Brian and remember a gift that only brother’s could love.

Merry Christmas to all and especially Brian! I know you are with us! Love, Matt

Brian and music

As family members, you always want some kind of sign from your lost loved one that they are OK and watching over you. Several times over the past 20 months we have heard some interesting music that, to us, could only come from Brian.

1. All of us went to New York City in June of 2008. The first night we went to one our favorite Spanish restaurants in Greenwich Village called El Faro for dinner. Right after we ordered, all of us clearly heard traditional Irish music playing in the background. We were quite surprised and asked a waiter how often they played Irish music. He said “never, we only play Spanish music”.

2. About a month ago, I had to go to Wal-Mart and brought Patrick with me. Naturally, he wanted to “look” (beg) at the toys. Patrick was drooling at the Bakugan Battle Brawlers. I told him he could have one for around $5. Naturally he wanted the $10 version. While I was just about to tell him “take it or leave it” I clearly heard “Amazing Grace” played by bagpipes over the store’s Muzak system.  Brian loved this version and it was played at the end of his funeral by a Cincinnati Police bagpiper. I asked Patrick if he heard it and he said yes. I smiled and thought of Brian imploring me to give in to his “favorite nephew” and let him get his desired toy. I immediately folded. Later, I talked to Susan about this and she pointed out how odd it was for a nonsectarian company like Wal-Mart to play an overtly religious song at 9:15 AM on a Saturday. Well, it was so odd I called Wal-Mart’s headquarters and asked them if that was on their play list. They told me to talk to the store’s management in Evendale. I called and asked the store manager if “Amazing Grace” was on his playlist. He said he did not know.

3. The McCormick family won the “American Family Insurance Family of the game” at Xavier University’s first pre-season game. Patrick and Caroline each got a stuffed blue blob and we all got tee shirts. We all waved on the jumbotron and got a tour inside the Cintas Center. While we were in the bowels of the Cintas Center under the stands the team came right past us. Patrick loved slapping palms with the players. My parents and I both remarked how Brian would have loved being there with us. At that moment, we heard “Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. We initially heard this version at the end of “Finding Forrester” – a great flick that Brian loved and identified with. He also used this song as soundtrack to Caroline’s birth DVD. You have heard it. It is slow song played on a ukulele that makes you think. It is not the typical song heard prior to a college basketball game to fire up the fans. We have never heard it played at the Cintas Center (and have not heard it played there since).  Brian would love this video of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltAGuuru7Q

Cynics would say these are amazing coincidences. I don’t care what they say. These songs and timing do not just happen at the exact moment that we would mean the most to us! Brian loved music and introduced me to the versions of these three songs. I have great comfort Brian is somewhere over the rainbow, listing to Irish music, and trying to figure out how to play “these damn bagpipes” (because you know he would not take lessons or read the instruction manual!) Thank you, Brian for these musical signs. They make us all smile.  I need more of them and miss you. Love, your brother.

Tis the Season

It's that time of year again when people come together to celebrate with friends and family the birth of Baby Jesus.

And take ridiculous family photos.

Awesome hat Matt!

Another great teacher will graduate thanks to Brian and you

This thank you letter was sent in August.  Though I am late in posting, the message is still powerful. 

Dear Mr. McCormick and Family:

I am writing to you because I am the beneficiary of some of the money from the scholarship fund that you have set up at Xavier University. I am writing to thank you for your incredible generosity, and to tell you little bit about myself.

I am currently a senior at Xavier, double majoring in Early Childhood Education and Spanish. I am working to pay my way through school and have supplemented with loans and grants. This semester I am student teaching full time at Norwood Public Schools, so I have been unable to work as much as in semesters past. This leaves me short when it comes to paying my tuition.

Through the help of Mr. Schiess in the Office of Student Success, I was granted funds from your memorial scholarship fund, and the money was matched by the university. I want you to know what a tremendous help the money is to me. Thank you, again, for your generosity in memory of your son and brother. With your help, I am able to successfully complete my last year at Xavier. I promise you that I will work diligently for these last two semesters.

My Xavier education is a gift that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Thank you for being a part of my experience.

Very truly yours,

Name withheld

Class of 2010

Xavier University

Amazing letters from recent recipients of your kindness

The Xavier students who receive a gift from the “Brian McCormick Memorial Fund” always send me a thank you note. It is my privilege to read their inspiring letters first and I am always amazed at their stories. Their determination, hope, and desire to succeed leap off the page. I know my brother is pleased to give a hand up to these rising stars from Xavier University. Though they write to me, I urge everyone to think these letters are written to you. There is no doubt these future leaders will make an incredible impact on society one day and their current and future success could not have happened without your generosity.

God bless, Matt

Dear Mr. McCormick:

My name is _____ ____ and I am a junior occupational therapy major at Xavier University. Though you did not know it, you blessed me in a very special way today. I received funding from the memorial fund on behalf of you brother Brian. I come from a very modest financial background and staying at Xavier each semester is a small miracle. My being here is proof that God’s plans are always greater than our dreams.

Today, I lift up you and your family in prayers of thanks and immense gratitude. And, I assure you that your brother’s legacy is continuing to change lives. I thank you a thousand times over and wish that there were words to convey my wonder, appreciation, and relief from your gift.

This year, I am thankful for the McCormick’s for changing my life and helping me enable me to achieve my dreams and to change the life of others as an occupational therapist. Form the bottom of my heart I thank your financial blessing and for enabling me to continue my education.

Sincerely sending you gratitude and blessings,

Name withheld

Dear Matthew:

First, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am a senior marketing major at Xavier University. During the school year, I work on campus and at a grocery store on the weekends (which become a full time job in the summer months.) Also, during the fall, I referee 4th to 7th grade students’ city soccer games.

As I’ve worked a lot before I came to college, I was able to pay for my education with the help of scholarships and state loans until recently. I seemed to run just a little short on money this semester, especially with scheduling. I was in a panic with my account on hold, so I spoke to Adrian Schiess. He granted me $500 from “the Brian McCormick Memorial Fund” you established at Xavier.

Not only do I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity to the university in his name, but I somewhat understand your experience. On September 30, 2007, I lost one of my older brothers to the reckless act of another individual. It is a long and hard road before us, and I would like you to know that I will be hoping and praying for you and your family’s loss. I will forever be grateful for your kindness.

Sincerely,

Name withheld

Dear Mr. Matthew McCormick:

My name is ____ ____. I am a sophomore at Xavier University majoring in Entrepreneurship. I am an international student from Uganda. I came to Cincinnati a year ago with the hope that I could study at one of the best colleges in America and be shaped into a successful entrepreneur.

It’s only been a year since I joined Xavier University and I have had a remarkable journey. My experience here has gone far beyond my expectations and I have enjoyed my studies both in and out of the classroom. The Xavier Community has welcomed me despite coming from a culture only known to a few. I have got involved in school activities that have brought me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a world of possibilities.

Half way through my first semester, my family and I were faced with some sad news. My father had been diagnosed with cancer. For me, this meant that the wonderful journey I had embarked on was soon going to end. However, my parents continued to work hard to pay off my tuition bill while paying for my Father’s medical bills. It has been a struggle and even though we continue to work hard and pay off these bills, we are deeply humbled by your generosity.

I did not have the privilege to register earlier because my account had a hold on it. It is from your grant that I wish to share with you my joy and happiness that I was able to register for my fall 2009 classes. I have worked four jobs this summer in order to reduce the burden my parents have to pay for my tuition. I have had to move off campus to find cheaper accommodations and I will start commuting this fall.

As an international student, it is difficult for me to get a student loan or any form of financial aid because I am not a US citizen. And, at this time when the economy is suffering, I cannot even get a cosigner to access a loan.

It’s from people with your generosity and giving nature that I am able to continue with my studies. I have great relief in knowing that in May of 2012 I will graduate and owe it to the kind hearts that gave me grants to study in this prestigious institution.

I continue to work hard in class because you have shown faith in me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Having been raised in a Christian home, I can only pray for you and your loved ones and wish you more blessings. I am profoundly touched by your charity and I wish to open our home in Uganda to you if you ever visit. I wish to meet you sometime and thank you. I will continue to provide you updates throughout my stay at Xavier University.

Yours sincerely,

Name withheld