XU student gets to buy books thanks to Brian

Mr. McCormick:

I wanted to personally thank you for setting up the fund that allow me to buy books this semester. Mr. Schiess gave me money from this fund to help me continue here at Xavier. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld

16 year ago today

Susan and I got married 16 years ago. What a great day. From what I understand, our best man Brian and his “idiot friends” also had an amazing reception and after party as well. I remember Mark Libs being asked what happened. He would say “do you want the long or the short version?” Needless to say, the night involved Halloween costumes, limos, the US Secret Service, terrorizing the Dayton Marriott and Charlie P___ being locked out of his hotel room (not wearing any pants). Oh, by the way, Brian had mono, felt like crap and looked completely grey the entire day. He, of course, still partied like a rock star. Both he and my mom always said it “was the best wedding ever.” I will always be proud to tell anyone he was my best man.  Miss you Brian.

3 1/2 years

We lost Brian three and a half years ago today.  It still doesn’t seem real or fair.  Our lives have changed, yet Brian is still not with us.  I think about him almost constantly.  Wishing he could be with us watching Patrick play football or Caroline play soccer.  Though I cannot see him, I feel that he is aware of what is going on in our lives and trying to help all of us. 

I remember us laughing at stupid stuff, hilarious antics/posts on the Xavier basketball boards or just laughing in general.  Brian said one phrase that makes Susan and me still laugh out loud.  I don’t know how he came up with it, but only Brian could use it effectively.  Once I was giving him some guff.  Brian looked at me, paused and then said in a matter of fact way “quit sweating my flava.”  (Justin:  “flava” equals “flavor.”)   I laughed out loud at his remark and then Brian did too.  My guess is he heard that phrase a while back and waited weeks for the most appropriate time to use it. 

That is what I always come back to with Brian.  He loved to laugh and have fun.  He had a great laugh too.  That is what I am thinking about today because God knows Brian did (and told us) 1,000 things that made us all laugh out loud with – and at – Brian. 

Smile today and don’t sweat anyone’s flava!

A Christmas Story

This past weekend I visited a friend staying in Cleveland and fulfilled a long-time wish. Not knowing many activities on a Sunday in Cleveland beyond watching the Browns, or going to the Great Lake Brewery that is closed on Sundays, we decided to head to A Christmas Story house.

As anyone who remotely knew Brian can tell you, the Christmas Story played a prominent role in holiday activities. While going on the tour we went through the kitchen and people were taking pictures of themselves mimicking the activities from the movie. I got my picture taken holding the Red Rider BB gun and fondling the leg lamp.


Then I saw the kitchen sink and immediately thought of Randy crying underneath it believing that Ralphie would be killed by his Dad when he got home because Ralphie was caught swearing while beating the crap out of Scott Farkus. I was presssured by my friend and girlfriend to reenact Randy underneath the sink but I resisted because I'm technically an adult and I didn't feel like demeaning myself. Then my girlfriend said to me "What would Brian do?" After that I knew I had no choice.


Love and miss you Brian.

Two more Xavier students get helped by Brian

Mr. Matthew McCormick:

My name is _____ _____ and I am a senior at Xavier University.

I met with Adrian Schiess this afternoon, and after discussing my severe financial situation, we determined that the Office of Student Success and Retention would be able to add an additional $1,000 to help offset the costs of my tuition this year.

My undergraduate career has been an intensely challenging emotional, physical, and financial journey. And because of your grace and the existence of your fund, I have a better chance of being able to afford my senior year. With two other siblings in college, my father's finances have been stretched completely thin, and I am grateful to your vision and mission for allowing me to continue my educational journey.

So I wanted to sincerely thank you on behalf of myself and my father, and I can assure you that I will do my best to keep you abreast on my graduation plans.

Best,

Name withheld

Matthew:

Funds from the McCormick family have greatly enabled me to continue with my education at Xavier University. Receive my sincere appreciation for the contribution through Mr. Schiess.

Sincerely,

Name withheld

A great teacher to be gets some help from Brian!

Mr. McCormick:

Hello, my names is _____ _______ and I am a Senior at Xavier University. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your generosity. Your donation has allowed me to register for my final semester to student teach and complete my Middle Childhood Education degree. I couldn’t be more humbled and appreciative that you would do that for me. I cannot wait to be able to send you an update in December and I wish the best of success to you!

Thank you,

Name withheld

Go X!

** I am positive you will be a great teacher.   Brian would ask you to not give out too many detentions! **

Great Quote That Perfectly Describes Brian

Brian's mom and I were sitting in a tavern in Door County last week and I saw a great sign in that bar that was perfect for Brian.

It read:
"You can call a good friend and he will bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting beside you and saying "DAMN THAT WAS FUN!"

I hope that Matt, Craig, Gary, Drew, Justin and all of Brian's buddies see this post and smile in agreement.

Miss you buddy.

Dad

Brian and Chad Johnson

As many of you know, Brian lived next door to Bengals’ wide receiver Chad Johnson (aka Ocho Cinco). It appears tonight that Ocho Cinco will be traded to the New England Patriots. Brian thought it was pretty cool to live next to a NFL star. He made it a point to never ask him for tickets and tried to treat him like a regular neighbor. Of course, this neighbor had six cars – including a Lamborghini convertible that he would often leave outside, in the rain with the top down.

Brain would always love to tell me stories about his interactions with Chad and some of the crazy events that would occur. Once, a young 20-ish woman (in a short skirt) knocked on his door around 8 AM, Saturday morning. Brian had a tough night and was sporting the “Bri-fro.” She kept pounding on the door. He finally opened it with a demure “what the f____ do you want?” She meekly asked “are you Chad Johnson?” Brian said “Do I look like Chad Johnson?” and slammed the door. At the time, he did not think it was funny. Later, both he and Chad thought it was hilarious.

One time, Brian did ask Chad for a favor. It was before a Xavier basketball game on a Saturday morning. Brian called me and said “you have 15 minutes to get everyone over here to have your picture taken with Chad.” Considering Patrick loves Chad, we got in the car and Susan actually sped to get there.

Chad was more than gracious. He talked to us, took numerous pictures and signed stuff. Patrick thought it was “really cool.” As you can see from the picture, all the McCormick’s enjoyed it. I think Chad did too. Later, Brian was getting the pictures autographed. Chad looked at the photo and said “hey, who’s that? She’s looks cute.” In a surprised voice, Brian said: “Um, Chad…she’s my sister-in-law and those are her two kids and that’s my brother.” Chad was not embarrassed at all and said a line worthy of a NFL Pro Bowler: “Damn, she looks goooood.  But, not as good as me!”

I am certain Brian would be sad to see Ocho Cinco go to New England. We all know he would be instantly scheming to get sideline tickets at Foxboro for him and all his buddies. Good luck Chad, we will miss you and hope you keep looking “good.”

Congratulations to Drew & Stacy Gunnoe!

Our cousin Drew got married a few weeks ago to Stacy at the Grand Canyon. They then kayaked 280 miles through the canyon and by all accounts had a ball.

All of the McCormick’s (and of course the Gunnoe’s) wish we could have been at the wedding. I could not help but think about Brian and how he would have reacted. I believe his conversation with Drew would have gone something like this:

Brian: “Drew, did you have a good wedding?”

Drew: “Brian, it was awesome! The Grand Canyon is beautiful. We kayaked 10 hours a day, saw some great sights, you would not believe…”

Brian: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, wish I could have been there and all that stuff. Umm…when and where is the party?

Drew: “What?”

Brian: “When is the party?”

Drew: “Um...well I am close to finishing my Ph.D and I think my parents will have a graduation party in Knoxville. Maybe we could combine the parties…”

Brian: “BS. Look we have a lot of ground to make up since I did not make the bachelor party. So, I am picking up Justin as we speak. (to Justin: ‘GET IN THE CAR NERD!’) We are meeting Little Gary at the airport and will be at your place around 8. Oh yeah, bring your sunglasses.” CLICK. (Brian would always hang up on you. But, there would be hell to pay if you did it to him!)

Brian loved his cousins end enjoyed rampaging through Knoxville (and New Orleans) with them. Brian did not say these words. However, anyone who knew him can hear him having this exact conversation with Drew.

None of your family could actually be with you on your wedding day Drew.  I know Brian was.

NNEEERRRDDDSSSS!

After seeing my eldest brother's Facebook profile picture (left), it reminded me of Brian's love for great 80's movies, especially Revenge of the Nerds.

(I believe we might have already discussed his love of all things Revenge of the Nerds, but I think it deserves another post.)

Anyone that spent a night out with Brian can confirm that a large portion of his vocabulary consisted of quotes from 80's movies like Sixteen Candles and Revenge of the Nerds.

At random situations he would blurt out a quote from Long Duck Dong like"No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food." or "What's happening hot stuff" in his best Asian accent. Totally random but completely hilarious at the time.

His favorite quote from Revenge of the Nerds had to be "Smell this one, Nerd" and he would fit it into any conversation. Pretty amazing, I know. Now this might seem a little uncouth, but he usually did not have an accompanying "gastrointestinal incident" that could make the situation wholly unpleasant. He just enjoyed saying it. A lot.

I also remember him calling me "Nerd" most of my life and he would use it as his standard greeting, and yell it Ogre-style, even at family gatherings. Sort of like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3njjD41f48

As I get older, I constantly strain to remember Brian and the sometimes outrageous things he would do and say. So when I saw Ogre's picture today, I thought of Brian and laughed.

I hope that in the future I can continue to remember, to laugh, to call his nephew and niece "Nerds," and say to his family and friends "Smell this one, Nerd." Just like Brian did.

Love and Miss you, Brian.