Wow!

Received a report from Xavier today about Brian's fund. It seems 72 students have received funds - totaling $56,195 - since its 2008 inception. This is impressive! Can you imagine how many lives have been changed due to everyone's kindness and generosity? Thank you and WOW!

Two more students stay at Xavier thanks to Brian's fund

Dear Matt:

My name is ____ _____ and I am a recipient of an award from the Brian McCormick Memorial Fund.  I want to first start off by thanking you with the deepest gratitude.  That award has made the completion of my senior year here at Xavier a lot easier.  I hope the fund continues because I know there will be other students like me who will benefit.  Your donation is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Name withheld.

To the Brian McCormick Memorial Fund:

I just wanted to drop a thank you not to you to thank you for having this fund here at Xavier.  This fund helped me to stay at Xavier.  I am in my junior year.  Please continue to keep this fund here to help students like me.  I hope I can do something like this too one day. 

Thanks,

Name withheld

Brian and his hugs

My dad and I were talking to my kids about Brian and Hong Kong.  We discussed how my dad arranged for me to travel over and surprise my mom and Brian (Brian was working in HK and my parents went over to visit him.)  My dad talked almost reverently about Brian’s reaction to seeing me when he opened the door.  “Brian did not say a word.  He just gave you a big hug.” 

 Often, my kids will stall when I am trying to put them to bed.  Patrick said just a few nights ago: “Dad, uncle Brian gave the best hugs.”  I said:  “He sure did. Now, go to bed.”

Afterwards, I was thinking about Brian and how he did give great hugs.  The one I remember the most was the one I received on my 38^th birthday – the last day I ever saw Brian. 

We had a bunch of people over to our house to watch Xavier get crushed by UCLA in the Elite 8 NCAA game.  Brian, for some reason wore a yellow sweater – the same sweater he wore to “honor” Bob Huggins in the Sweet 16 win over WVU.  (Brian probably wore it because it had good “mojo” and wanted it to help XU in the next game.)

Brian gave me my birthday present.  I told him I did not need anything.  He was almost taken aback and then he insisted I accept the money he was putting in my hands.  Then, without a word, he gave me a big hug and told me that I was his brother and he always loved me.

Thinking back about that day almost six years ago made me realize two things.  One, this was probably the best last encounter anyone could have with a departed loved one.  We did not know Brian was about to leave us.  But, we both knew we loved each other and had no issues between us.  Two, this was the best birthday present I will ever receive.  How can it be topped?

Love you Brian.  Help our family out.  We need some extra special assistance for all our loved ones.