2012 Resolutions

Well, I made it. Another year and another 365 blog posts. Just like my t-shirt blog, I had a lot of help with this one. Many people scanned for me, emailed me scans, and gave me (this year and in years past) a lot of the items that I scanned. Thank you to my family and friends who helped me and all of my 2011 projects like this blog and Skating for Hope – I couldn’t have done them without you!

I hope at the very minimum people enjoyed at least one of these scan blogs. And I hope both this blog and last year’s blog show at least one person that if you put your mind to it and promise yourself to do something, it’s possible. Here are some of the things I’m going to do for 2012. The end got cut off, but it says: “Be the change I want to see in the world” (from the Gandhi quote). I also forgot to add starting the website I’ve been working on, but that will come soon enough!

Thank for reading, and I hope you check out my video blog for next year! Happy 2012!

Pictures with Andy (1992)

Regardless of if it’s Christmas, a birthday, or any other time of the year; the true gifts in life are the people you have in yours. I am really lucky to have my friend Andy in mine. It’s hard to believe we have known each other for (ugh) over 20 years, but math doesn’t lie. Pictures don’t lie, either. We may look a lot younger in these shots, but the smiles and having fun hasn’t changed one bit (The tightness of the jeans and curve of the hat’s brim have been altered since).

Of course, Andy and I have shared more serious moments too. There was the time in college he bailed me out of a drunken beat-down and went back on the T to Harvard wearing a t-shirt stained with my blood. There were visits to the hospital and talking about our traumatic experiences with each other. And there were even times we did or said things that upset one another. But now, we look back and laugh at all of it.

Even though I only get to see Andy once or twice a year, our connection and friendship remains strong and picks up right where it left off. Looking forward to spending some time with him and his family tonight!

(L-R: brother Jon, me, Andy, cousin Matt, brother Tom)

War Horse Ticket (12/25/11)

Starting in 1998 with Patch Adams, my sister had the idea of starting a tradition of going to see a movie on Christmas night. I will add the other tickets here if I find them, but for right now I will just write about last night’s feature.

War Horse was 2 ½ hours long, but went by much more quickly – a sure sign of a great movie. Based on a play of the same name, it (not surprisingly) tells the story of a horse that makes its way through World War I.

Like every war movie I’ve ever seen, it had me wondering why we can’t figure out our differences without fighting – the scene when two soldiers helped the horse out of barbed wire was my favorite.

The best part about War Horse was that is showed the horrors of war without spattering the screen with blood and gore. It was a very touching story about love, loss, and believing in destiny. More Christmas movies to come…

Santa Taking a Dump Card and Boston Tea Party Art

Leave it to my sister to pick out cards appropriate for me. Just like the Reindeer Eating Beans card she got me before, I think this one may also refer to my Crohn’s Disease. Whatever the reason, I think it’s hilarious.

In addition to making me an awesome Bruins Stanley Cup present with the sports page and decopage (and proving again that the best gifts are made), JB also gave me this artwork from The Boston Sports Company.

It was another great Christmas at the McGrath house full of smiles and laughs. Everyone is healthy and happy, and you can’t ask for more than that! Hope everyone had a very merry day!

Poem from My Nephew

The best gifts are the ones you can tell needed a lot of thought and effort. This usually translates into presents that are made instead of bought. Today, my nephew gave me this poem that he wrote, typed up, and illustrated. Thanks again, buddy. I love you, and it’s going to be hard for Santa to top this one! I’m feeling very lucky to be healthy and surrounded by such a loving family – hope everyone else is, too!

My Parents’ 2011 Bruins Stanley Cup Christmas Card

Last year on December 23^rd, I described my family’s traditions for this day (we call “Eve Eve”) on my Charlie Brown t-shirt blog. Another tradition very important to my family is our love of the Boston Bruins. This is the card my parents sent out this year.

It’s a safe bet every year on Christmas that there will be some Bruins items exchanged in the McGrath house – the only difference this year is that it might say Stanley Cup Champions on it. Looking forward to some Christmas cartoons mixed in with the Bruins / Panthers game with my favorite people…Go B’S!!!!!!

McLean Discharge Summary (5/10/95-5/17/95)

It was the end of my junior year, and the thing I cared about most was getting drunk. I usually didn’t drink during the week, but when Friday rolled around, I was salivating for my first sip – which was usually a gulp followed closely by more and more gulps. I didn’t like where my life was romantically, I was still angry about cancer (both my own and a friend who passed from leukemia that November), and I turned to drinking as my way of release. Even though drinking had led to interactions with the BC Police, ER visits, and many apologies; I wasn’t ready to stop.

Then on May 7, 1995, I started drinking to excess. I drank everything in the apartment I shared with my roommates. Drinking made me not care, and that night I didn’t care if I lived or died. Again, it landed me at McLean’s. This time, I was ready to stop.

Of course, when I got there, I had other things on my mind. The Bruins were playing the Devils in the 1995 Stanley Cup Playoffs and they had lost games 1 and 2. Game 3 was a must win, and I had to watch it. As you can see in the Mental Status Examination Upon Asmission, I made that crystal clear:

Then while in one of the groups at McLean’s, a man in his late 30s/early 40s said something that made my decision with alcohol final. All he said was, “Hey, my name is Mike and this is my 8^th time in rehab.” I said to myself that I never want to be saying that. I wanted this to be the last. And I knew the only way it would be the last is if I never drank again.

My decision was made final when my father gave me some depressing news. My friend Justin, who I had met at UMass (he was 10 when I met him and getting treated for cancer on his brain stem) had passed away.

He was 13. When they could tell his battle was nearing the end, he asked his mother to call me so he could see me. I was in the hospital getting my stomach pumped, and my parents and the doctors agreed it would be best to keep me somewhere safe. Of course when they told me, I lashed out and was pissed that they didn’t tell me right away. But I knew the real reason I wasn’t there for him was because of my drinking. I failed being there for a friend in need, and it was because of alcohol. I don’t want that to ever happen again, so again I arrive at the decision not to drink again.

When I left McLean’s, the “experts” there were convinced that if I returned to Boston College for my senior year, I would drink again. They had known me for a week, and were that certain. I am happy to tell them they were wrong. Not only did I not drink my senior year at BC, I had the best GPA of my four years there. And I haven’t had a drink since May 7^th, 1995.

My non-drinking is not because of anything any psychiatrist at McLean said to me. It’s not because I think drinking is evil and no one should do it. It’s because I know what road it leads me to: not caring for my family or friends, the ER, police, and McLean. I promised myself I wouldn’t let drinking take me there again, and I’ve lived up to that promise. But it’s easy to keep a promise like this when you have supportive family and friends like mine. Thank you to everyone who helped me get through this…I couldn’t have done it without you! And of course, GO B’S!!!!

Reindeer Eating Beans Christmas Card

I’m not sure my younger sister sent me this card because I have Crohn’s Disease, but I think it’s hilarious anyway. Thanks for always making me laugh, Meg – in real life and with cards.

Picture of Festive Sister (1985)

When I flipped through my Polaroid photo album, I thought this would be the perfect scan for my sister’s birthday today. It was actually the YouTube video I made for her birthday last year that gave me the idea to have a scanning blog for 2011. Even though her birthday is today, I was glad I was in New York to celebrate with Megan, her friends, Tonks, and Tiger last night. It’s also very fitting that ABC Family’s The 12 Dates of Christmas starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar is premiering on her birthday night. Hope you had a great one, Meg – I love you, and I’ll see you soon!

#3 Boston College vs. #20 Providence College Hockey Tickets (12/6/11)

Looking forward to watching this game with my older brother and nephew. I discussed the pregame meal with my nephew and his reply was, “I don’t care, as long as we eat somewhere.” I like that attitude. Go Eagles!

Thanksgiving Pictures, 1982

Here are some pictures from the Hayes/O’Neill/McGrath Turkey Day in 1982. 29 years later, and I was still at the kids table this year – I hope I never graduate. I love my sister with the pop-pom wig. The only person missing is our all-time leader in pictures taken, my dad. And even though both of my grandparents pictured have since passed, they live on in spirit with every laugh my family shares. I’m so lucky to have these people in my life.

Thanksgiving Dinner Place Card and Muppets Ticket

I’m so freakin’ thankful. I started my day just like I’d love to start every day – by playing hockey. My Crohn’s was making my stomach hurt, but I played through it and made sure I burned some of the calories I was hoping to eat later.

After resting and recharging at my parents, it was off to my aunt and uncle’s for a perfect meal with my some of my favorite people. There was laughter, NFL football, my uncle’s wonderful grace, eating, playing football (a pick-6 was my highlight), dessert, and more laughter.

Then, it was another brief rest at my parents followed by seeing The Muppets with a group taking up almost an entire row. My nephews and niece gave it “so-so, pretty good” sideways thumb reviews, but I thought it was great. Someday we’ll find the rainbow connection, and I think it will be on a day like this…

Thankful Turkey From My Nephew (2006)

It was five years ago, and I was struggling professionally and emotionally. It had been a difficult year for me and with the holidays approaching, I wondered how I would handle it if the season didn’t lift my spirits. Then, my nephew gave me this turkey and I knew I was going to be all right.

Here is what “B” wanted me to know he was thankful for – Cards, Emails?, your car, funny things, movies, you, your college (his parents went to BU and Providence College, but he roots for BC), seats?, your name (we have the same middle name).

This homemade gift was just what I needed to remind me how much I had to be happy for and how much my family meant to me. I knew no matter how the rest of my life was going, as long as I had my family to support me, things would work out.

I started being thankful for what I had instead of feeling bad for what I didn’t have. It took time, but I started to laugh more and began using The Secret. And a few months later, I found my job at Hope Lodge. It’s so simple and easy to see life through a glass half full lens. I see people with cancer do it everyday I’m at work. Be thankful for what you have, and keep laughing. Think about the things you want instead of stressing over what you don’t want. Thanks for helping me out, “B”, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Darth Vader Thanksgiving Card

I’ve said this many times before, but I think Thanksgiving gets the shaft as far as holidays go. Christmas stuff comes out in the store sometimes even before Halloween, and poor Turkey Day is forgotten. Without having to worry about what to buy for whom and trying to minimize the amount of time I spend shopping, Thanksgiving reminds me what is most important in my life: my family. And every Thanksgiving I’ve spent with my family was been full of laughter. My awesome cousin Katie has started her own tradition of having a game night the Saturday after Turkey Day. We usually play Apples to Apples, Cranium, and this write the first line to a book game called Liebrary (trust me, we make it hilarious). Each year has a theme, and thanks to something I bought Katie for her Birthday, this year’s theme is 1990 (details to follow). In addition to starting this great holiday tradition, Katie also sent me this card (that played Darth Vader breathing, lightsaber noises, and the Imperial March when I opened it). Thanks to Katie and the rest of my family for always making me laugh, and playing into instead of ignoring my love of the Holy Trilogy. Looking forward to Thursday!

Picture of Me with My Nephew, Halloween 2002

Just two days after experiencing my first kidney stone, I was dressing up like Peter Pan to compliment my three-year-old nephew’s Captain Hook costume. He wasn’t too terrifying, but had everyone in the family laughing one night before Halloween when we were having dinner at my parents’ house. He had been trying on the wig and practicing pirate sayings like “Ahoy me hearties” when we saw my father pull into the driveway. My nephew, who was still learning how to say certain words, wanted to surprise grandpa at the door with his wig on. He excitedly screamed, “Give me the wid, give me the wid!”, and greeted my dad as a pirate.

Today, my nephew turned 12. He had a Target gift card to use, so we went there and he picked out a Pedroia jersey and I got him an electronic dart board. Then, we went to Friendly’s and sat at the counter for lunch. It was the first time I’ve been to Friendly’s since I stopped eating meat, but I made out okay. Like we always do when we hang out, my nephew and I were laughing a lot. Even though he’s already 12, I hope he never outgrows having lunch with Uncle Dave for his birthday.

Hope you had a great birthday buddy…I love you!

(More about my nephew later this week…)

Pictures of Katie and Me

I’ll let these pictures speak for themselves, but I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my awesome cousin Katie! Hope you had a great day…love you!

For some Katie stories, you can go here and here.

Powerball Tickets

I already blogged about other lottery tickets, but last night I had a dream I won the lottery so I figured tonight would be a good time to buy some more. The funny thing about my dream was that no one in my family seemed excited that I won. So in my dream, I kept rechecking the numbers to make sure that I had – and I did. I hope their real life reaction is a little better than it was while I was sleeping…

Boston College Football Ticket and Parking Pass

Today was a great day. It started with a call from my nephew inviting me to the BC football game. Going to a game with my nephew and older brother? Not a hard decision. I won this parking pass at the Magnus Halloween show costume contest for last week’s game, so it worked out well and we used it today.

There was perfect football weather at Alumni Stadium, and BC won 14-10. There weren’t too many exciting plays during the game, but the end was close and BC’s defense came up with two huge plays – an interception in the end zone and a 4^th down stand. One of my nephew’s favorite parts (okay, mine too) was when a BC student ran across the field, high-fived a couple of the Eagles players, and was clotheslined by a NC State player.

BC football won’t be playing in a bowl game this year (or they’ll be in the Toilet Bowl as my dad says), but it was nice to see the team finish at home with a W. Also, I’m hoping it will help get them pumped for their game against Notre Dame next week. Bowl or no bowl, any season BC beats ND is a successful one in my book.

GO EAGLES!

Also - more BC Football Tickets

Pictures of David Hayes and Me (1977)

For Veteran’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to write about the soldier that is closest to me - my grandfather. Like I wrote about his World War II dog tags that I wear, “ his name was David Michael Hayes, and he was from Worcester, MA. His blood type was O, and his rank was captain. His father was Patrick Hayes who lived at 3 Lily Street in Worcester (which doesn’t exist anymore). He was 26 when he went away to fight (the day after he married my grandmother), and he didn’t return for over 3 years.

I can’t imagine what my grandfather went through while in combat during World War II, but I know I wouldn’t be able to handle being in the military. I know I have a lot of other things on my mind, but I try to remember every day how lucky I am that there are so many other who are willing to be in the armed forces. Yes, I have Crohn’s and I’ve been through cancer. I will take those experiences over being in battle in the middle of a war. My grandfather’s dog tags remind me what others have been through and that I should be thankful for every free day I’m alive. Their sacrifices allow me to fight my own battle against cancer.

I think the best way to thank our veterans and current armed forces is to live life like we appreciate it. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember everyone who served and serves without you ever asking them to.

Thank you to everyone who does a job I couldn’t…

Birthday Card from My Nephew and #35 Poem (2009)

My younger nephew made this card for me on my birthday couple of years ago. I always love home made things, especially when I can tell a lot of care went into them. When I could see my nephew had made exactly 35 crayon candles on top of the cake, I knew this one was a keeper. It also inspired me to write the poem #35, which was included in my book III Sides to Every Poem.

I thought today would be a good day to scan this because it’s my nephew’s birthday. He didn’t have any specific requests or hints for a present, but only said, “What you usually get me.” In the past, that has meant things like disappearing ink, a squirting camera, and whoopee cushions. I don’t think he’ll be disappointed.

“C” actually reminds me of a younger Dave. Like me, he doesn’t mind stirring things up. In many ways, he’s a typical middle child who doesn’t mind being different from the rest. But, he also looks up to his older brother and at times tries to follow in his footsteps. He’s creative, speaks his mind, and is hypersensitive when it comes to things being “fair”.

Thanks for this great card buddy, I hope you had a great birthday and continued celebration tomorrow and this weekend…see you soon and I love you!