Welcome to Day #14 in the 31 Day series about my brother.  Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in writing this; it has been a joy to get Brian’s story out there and help you get to know what a great guy he is.

I am so excited that my dad is guest posting on the blog today!  My dad has entitled this post “The Brain Influence” because as my dad says, “Things happen when Brian is with you.”  For the most part we have experienced great love and support in regards to Brian.  Many people have gone above and beyond to enrich Brian’s life and experiences.  Here my dad shares a fantastic example of this…

Brian loved the movie “Rudy” from the get go!   Here was a small guy with a big dream, wanting to play football at Notre Dame.   There were lots of setbacks along the way, but in the end the little guy got his chance to go on the field, a brief reward for all his hard work, and was carried off the field on his teammates shoulders! 

Well, Brian too, was waiting for his letter from Notre Dame.

“But, Brian, we can’t afford to send you to Notre Dame, and besides that, you aren’t Catholic.”

Brian didn’t seem to think that that had anything to do with it.   So, over the years, Brian waited for his letter from ND.

Close friends of ours sprang into action.  For Brian’s high school graduation gift, they got Brian a beautiful Notre Dame sweatshirt.   They had shared Brian’s dream with ND, and one day a fantastic letter was delivered.   The letter was from coach Bob Davie, on ND letterhead with his autographed photo:

“I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your graduation from high school.  I’m certain that all your hard work and personal contributions have been appreciated by all whom you have touched.  You should be proud of yourself, Brian.   I hope you go on to have a wonderful future in whatever you choose to do.   I also hope that you will never retire your enthusiasm for the Fighting Irish.  It is the loyal support of fans like you that enables us to carry on the traditions that exemplify the glory of Notre Dame.  Best of luck and enjoy the fun of your special day.
Sincerely, Bob Davie.”

I can still see that big grin, and the sparkle in those blue eyes when he received that letter…Yes, just like Rudy, he had his letter from Notre Dame! 

The framed letter and photo still proudly hang on the wall in Brian’s bedroom.

Deep Breaths:  What is a longing that you have?
How have you helped another see their dreams come true?
Do you believe that God is trustworthy?  Why or why not?

Life does not always, or often, happen like we want it to, but let me assure you (on the truth of God’s Word) that there is a future and hope for you and He is working for the good– your good; not always for your comfort or ease, but to refine you for His glory and fame.  Don’t you look forward to the day when, like Ruby, we will be carried on shoulders- not of the ND football team, but of our Savior to our Creator and Father; to a glory incomparable!



Proverbs 3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight” (vs. 5-6).