“Family is number one important thing in someone’s life”

Susan and I celebrate our 15th anniversary today. It does not feel like 15 years. In fact, it seems like we were married only a few years ago. It was an amazing day. Brian had mono, looked like crap, and ended up partying like a rock star till the wee morning hours. In fact, he went into Flanagan’s pub near UD in his tux and told all the Halloween partiers that he just got married and his wife was passed out in the limo. The chicks did not really like it that he was hitting on them so hard (considering they thought he just got married!) Funny, but ineffective dating strategy Brian!

When I reflect back on that wonderful day, I could not help but smile at the memory of Brian’s “Best Man” toast. As you can see from the video, Brian was a natural ham and enjoyed speaking in front of the crowd. You can also tell he completely made up his speech as he went along! Though Brian hardly ever prepared, I was amazed at his message and poise for a 20 year old in front of 300+ people. He spoke from his heart and warmly welcomed Susan into our family. He got the crowd to laugh by touting me as “one of his role models” and mentioned how much he looked up to me. Reflecting upon his speech 15 years later, I could not help but think “what would have Brian said had he prepared?” I know in my heart Brian would have reiterated the same message.

Family was everything to Brian. He loved us dearly and enjoyed spending time with us (until his cell phone rang, received a text or had to go someplace where he was a “VIP” and supermodels were present.) He would frequently hum when he was happy. I can vividly remember him humming during Christmas Eve with the Gunnoes, watching Xavier games, or at the Sunday dinner table eating tacos. I remember his laugh.  I remember his voice.  It is glorious to hear both again. 

His speech was pure Brian - made up, passionate, filled with humor, and left you knowing exactly how he felt. Anyone who knew Brian knows how much he loved his family.

I remember the day I told Brian I asked him to be my best man. We were in my parent’s basement and he was on the couch in his patented “recline and rest” position. I walked down the stairs, saw him lying there and asked him poetically “hey, will you be my best man?” Brian’s reaction was fantastic. I could tell his brain (in his huge head) was quickly registering what I asked him. He did not really react as he slowly got up off the couch, walked silently over to me and hugged me. Brian had tears in his eyes and hugged me tight. He said “I did not think you were going to ask me.” I said “No. You are my brother. Of course you were going to be my best man. I never considered anyone else.”

Brian was my best man 15 years ago. He still is and will always be.

"Without it, I would have had my classes cancelled..."

My name is ________ and I am a junior at Xavier University. It is with great humility and thanks that I write you this letter. I recently received the Brian D. McCormick Memorial Scholarship through the university. I am writing you to thank you and your family so much for this gracious gift. Without it, I would have had my classes cancelled, and would have had extreme difficulties in continuing my Xavier education, which has been an extremely important part of my life these past few years. I feel both privileged and honored to receive this award from your family. Thank you, again, and I wish the best for you and your family into the future.

Sincerely,

Name witheld

Brian's message to my dad

Right after Brian died I remember wishing how we could get a sign from Brian that he was OK. I especially wished this for my parents.

About two weeks after that terrible day I got a call from my dad. He said he was driving up Far Hills near Centerville and was thinking about Brian. He had driven this route a thousand times and did not give the car next to him too much attention when he stopped at the light near Whipp road. My dad continued to drive and heard a horn beep. He ignored it a kept driving. It beeped again. My dad looked over and saw two twenty something girls in the next lane. They smiled and waved at my dad. My dad continued driving and heard another beep. He looked over. Saw the twenty something girl in the passenger seat. She looked at him. Smiled, and then proceed to pull her shirt up and flash my dad! My dad did a double take and laughed out loud as they sped away.

My dad called me and told me that I would never guess what happened to him. He told me the story and said he has never seen this happen. Dad also mentioned it was the first time he had a good laugh since Brian left us.

I thought a moment and laughed with him. Sure, the story was great. But, I laughed at the vision of my brother talking to St. Peter:

Brian (to St. Peter): “Hey, my Dad needs a sign from me that I am OK. This is how I want it to go down. I need a hot young chick to flash him while he is driving on Far Hills.”

St. Peter: “What? Are you sure this how you want to do this? Normally, we use sounds, feelings, dreams or something, something not as dramatic.”

Brian: “Nope. This is it. That way he will know it was from me. Because, my dad would know nobody else would send this type of message but me!”

St. Peter: “This may use up a lot of your future messages.”

Brian: “I am all in baby.”

I am certain all of us could see Brian having this conversation with St. Peter and understand that this would be perfectly logical to him.

Love and miss you Brian.

PS. I and all of your guy buddies would appreciate a “message” like this every once a while too!