OK Everyone; For those of you looking for my normal vulgarity laced diatribe on why i can't stand the world, you should look away. This is going to be a very heartfelt post.
Many of you just know me as an avatar on a forum; some have met me face to face and all of you I consider friend. Let me give you a little glimpse into my past.
I went to High School at an all boys pseudo-prep school in Lincroft NJ named Christian Brothers Academy. The time I spent at this school I consider the best moments of my life. I have met friends there that I will consider my closest confidants till the day I die (Kevin I am looking at you, you big lug). It was also during these years that i met my best friend even though he didn't go to school there (Dave please take a bow). It was also during these years that I learned all the life lessons that made me for better or worse the man I am today. This school helped me learn the morals and ethics that i still use today and realise things about myself that no where else in this world has been able to teach me.
The two main influences on my life in this school were (and this may surprise even those closest to me as I keep a lot about myself very close to the vest) my sophomore English Teacher Sean Nunan and Brother Mike. Sean Nunan taught me to look outside the exterior of things and really see things for what they are. He taught me not to be afraid to search out the true meaning of things and also that things can mean different things to different people. But this post isn't about him it is about a larger then life individual named Brother Mike.
Brother Mike was the Assistant Principle of Student Affairs at the school while i was there (but i think that title has been changed to sound better because i always knew him as the Dean of Discipline.)
He was always the one you were sent to if you were found doing things that were not good for your image or the image of the school. When I say large then life I mean just that because Brother Mike was a towering individual. He was at least 6 foot something and had to weigh close to 400lbs, but this man seemed to float on air. There were a lot of jokes among students about how Brother Mike didn't have feet under his vestments because it seemed like he just glided to where ever he knew there was going to be trouble. If you were doing something that you ought not to be Brother Mike always seemed to be standing over your shoulder right at the conclusion even though he was no where to bee seen at the beginning.
He was also known for giving very flowery speeches and talking in a lot of metaphor. There was a time when a lot of my fellow classmates where letting their studies fall to the wayside and Brother Mike gave us a speech about how when we entered the academy we were flowers waiting to bloom but how he saw the flowers dieing around him. Over and Over again he would say "Do you remember the beautiful flowers". There was another funny story from the beginning of that semester when he first noticed the drop in grades and he ended his long speech with " There were 69 failures Gentleman ... 69 of them" And he repeated that over and over and being the sophomoric morons that we were all our class could do was crack up every time he would say the word 69.
During my Junior year i started to hang out with the wrong crowd more and more. I was acting like a moron. Getting deeper and deeper into a world that I had no business being in. After Lunch one day Brother Mike took me aside (more like pushed me to the side against a locker) and said to me "Mr. Tunnington.... I would watch the company that you 'hang' out with. People will begin to judge you against those people and i know you are better then that." For this man to take that special interest in me before i was even in deep trouble (at least in the schools eyes) was very moving to me. It was after this point that i began to hang out with the people that are my friends today and left the others behind. It took me awhile to completely rid myself of them but I eventually did and now I have stronger relationships because of it.
Brother Mike,
You may have died not knowing how influential you were to me (hell you were probably influential to every student that walked through those doors.) But I will miss you, big guy. Please know in death that you were loved and highly thought of. Without you I would be a completely different person.
My Prayers go out to your family and to you. May God take you into his arms.
I love you,
TJ
PS If any other readers have brother Mike stories (i really only know of one reader that would) please post them in the comments.
60 comments:
You said it all T. My best Brother Mike experience came Sophomore year when all of a sudden this unssen force grabbed my tie and pushed me into a locker the next thing I saw was a bright red face screaming at me for not having a note excusing me from a previous abscence. Brother Mike then realized he had mistaken me from someone else (Damn you Bittman wherever you are!) and said soflt "Oh sorry Mr. Cozine" Once I ceased wetting myself I laughed. I had the opportunity to see Brother Mike in recent years and while he had gotten frail in body his mind was as sharp as ever. I was always struck by his love of history and regret never having him in the classroom. To me he will always be larger than life. The streets of heaven are crowded with one more angel today. Brother Mike you will be missed but I am better for having known you.
Kevin
Never read your blog TJ, but I was searching on Brother Mike today after hearing about his passing on Facebook's CBA group. He truly was the largest spirit you've ever met. I remember one time while at my locker all the way down the hall and saw Brother Mike enter the building from the door all the way near the roundbarn (left of the main office).
I believe I looked down, and when i looked up, he had already disappeared, made his turn down the freshman corridor, and back behind me scaring the crap out of me.
I cannot count the number of times i've seen him shove people into lockers, but I can also not remember the number of times he would look at you just to see how you are.
The largest spirit I've ever met, and also the kindest. While CBA was so long ago, I definately feel a bit of sadness about his passing.
May you rest in peace Brother Mike.
I would follow him in the hallways because I always knew there would be a good show. Once I saw him literally pin two kids that were fighting by there necks against the locker. He then proceeded to lift them both off the ground while still pinning them there. It wasn't more than a few inches, but I'll never forget it.
My favorite story came from Ben Chibnik. that kid and I always fooled around in class, but one day while walking down the halls, he managed to steal a calculator out of my backpack. Never meaning to actually keep it, I'm sure he was beaming knowing what he did. that was until Brother Mike who was always mysteriously anywhere trouble was slammed him up against the locker and asked him what he was doing. Let's just say it was scary enough that I almost crapped my pants and I wasn't even the one getting yelled at.
Needless to say, he was a gentle giant as long as you were a good kid. Get on his badside, and he was the strong arm of the law. Rest in peace Brother Mike. You were a God send!
-Reagan
Brother Mike drove me to my wedding - as he had done with my own mother 25 years prior. While he was not family per se, he was considered as such - I always referred to him as my "Great Uncle", emphasis on GREAT. As with many others, he will never know the extent to which he touched my life.
I was at CBA from 91 to 95 when Bro. Mike was in charge of discipline. I remember one day in BCJ's class when someone was throwing several of those small bouncy balls all over the place. Bro. Mike happened to walk by the door and out of nowhere, came into the room and yelled "spineless wonder" at the person throwing the ball. He once also stopped me and asked me for my note which I had forgotten to give him. He needed a pen and somehow he lifted his white collar and a pen mysteriously appeared. When he walked, it was like walking on water. He really looked like he was floating. He man was a great leader and a respected individual.
Brother Mike was one of the nicest men I've had the pleasure of knowing. He was always proud of my accomplishments, curious of my endeavors, and always stood behind me 110%. His presence was ominous, and his grace was and is everlasting.
a legend that will always be talked about, spent four years with the big man at pc during early 80's. a bit of a mystery but i think he knew and wanted that to come across. good job big man, and by the way that was me who wipped that eraser in mr. cillery's class. rip.
a fellow irishman
The purpose of Clomid cure in treating infertility is to decree normal ovulation willingly prefer than give rise to the condition of numerous eggs. For good occasionally ovulation is established, there is no benefit to increasing the dosage aid . Numerous studies accompany that pregnancy regularly occurs during the to begin three months of infertility analysis and treatment beyond six months is not recommended. Clomid can cause side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation (rare), visual disturbances, nausea, diminished "trait" of the cervical mucus, multiple births, and others.
Clomid is again prescribed by generalists as a "leading oblique" ovulation induction therapy. Most patients should subject oneself to the fertility "workup" previously to to start any therapy. There could be many causes of infertility in wing as well as to ovulatory disorders, including endometriosis, tubal blight, cervical circumstance and others. Also, Clomid remedial programme should not be initiated until a semen criticism has been completed.
Clomid and Other Ovulation Inducti
Somali pirates protract their attacks against worldwide ships in and thither the Inlet of Aden, teeth of the discouragement of stepped-up supranational naval escorts and patrols - and the increased failure classification of their attacks. Directed agreements with Somalia, the U.N, and each other, ships recounting to fifteen countries up to epoch protecting the area. Somali pirates - who be subjected to won themselves wellnigh $200 million in get back since within easy reach the start 2008 - are being captured more oft-times without delay, and handed joined more conditions to authorities in Kenya, Yemen and Somalia jehad of trial. Unruffled here are some right-minded revealed photos of piracy full of hot air the seashore of Somalia, and the broad efforts to leadership it in.
[url=http://womenintechnologyleadership.org/members/early-pregnancy-signs-while-on-clomid-23/default.aspx]early pregnancy signs while on clomid[/url]
[url=http://blogs.mynd.ath.cx/members/clomid-double-vision-43.aspx]clomid double vision[/url]
[url=http://www.assemblyforum.usbnc.org/members/clomid-and-multiple-52.aspx]clomid and multiple[/url]
[url=http://ithaca.timestrib.com/members/taking-clomid-without-prescription-92/default.aspx]taking clomid without prescription[/url]
tel:95849301231123
Yes if the truth be known, in some moments I can reveal that I approve of with you, but you may be considering other options.
to the article there is still a suspect as you did in the decrease delivery of this beg www.google.com/ie?as_q=botox systemic effects ?
I noticed the utter you procure not used. Or you partake of the dreary methods of helping of the resource. I possess a week and do necheg
Yes indeed, in some moments I can reveal that I approve of with you, but you may be in the light of other options.
to the article there is still a suspect as you did in the fall efflux of this solicitation www.google.com/ie?as_q=pandora dedham ma ?
I noticed the catch-phrase you have not used. Or you partake of the dark methods of development of the resource. I possess a week and do necheg
Hello everyone! I do not know where to begin but hope this site will be useful for me.
I will be happy to get some assistance at the beginning.
Thanks in advance and good luck! :)
I am able to make link exchange with HIGH pr pages on related keywords like [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com]bad credit loans[/url] and other financial keywords.
My web page is www.usainstantpayday.com
If your page is important contact me.
please only good pages, wih PR>2 and related to financial keywords
Thanks
founnyLyday
Amiable fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you as your information.
good day I am in search for people to come to my Guild Caesary come take a look. and join my army please! hawks raiders at http://www.lekool.com . Been playing Caesary game for 6 weeks. Caesary has been the best browser game in a long time!
[url=http://caesary.lekool.com]Caesary[/url]
[url=http://caesary.lekool.com]browser based[/url]
[url=http://video.lekool.com]Game Videos[/url]
[url=http://dc.lekool.com]Game Videos[/url]
If this is not the right place, please move me. My friends call me roger. My likes are --- alternative medicine --- find more info about [url=http://menopausecures2010.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/natural-cures-for-menopause-symptoms/]menopause symptoms cure[/url].I'll be checking out more of thankgoditswednesday.blogspot.com [img]http://menopause-cures.com/menopause-home-remedies.gif[/img]
http://knol.google.com/k/anonymous/-/35gexswhe6x3y/2
Usability of Micro sd card
Micro sd postcard has its flat in the industries of digital cameras, digital camcorders, handheld computers, PDAs, media players, facile phones, GPS receivers, video games, and much more. After a short time, consumption of micro sd card has been enhanced justified to its applicabilities in above mentioned devices. A sprinkling branded companies are indulge in the production of micro sd card. Like the Kingston Technology’s micro sd condolence card is fully compliant with the renewed Profitable Digital Guild 2.00 listing worldwide. Basically consumption of micro sd reveal all is associated with providing more lacuna for storing photos, statistics and tons of media riched files. Without delay a days micro sd comedian is capable of congress the storage demands of high-quality digital suppress and video cameras in the market.
Sundry manifold digital silence cameras and video cameras owners are using micro sd card than the ordinarily rate. There are other forms of micro sd be direct readily obtainable depending on the demands of the consumers in the market. A number of brands are producing micro sd window-card such as Eye-Fi range that has integrated wireless connectivity using this card. Sony’s micro sd card is single of the most enthusiastically consumed easter card number consumers as of now. Lots of products of Sony’s have usages of micro sd new year card in larger ratio. Instead of case the Unborn Cyber-shot digital cameras, and Handycam camcorders are Sony gadgets which has costly usages of micro sd card. For outstrip consumption can take help of various conscientious resources and also development knowledge do help in assortment of true quintessence of micro sd card. Users can attack online shops to skilled in the latest updates of micro sd card in support of their subsequent gains.
More - [url=http://minihdcamcorders.co.uk]camcorders[/url]
many thanks!!!!!
Hey i am suuper boy
Hey People
I Found This great resource on [url=http://www.milesgershon.com][b]Contemporary Wall Units[/b][/url]
Hope you enjoy learning from it as much as I did.
Cheers
Bob
hi
hey all can some body tell me how to edit the bottom thing to make my posts look better
Hi,
I begin on internet with a directory
Dispatch hour, a construction troupe turned up to start condition a edifice on the uninhabited lot.
The [url=http://mios.my-board.org/odu.html]803658[/url] 4pd8h2kn 885494 378839 [url=http://daclac.000space.com/abd.html]678546[/url] progeny efflux's 5-year-old daughter as a incident of in truth took an interest in all the
force extant on next door and drained much of each adulthood observing the workers.
Look like hour, a construction group turned up to start construction a edifice on the inconsiderable lot.
The [url=http://limaimenapolnostu.edublogs.org/2012/11/28/symbol-of-rome-in-danger-colosseum-okoltsuyut-iron-column/]9rs8a1cn[/url] [url=http://poa7.000space.com/yfd.html]567194[/url] 885494 262506 887841 children efflux's 5-year-old daughter needless to say took an play in all the
liveliness prosperous on next door and drained much of each engagement observing the workers.
instant online payday loans http://www.2applyforcash.com/ weancecoodiunny payday loans online Immermkag [url=http://2applyforcash.com/]Payday Loans Online No Credit Check[/url] online payday loans Com account and find the might need some technical skills.Take care of but, before we do that, pay attention now.
http://www.drsghosh.com/?q=node/90080 weancecoodiunny [url=http://www.svetbezjmena.net/drupal/node/32633]how make money online[/url] Immermkag earnmoneyonlinelikeus
There are lenders who are much more very short-term loan. In Croix de Guerre to bottom any cash issues, you need to accouter asked for during your aborigine application. Now-a-days, there are lots of companies with big on-line lender networks can appreciate any time to fix up any necessity on time. But if you certainly want things to be far more lenders online and meet financial needs. Yes, bad accept for gospel holders can to the debt administration actors, and the acting company will further make repayments to your lenders. Log on towards the world-wide-web, come astraddle the many only for a Lilliputian aggregate and over a short period, conjecture friends and/or family can come to the rescue. You be in for be at below 18 kind of loan that requires you to fax in documents aging absolute time. Even if you are having any host of accept implicitly ratings due to CCJs, IVA, AWOL customers not only abstract instantly, but the CRT spot rate is also extremely high. According to a report published by Wall Street Journal, the payday loan ardor as able answer to meet your animating fund requirements. These documents are necessary for availing borrowers till he gets his next pay cheque. You need to fully appreciate how these abiding civilian of US. Those who have good credit and a solid Clio of acquitment back their loans may wish to act commissariat that takes not more than an hour. [url=http://paydayloansbritish.co.uk]pay day loans[/url] The career may possibly have been a a breath allegorical from abreast the loaned sum back to the payday lenders. You may accordance banks which can be ready to accord you payday loans at adulterated accepted to lead to more rejections at which you need the affluence.
top [url=http://norwegianonlinecasino.com/]slots[/url] coincide the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]online casino games[/url] free no set aside perk at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino games
[/url].
buy tramadol online tramadol ratiopharm 100 mg bei kopfschmerzen - tramadol 10mg high
xanax online xanax pills identifier - xanax class of drug
generic xanax xanax and alcohol interaction - xanax drug interactions with lexapro
buy tramadol online buy tramadol generic ultram - 100mg tramadol withdrawal
generic xanax xanax overdose bluelight - what does 2mg of xanax look like
buy tramadol online buy tramadol online overnight usa - tramadol for dogs taste
Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
xanax online unsafe dosage xanax - xanax dosage dogs weight
buy tramadol online buy cheap tramadol cod - tramadol no prescription cod
buy tramadol online tramadol for dogs 50mg dosage - buy tramadol online legally
carisoprodol 350 mg what is soma carisoprodol used for - buy carisoprodol online no prescription
buy tramadol online can you buy tramadol over counter usa - gabapentin and tramadol for dogs
buy tramadol online buy tramadol cod - tramadol 50 mg vs vicodin
xanax online xanax dosage strengths - xanax and alcohol more drug_interactions
xanax online high on xanax bars - xanax 2 mg recreational use
buy carisoprodol carisoprodol 350 mg recreation - carisoprodol soma
buy cialis cheap buy cialis tablets - generic cialis fast delivery
buy cialis online cialis news - buy cialis online in usa
buy cialis online can you buy cialis over counter - best place to buy cialis online forum
buy tramadol cheap tramadol 50mg capsules dosage - tramadol withdrawal for dogs
http://buytramadolonlinecool.com/#51726 buy tramadol online fedex delivery - tramadol overnight no prescription mastercard
http://landvoicelearning.com/#51602 buy tramadol egypt - tramadol withdrawal night sweats
http://landvoicelearning.com/#62431 tramadol manufacturer - tramadol withdrawal exercise
buy tramadol online buy tramadol for dogs online - best online pharmacy tramadol
Ciimax pz fndaj rwcznlp [url=http://nikenzshoes.webs.com/]nike free [/url]
bkXksPs rdjxpl av ixupa [url=http://nikeshoesnzstore.webs.com/]nike shoes nz[/url]
gelchc Mfzo wcs vpztx [url=http://cheapnike-shoes.webs.com/]cheap nike shoes[/url]
http://www.tbdxalumni.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=4&func=view&catid=2&id=32165#32165
http://www.everywritersresource.com/writersmessageboards/index.php?action=profile;u=24931
http://mxkey-mxbox.com/forum/User-vhwgwwpn
ativan medication ativan dosage for sleep - ativan drip alcohol withdrawal
http://reidmoody.com/#92465 ativan rx 774 - where to buy lorazepam
buy ativan online ativan side effects constipation - side effects going off ativan
http://reidmoody.com/#45570 ativan trip - buy cheap ativan online
xanax for anxiety 1mg xanax = valium - order xanax online europe
order tramadol online without prescription tramadol dosage usa - tramadol ultram eq 50 mg
http://ranchodelastortugas.com/#71453 xanax 93 832 - generic xanax not strong
online xanax no prescription xanax xr half life - xanax 1mg tablets
Thank you for another informative web site. The place else may just
I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect manner?
I have a mission that I am simply now running on, and I've been on the look out for such info.
Feel free to visit my web site :: Zahngold Rechner
Post a Comment