Loyal Orange Lodge No'5
Brampton

looks like it's been awhile since i last put an update on here, well as most of you know kelly and i paid a visit to canada back in june/july 2007, we both had a brilliant time and it was great seeing everyone again, hopefully it won't be too long until we get another wee visit, i was just going through some of my stuff and thought i would post a few video's from when i was learning too walk back in 2005.

Hello All,

Well what can I say other than another calendar year has passed and we’re well into 2007 now.

Kelly and I are still waiting on word from the Home Office regarding her immigration status, hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we hear anything, although before Christmas we did receive some good news, but I’ll keep it to myself as I don’t want to put a scud on us! Sorry folks, yaw know how it is.

Over the course of the year I did receive new prosthetics, but I don’t use them as much as I should because there still a little uncomfortable and are just sitting here collecting dust, the original set I got seem to be the best ones so far and suit me perfectly, I’ll continue wearing them until they wear themselves out!

As far as the new ones are concerned, I’ll continue making adjustments to them until there perfect for me or just as good as the original set.

I was going to keep this quiet but I’m sure most of you know what happened to me the other day, Anyway last Monday January 15^th 2007 I was out back kicking a soccer ball around with our dog (Quinn) all was going well and we were having a good laugh, as I was getting a little tired I thought I’d give the ball one last kick, so I lined up the ball and gave it a good boot, what a mistake that was, as the right prosthetic came off and flew across the backyard, I landed on the concrete floor stump first, I hit the pavement that hard that Kelly heard it from inside, so I was shouting (moaning) in agony, she came out right away and loaded me into the wheelchair, took me into the living room and I removed all my protective socks, well once the socks came off the blood was gushing everywhere, so we got it bandaged and headed to the hospital A & E, after four hours there and some new bandaging and a stitch or two we headed home.

Well it’s been 10days now and I’m still in pain, I was at the doctors office this morning and had the stitches removed, I’ve been puttering about today trying to get used to the legs again, it’s like when I first started to walk all over again! as being off them for 10 days makes a huge difference. Well it’s 2:00am and the rubbish bin needs to be taken out for the morning pick up! While out back, I got the willy’s thinking about the fall and the thud as I hit the concrete, but looking across the backyard from were I fell, I realized that the prosthetic went further than the ball, ha ha ha yes it’s a little funny now but at the time I was in complete agony.

The other good news I got today was that my kidney function is nearly back to a full recovery (Brilliant, time to load up on the beer)!

Well folks I don’t know what 2007 is going to bring, hopefully it will be a lot kinder to Kelly and I this year, the two of us are home sick and can’t wait to get all this immigration business behind us, if things workout this year, then we can apply for a marriage licence along with an application for her to become a British citizen, Once this is all sorted we’ll be able to travel freely and we can get our ass’es over to Canada so we can see everyone of you! I’m sure when I do get back, you’s will have one massive party!! Yeehaw I can’t wait!

Well, I should get going now as the bin is out and I’m knackered thinking about all this writing.

Until the next wee update

Take Care & God Bless

John Miracle Man McCormick

Hello everyone

Hello all,

As you might notice I've been a little busy updating the web site, changing the colours and format, hopefully you will like the changes! if there's anything you would like to see on the site, Please send me an email with the info you would like or addressing any concerns you might have.

I've also set up two other web sites one for The Pride of Hill F.B (Canada) and the other is for The Pride of Shankill F.B (Belfast) Please feel free to visit each site and leave a message in their guest book. Speaking of flute bands, Since I've started a web site for the Pride of Shankill, they've made me a member and have put me in charge of promoting the band! yeehaaaaaa....

Anyway enough about that, in two weeks time it'll be one year since I was released from Musgrave Park Hospital, Since then I've been walking further and longer each time I go out for a wee walk, usually to the local pub (wink,wink).

The hardest part about the prosthetics is coming down stairs, if I came down too fast then I get air in the sockets and it sounds like i'm always farting, this can be a little embarrassing at times but what else can you do except have a good laugh, don't get me wrong, going up is tough as well and takes a lot of energy out of me! At the moment there's not much else going on, all my doctors are very happy with the progress I've made in the last year an a half, the only problem is that we're fighting the Home Office in the High Court, as you all know Kelly is trying to become a British citizen! we have another court date March 9th, hopefully after this she'll be aloud to stay and we can move on with our lives.

If anyone is coming over to Norn Iron this year, Please get in touch with me, as I'm missing everyone over there and can't wait too see some familiar faces again.

Well I should get going now as it's getting a little late, so until the next wee update, Take Care & All the Best.

John Miracle Man McCormick

Hello,

Just wanted to let everyone that there's nothing new happening, I seen my prosthesis on November 1st and everything looks good, while there I had a small squeak fixed and inquired about having the legs covered, I'll not need to see my prosthesis for atleast another six months now! unless there's an emergency and the legs break.

I had a really bad cold a few weeks back and spent the day in hospital as a precaution, while there I also had my kidney function checked out, the results have been passed on to my GP and he's very pleased, because the kidneys have improved from the last time I was there! so all an all things are looking up at the moment.

Until the next wee update

Take Care, All The Best & God Bless.

John Miracle Man McCormick

Hello Everyone,

Well it’s hard to imagine BUT it’s been one year since I was rushed into hospital, (Sept 30/04 2:00am) I can’t get it out of my mind that this time last year I slipped into a coma for near two weeks and within those two weeks I was on life support twice.

Although I was out of it and didn’t have a clue as to what was happening or going to happen, But in order to save my life they had to amputate both my legs (below the knee) (Oct 14/04) in doing this, it would restore all my vitals! As everyone knows I was in the Mater Hospitals Intensive Care Unit for one month and I’ll never forget how the Doctors, Nurses and Staff looked after me! But once my vitals were stable, they shipped me off to the Belfast City Hospital (Oct 26/04) where here they concentrated on my kidneys, after a strict diet of liquid and five dialysis sessions, three and a half weeks later (Nov 22/04) I was discharged from this hospital and would be in the care of my lovely fiancée Kelly and would stay with my brother Thomas for two and a half months!

There wasn’t much that could be done because of the scaring I had received to my arms and legs, BUT once the scaring started to heal, It was off too Musgrave Park Hospital for my castings, (Feb 11/05) Once I had my castings done I was admitted to the Withers Building at Musgrave! (Feb 14//05) What could I say? I was in a room with five other male amputees and the room at the top of the hall had six female amputees!! Of course I was the youngest and was bi-lateral (both legs off) BUT we all still had something in common and this made it a little bit easier.

After three and a half weeks of intense therapy, (Mar 9/05) I was discharged from Musgrave, while in hospital though, I was offered a bungalow from the Housing Executive, but I had to turn this one down as it was to small ,out of the way and the surrounding area had too many hills to climb! As soon as I turned this down another Housing Association called Habinteg offered me a bungalow just off Conway St, This bungalow had wheelchair access and was close too all amenities, After the viewing I immediately accepted and received the keys march 14^th. After a few small purchases and some minor renovations Kelly and I moved in April 6^th.

Now that we are starting all over again and trying too rebuild our lives the majority of the items we have would not be possible if it had not been for L.O.L No’5 - Ging - and Sweenys,

As I keep telling everyone there’s just way too many people (individuals) to thank!

Although the last year has been an up hill struggle with the social services over here I’m happy to say that I’ve finally received the Disability Living Allowance (only took a year) Now that I’m receiving a steady income, we can now concentrate on Kelly’s immigration, once this is sorted out then I can stat planning a trip to Canada (with my doctors permission of course), there’s also many other thing going on and way too many to mention But as of now I only need to have my kidneys checked every six months, I also visit my plastic surgeon every four months and of course I’ll see my prosthesis for the rest of my life.

Right, if I keep writing this will turn into a novel, I’m off too the Mater hospital with a Thank You card and a box of sweeties!

Until next time, Take Care - All the Best & God Bless

John Miracle Man McCormick

                                     Hello All,

I know it's been awhile since I've done an update but there's not much to tell, everything seems to be going fine, I've got my new prosthetics, (flexi feet) and the shins are now graphite! There similay too the picture on the left. I should being going back to Musgrave Park hospital for a check up in another week or two, I will also see my G.P in October for a check up on my kidney's, also in October I'll see my plastic surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital, I don't expect the plastic surgeon will do anything just yet because all my Keloid scaring is still active.

Kelly's immigration status has not changed and that's all in the hands off our solicitor! there's not much we can do at the minute.

I'm still waiting on the social security agency to approve my Disability Living Allowance, but once I receive this and we get Kelly sorted out then maybe my Doctor will allow me to travel to Canada for a week or two, but until then we'll just have to play it day by day.

As everyone knows there's been quite a few people visiting Northern Ireland and most of them have went out of their way to come and visit with me and have a cuppa tea or a pint...wink wink, To everyone that's made arrangements to come and see me I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, seeing you all again has lifted my spirit and the will to walk another mile, and I can't wait until the day when I get to see you all in Canada.  

 I've added a few more pictures to the site and as time goes on I'll add more, if anyone would like any of these pictures send me an email and I'll email them back to you as soon as I can. cyber_prod_1690@yahoo.com

Take Care & All the Best

John (Miracle Man) McCormick

As most of you know Davey & Shelley came too Belfast for a 10 day visit, The day they arrived, July 9th, there was a Memorial parade on the Shankill for Lt.Col Trevor King, Although we were watching the parade our thoughts where with all our Brethren, as they paraded the streets of Toronto in the 186th Annual Orange parade.

Over the next few days we spent a lot of time downtown Belfast, Mostly shopping with the girls! But we did manage to visit some of the oldest pubs in Northern Ireland & visit a few other attractions.

Davey was completely amazed at the size of the bonfires in and around Belfast, The bonfire in the Lower Shankill was huge and gave Davey Goose Bumps, As everyone from here knows, the eleventh night is one of the hottest on the planet...about 2000 degrees...hahahahahaha

Well the Twelfth had arrived and it was a scorching day! around 30 degrees! we felt sorry for the Brethren & Bandsmen, because they were in full regalia and uniform, I'm sure a few of the fellows lost some weight in that heat. Anyway, again we were thinking of the lads in Canada, as our beloved Rangers F.C were playing a friendly at the Rogers Dome, Davey was phoning everyone just to make sure his son Wee David didn't miss the match! Davey & Shelley loved every minute of the twelfth parade as it made it's way through Royal Avenue, and where completely shocked at the weather we're having.....by the way the weather stayed like this until they left on the 18th (bad language).

July 14th we all went down to laganside bus centre and made our way out to Carrickfergus Castle, a very enjoyable day was had by all, the castle was immaculate, with plenty of History, cannons and statues etc......totally awesome for tourist and visiting Canadians! 

After visiting the castle we found a war museum and Orange exhibition, so we just had to see this! after we had our tour, it was time too look for the Carrick Rangers Supporters Club, after about a half hour of looking and asking for directions, we had found the club, we had one or two pints mingled with some of the locals and then made our way back to Belfast. Also until this day I didn't know that Davey suffers from motion sickness! this meant no more buses or taxi's and a lot more walking for me!!

The local tattooist and souvenir shops loved my guest, they both said that I keep them in business with all the visitors I bring them!.. hopefully they'll start giving me some deals!

Well what can I say about the 16th, BRILLIANT!!!! Rangers F.C playing Linfield F.C at Windsor Park, what a day out, between Thomas, Davey and Myself hustling to get some autographs and to get a glimpse of players just a complete sea of Red, White & Blue around the pitch, Union Jacks & Ulster Flags everywhere, meeting new and old friends, Totally Awesome.....

Well over all, I've out walked everyone! each day I'm getting a little stronger & stronger, Davey & Shelley where a true inspiration to me! Now that there gone I can give my liver a rest!! and spend the next few days relaxing, I'll be getting my new legs on the 22nd of July, I'm going to need them as the old ones are worn out, also I'll have a few visitors in August, so this will give me a chance to break them in...(the legs that is).

I could go on and on about Davey & Shelley's trip to Belfast and how they wore me out! But that will take all night!!

I just want to Thank You for coming over and that I love you two very much, Davey is more than a Bro. to me, His friendship and compassion has been never-ending.

Take Care & All The Best

John (UlsterBoy) McCormick

P.S . Almost forgot to mention that Davey and I ran into Noel Watt, & Tommy Kane at various locations (wink wink) around the Shankill and that it was really good seeing the both off them! Over the next few days I'll be adding more pictures of my guest and visitors to the site, so please check back soon and leave me a message in the guestbook or send me an email.

I'd like apologize too everyone for the site being down for the last few days, i'm only aloud a certain amount of bandwidth a month and if thats exceeded then the web site is frozen to those trying to view it. The site resets on the 3rd of each month, so you'll have to be patient until then.

UlsterBoy.

Hello All,

Just wanted too let everyone know that i'm doing really well at the minute, sometime after July 18th i'm going to have my legs rebuilt with new feet and new sockets, this should give me more energy and hopefuly i'll be able to walk a little further, without taking a break as often as i do now. 

I've been out to watch a few Orange and Band parades this year, it's only a matter of time before i'm walking in one! As most of you know i'll not be in Canada for the twelfth this year, i'll have Davy & Shelly Jameson coming over for 10 days in July and my Uncle Thomas over in August for 3 1/2  weeks, Bro.Tommy Gilmore & Francis will also be here in August for 3 weeks. I also just found out that Bro.Norman Johnston will also be here for 3 weeks in August.

I've been invited to walk with afew lodge's here and have also been invited to join the A.B.O.D

I haven't decided on the A.B.O.D, BUT i'm gonna save myself until next year when i can walk with my own Brethren in Canada!! this would mean so much more to me rather than walking in Belfast. (which is too long anyway) 

As you all know, we're having a few problems with Kelly's immigration and i'm not receiving the Disability Living Allowance yet! once we have all this sorted out then i'll consider coming back to Canada for a couple of weeks, if everything turns out ok then we'll try for October, BUT as soon as i decide i'll be sure to let everyone know when i do return, i've been forewarned not to just show up and surprise all of you.. 

Well the bungalow is coming along really great, i've got  nearly everything in and it's begining too look like a home, here's a picture of the outside, as you can tell i'm getting ready for the twelfth,  I still gotta get my flags up!  but one step at a time. I'll get davy to put them up when he arrive on the 9th.

I'll get another update and somemore pics on the site before the twelfth. Until then, Take Care & All the Best

Ulsterboy.

Hello All,

As you know John was admitted into the Musgrave Park Hospital on Feb. 14th for rehabilitation. John walked the hallways, climbed a few steps and got a bit of exercise on the treadmill.John has done a fabulous job. So fabulous that after only 5 weeks of rehabilitation, Musgrave discharged him on March 9th. The encouragement from family, friends, brethern and people he has just meet has given John the strength that he needed. Also for the people who he hasn't meet. The "Power of words" go a long way. John will be forever greatful for everything he has recieved.

On March 11th Davey Jameson and Shuggy arrived in Belfast. This gave John even more encouragement to get up and walk. John was glad to see his mates in town and it gave John a chance to show off a place he has always called home, Ulster. Kelly was glad to have another Canadian on board! She was in desperate need of a reality check!!!! Everyone had a great time. Davey says he had a blast and he can't wait until he can take Shelley and wee David.

On March 14th John recieved the keys to his bungalow. The bungalow has been provided by the habintEg housing association. John is very greatful as the stairs at Thomas's house felt like he was climbing the Mourne Mountains of Ulster!!

March 20th John and his Uncle Denis were treated to an all expence, 2 day trip to Glasgow, with tickets to the Rangers/Motherwell cup final. John and uncle Denis had a "fantastic" time. John says they were very,very well taken care of by the Young Calvy Volunteer Flute Band and Social Club. John meet many new friends and can't wait to go back to Scotland.(He's looking for flights as I type!)

On March 27th a friendly football tournement took place between The Royal Bar and Sweeny's Team. The game was played on John's behalf. It was a great afternoon out and was enjoyed by all, the match finished in a 2-2 draw.

On April 1st John attended the Royal Victoria Hospital (he had to go through the "Falls" road entrance HA HA) John had a visit with his plastic surgeon.

Unfortunatly nothing can be done at the moment with his left arm, hand and fingers due to the keloid scarring. They are however going to make special skin coloured sleeves for each arm. Also a new cream to try out. John will continue to see the plastic surgeon every three months. It's going to take at least a year and a half before the keloids begin to settle and then it will be decided if John requires surgery.

April 6th John and Kelly finally got to move into the bungalow! They had been waiting for the floors to be fixed. They've also been busy collecting household items that they required to move in(teapot for John, TV for Kelly, washing machine for John, sofa for Kelly, iron for John, remote control for Kelly.................You wish Kelly, keep dreaming!!! HA HA

On April 8th a function was held on behalf of John in the Blues Club just off the Shankill Road. Over 300 was in attendence and a great night was had by all. They had auctions for many different autographed jerseys and footballs. Fantastic entertainment was provided by group called " This way up" and 5 individual cabaret singers that were excellent all from the Belfast area. Thank you for a great night!!!

A very good friend Lawrence has given John a sofa and love seat. Thanks Lawrence!! You are a great person and friend.

The fundraising money has help John in many ways. John has be able to purchase a bed, linen, a tv, fridge and more importantly his shiney new teapot HA HA. John and Kelly will be busy this weekend looking to buy a oven as the microwave dinners are just to much like rubber for John's liking. Plus John has always spoke of Kellys great cooking abilitys..HA HA.........Kelly back to the kitchen you go!!!! After all the many months of doctor and hosptial appointments it seems all taxi personel in Belfast now know John and Kelly. Including a friend of Ray Hall. This friend will be in Canda for a special event......Congradulations Ray,Marie and families.

Now that John has been in Belfast 6 months he is now aloud to apply for a disibility living allowence. If approved this will give John a steady income for his daily living.(hopefully this process is quicker than the Canadian Gov. approvels!!) This money would help pay for the neccessitys like food,drink,clothes,drink,Kelly's smokes,drink, Horray for John, he has been smoke free for 6 months now and again more drink, hahahah....drink meaning "tea" of course.

John has had many friends over to visit him. This has really lifted his spirits high and it helps to keep him on the go. John had a brillent time with Davey and Shuggy. Also enjoyed a visit from Billy Richardson who came to the Musgrave Hospital. Tosh has been over from England and was able to enjoy a Rangers/Celtic match with John.

John meet 5 great fellows recently in Glasgow and they have made there way over for the benefit last night. John has really enjoyed everyones company and is looking forward to seeing Sharon and Maurice Gourley on the 14th of April and Nan and Bobby Ashe sometime in May.

John hasn't got a phone or internet provider yet but he still uses his brother's computer. For the time being we do have John's address.(He bought a letter box yesterday,must think we are all going to write!! haha) On April 11th the cable company will be out at John's place and hopefully the internet and phone will be in service shortly. As you all my have noticed John has been doing alot of running and not enough "typing"(missing you on the website Ulsterboy!)

We want to THANK everyone for making John's journey that little bit easier. You are all in our prayers.

The Mccormick Family

To the members and officers of Brampton LOL# 5 and all in attendance at the afternoon benefit on Feb. 27th in the Legion # 609 for John Mccormick.

John Mccormick and family would like to take this oppurtunity to thank all who was involved in the organization of the benefit night for John McCormick. On Feb 18th in the welders club a great night was enjoyed by all. A special thank you to Ging, Marge, Ian, and Whitey for all there hard work, dedication, kindness and compassion. A BIG thank you to Uncle Billy for providing the rangers autographed football, which was given to John as a gift. John decided to donate the ball for the benefit. The ball was auctioned off that night and a very lucky person went home extremely happy!!!

Thank you to the East Belfast Protestant Boys Drum Corps, they put on a "GREAT" show and made the night even more enjoyable than ever!! John has been overwhelmed by the support that has been given to him and his family since he had taken ill. He is very thankful and apprecates all that has been done for him.

More info regarding the benefit night can be found at the bands website so please support the East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band  by visiting there excellent website and leaveing a word of thanks and support in their guestbook.

Thank you

UlsterBoy...

Hello All,

I attened Musgrave hospital today and the doctors are pleased with my improvements,

regarding the scar tissue around my knees, BUT they still can't do the cast moldings just yet.

What i must do, is wear special socks! The sock on the left leg is called a Alpha Urethane liner sock and the sock on the right leg is a Siliopos Silicone sock.

 I'm somewhat of a test case for the doctors because none of them have ever treated anyone that has developed keloid scaring after an amputation.

The socks will help shape the stumps, But more importantly will or should help with the healing process and also let the doctors know which liner would be a better interface between the skin and the socket of the new limb.

So as of now i'll need to wear these socks for one week, if things go well they will do the cast moldings next week Feb 3rd 2005.

Take care and all the best

UlsterBoy..

No Surrender!

John also goes back to the Belfast City Hospital on the 28th of Jan to see his renal Dr, hopefully John receives good news about his kidney function! at the moment all seems well.

John has to go back to the Belfast City Hospital on Feb 2nd to see a dermatologist to see if there's more that can be done regarding the keloid scaring on John's arms and legs. at the moment we believe there's not much more the doctors can do about the scaring, but John's come a long way! hopefully the dermatologist will have good news for John.

John's original physician in the I.C.U at the Mater hospital will be seeing John on the 25th of Feb, for a complete check up, and to see if a plastic surgeon can do anything regarding the keloid scaring on John's left hand and arm, because the scaring is making his middle fingers curl in and this makes it really hard for John to use his hand, maybe the surgeon can do something with his tendints?

Untill the next update:

Everyone Take Care & All The Best.

From Kelly & UlsterBoy

NO SURRENDER...

John had an excellent Christmas; not only did he get to spend it at home, he was also suprized to see his dad standing at the door step on December 22nd.  John says there was plenty under the tree, great turkey and lots of joy.  John rung in the New Year with family and friends and he especially enjoyed the fire works.

He is scheduled to go to hospital on the 5th to get his castings done.  If all goes well, approx. 2 weeks from then he should start his prosthesis.  Starting prosthesis won't be easy for John however, because of the keloids and nerve damage.  John's arms are permanently scarred and blistered; his left wrist is bandaged, the palm of it is so blistered it's making the fingers curl up.  Although the arm has minimal movement, it's painful to the touch.

John has his good days and bad days, but despite all that, he has kept up good spirits.  We all have hope that 2005 will prove to be a much better year for everyone and although new beginnings can be difficult that doesn't mean that they can't turn out to be a good thing in the end.

Wishing everyone a great New Year,

The McCormick Family

Congratulations to the winner of the Autographed Leaf Jersey

Thank You for your support

McCormick Family

John's left arm has very minimal movement at this time. The doctor has confirmed that there is nerve damage but there is a possibility of some correction. The great news is that John is no longer at risk for losing his arm.
Doctors are waiting for John\'s skin to heal a bit more before he starts his rehabilatation. John has been scheduled for castings in early January to start his prosthesis. The good news that comes from that is John will be able to spend christmas at home with his family.
John has been diagnosed with a skin condition named keloids. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue occurring as a result of trauma and are red in color. Through time they will diminish in color but will leave permanent scars. John has these lesions on his arms and legs.
These last 2 weeks John been in great spirits. He\'s got a BIG appetite and is eating well to keep up his strength.

Please visit the Bramalea Rangers Supporters Club for Benefit pictures

To everyone that made this a successful night

Thank You

ONCE AGAIN MORE GREAT NEWS, JOHN HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE CITY HOSPITAL FOR TWO WEEKS. THIS IS A SIGN THAT HIS KIDNEYS ARE WORKING, BUT THEY\'LL NOT KNOW FOR SURE UNTILL ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS FROM NOW. HOPEFULLY IT\'LL BE GOOD NEWS. AFTER THE TWO WEEKS JOHN WILL HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO THE MUSGRAVE HOSPITAL FOR PROSTHESIS AND REHABILATATION, THIS COULD TAKE ALOT OF MONTHS AND TRAINING. JOHN HAS BEEN THROUGH ALOT AND WILL HAVE TO ENDURE ALOT MORE TO OVERCOME WHAT HE HAS WENT THROUGH. NEVER MIND ALL THE PAIN AND DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS, JUST THINK OF WHAT JOHN HAS TO LIVE WITH AND AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, IT\'S NOT EASY.

IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTACT JOHN, PLEASE USE MY E-MAIL ADDRESS AND HE WILL GET ALL YOUR MESSAGES OF SUPPORT AND PRAYER.

THANK YOU THOMAS...LOL 5

TODAY HAS BEEN A GREAT DAY FOR JOHN, AFTER ALOT OF PERSUADING THE DOCTORS DECIDED TO LET JOHN OUT FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. SO MY FRIEND AND I COLLECTED JOHN AND BROUGHT HIM TO MY HOUSE FOR A CUP OF TEA, THEN WE BROUGHT HIM TO THE SHANKILL RANGERS TO WATCH THE MATCH. OF COURSE IT WAS A GREAT RESULT (RANGERS 2 - CELTIC 0) AND PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME JOHN SEEN THEM PLAY WHILE HE WAS SOBER!
HE ALSO RECEIVED VISITS FROM HIS FAMILY AND PHONE CALLS TO MY HOUSE FROM HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN CANADA. HE\'S GONNA GET HIS DINNER THEN GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL. HE WANTS ME TO TELL ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS HE MISSES AND LOVES THEM ALL. JOHN\'S SPIRITS HAVE BEEN GOOD TODAY AND WAS EXCITED ABOUT GETTING OUT TODAY AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BECOME MORE FREQUENT.

THOMAS

UPDATE ON JOHN,

I WAS AT THE CITY HOSPITAL TODAY AND JOHN WAS IN GOOD SPIRITS. THEY PUT HIM INTO AN ELECTRIC WHEEL CHAIR AND HE WAS FLYING ABOUT IN IT. IT GETS HIM OUT OF THE BED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. HE ALSO ATE EVERYTHING THAT WAS GIVEN TO HIM TODAY AND THE STAFF ARE POSITIVE ABOUT HIS KIDNEYS. WHILE HE WAS IN THE CHAIR I SHAVED HIS HEAD (a number 1). THAT MADE HIM FEEL ALOT BETTER.

MY MA ALSO BROUGHT HIM UP THE LODGE NEWSLETTER AND HE WAS HAPPY ABOUT THAT AND HE WANTED ME TO POST A MESSAGE ON HIS SITE ABOUT THE REMEMBRANCE DANCE ON SUNDAY NOV. 07th 2004, MEET AT THE BRAMALEA CIVIC CENTRE: FROM 10:00 am AND DEPART AT 10:30am.

IT'S JUST LIKE JOHN TO STILL BE DEDICATED TO THE LODGE AND HIS WEBSITE EVEN THOUGH HE'S GOING THROUGH THIS TERRIBLE ORDEAL. I SUPPOSE THATS WHY THEY CALL HIM (ULSTER BOY).

BRO. THOMAS LOL 5

UPDATE ON JOHN,

JUST A QUICK MESSAGE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW JOHN HAS BEEN TRANSFERED TO THE CITY HOSPITAL. THEY HAVE A SPECIALIST DIALYSIS UNIT AND THEY'RE GONNA FOCUS ALL THEIR ATTENTION ON JOHN'S KIDNEYS. JOHN ALSO WANTED ME TO TELL ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT HE LOVES THEM AND THANKS FOR ALL THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND THAT HE IS GONNA FIGHT THIS TILL HE MAKES A FULL RECOVERY.

PS: RAY COULD YOU GIVE MY ADDRESS TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SEND CARDS AND WE WILL MAKE SURE JOHN GETS THEM.

THANK YOU - THOMAS

HELLO EVERYONE, SORRY I HAVENT BEEN UPDATING AS MUCH. I'VE HAD TO START BACK TO WORK, BUT I TRY TO SEE JOHN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, HE EVEN PHONE'S ME TO THE HOUSE WHEN I'M WORKING LATE.

LAST NIGHT JOHN GOT A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND THIS MORNING HE WAS PLAYING CATCH WITH THE NURSES. HE WAS SHOWING ME HOW WELL HIS ARM AND RIGHT HAND HAVE IMPROVED; HOWEVER, HIS LEFT HAND IS STILL BADLY SWELLED AND BANDAGED. HOPEFULLY IT WON'T BE TO LONG TILL THIS RECOVERS LIKE THE RIGHT HAND. THEY ALSO SAT HIM UP ON A CHAIR FOR A LITTLE OVER FOUR HOURS AND HE'S ALSO EATING VERY WELL TOO.

I WANT EVERYONE TO TAKE A MOMENT AND THINK HOW DEVASTATING THIS HAS BEEN TO ALL OF US AND THEN TRY TO IMAGINE WHAT JOHN HAS TO DEAL WITH, IT'S VERY HARD FOR HIM TO COME TO TERMS WITH WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM. SO HE WILL NEED ALL OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT TO HELP BUILD HIS CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM AGAIN. LETS ALL STICK TOGETHER AND DO WHAT WE CAN FOR JOHN.....HE'LL NEED IT

THANK YOU ... BROTHER THOMAS

TODAY JOHN WAS SITTING UP IN A CHAIR FOR THREE HOURS, FIRST TIME OUT OF BED IN THREE WEEKS. THEY TOOK HIM OFF DIALYSIS JUST FOR TODAY, BUT HE WILL BE BACK ON IT TOMORROW. THEY ARE JUST DOING THIS TO TEST HIS KIDNEYS. HIS ARMS ARE STILL SWOLLEN AND PAINFUL AND HE CAN'T REALLY USE THEM TOO MUCH.

I WENT UP AND WATCHED A FILM WITH JOHN. ALTHOUGH, HE IS EXHAUSTED FROM ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED, HE IS STARTING TO BECOME SAME OL' JOHN AGAIN.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS; IT IS TAKING TIME, BUT THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY BEING ANSWERED. THE STAFF AT THE MATER HOSPITAL HAVE BEEN CALLING JOHN THE MIRACLE MAN, AS THIS RECOVERY HAS BEEN QUITE THE MIRACLE. THANK YOU AGAIN!

McCORMICK FAMILY

LATEST UPDATE ON JOHN,

ONCE AGAIN JOHN HAS SHOWN GREAT COURAGE AND STRENGTH. THERE'S SO MUCH TO TELL AND I JUST DON'T KNOW WERE TO BEGIN. FIRST, JOHN IS OFF THE LIFE SUPPORT MACHINE AND IT WILL HOPEFULLY NOT BE NEEDED AGAIN. HE'S ALSO OFF THE GLUCOSE DRIP THAT FEEDS HIM AND HE IS EATING REGULAR FOOD, WELL HOSPITAL FOOD AND THAT'S CLOSE ENOUGH FOR US. JOHN CAN DRINK FLUIDS ON HIS OWN TOO. HE HIS TALKING QUITE CLEARLY AND TOLD ME TO TELL EVERYONE THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN HIM AND FOR ALL THE MESSAGES OF SUPPORT. TOMORROW THEIR GONNA TRY AND SIT HIM UP ON HIS OWN, ALSO THEY'RE BRINGING A T.V. AND DVD PLAYER IN FOR HIM TO WATCH AT NIGHTS. HOPEFULLY IT WON'T BE TO LONG TILL HE'S OUT OF THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

I MUST ALSO SAY THAT JOHN IS STILL ILL AND IN ALOT OF PAIN AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE'LL BE ON THE DIALYSIS MACHINE FOR A WHILE, SO LETS ALL KEEP JOHN IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS UNTILL HE'S BACK HOME WITH US....GOD BLESS YOU ALL

UPDATE ON JOHN,

THE DOCTORS AT THE MATER HOSPITAL ARE IMPRESSED WITH HOW JOHN IS COPING AT THIS MOMENT. AS YOU ALL KNOW JOHN'S HEALTH CHANGES DAY BY DAY AND WE HAVE SUFFERED WITH SOME BAD NEWS AS OF LATE; HOWEVER, THE DOCTORS ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT JOHN WILL COME THROUGH THIS TERRIBLE ORDEAL AND WE ALL KNOW JOHN IS A FIGHTER AND HAS A STRONG CHARACTER.

JOHN'S RELIANCE ON THE LIFE SUPPORT MACHINE HAS SLIGHTLY REDUCED AND THE DOCTORS BELIEVE THAT JOHN CAN OVERCOME THIS, AS HE HAS DONE ONCE BEFORE.

LETS ALL KEEP PRAYING FOR JOHN AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.

UPDATE ON JOHN,

AS WE ALL KNOW JOHN IS GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME AT THE MOMENT. HE'S STILL IN A CRITICAL CONDITION AND IT'S WITH DEEP REGRET THAT I MUST SAY JOHN IS BACK ON THE LIFE SUPPORT MACHINE.

THE FAMILY IS GOING THROUGH ALOT AT THE MOMENT AND IM SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING AS OFTEN.....THERE'S NOT MUCH MORE I CAN SAY AT THE MOMENT EXCEPT TO KEEP JOHN IN YOUR PRAYERS.

LATEST UPDATE ON JOHN,

WAS IN WITH JOHN NOT TO LONG AGO AND HE'S LOOKING PRETTY GOOD, HE HAS FOUGHT THIS ILLNESS AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S GONNA COME THROUGH IT; HOWEVER THE DOCTORS SAY THAT FOR SOMEONE TO GO THROUGH WHAT JOHN HAS AND COME THROUGH IT ALIVE IS A MIRACLE AND THE SLIM MAJORITY WHO SURVIVE CAN NEVER RECOVER %100. JOHN IS STILL ON THE DIALYSIS MACHINE, STILL ON MEDICATION AND GOING THROUGH ALOT OF PAIN. TOMORROW WE'RE WAITING ON THE DOCTORS ASSESMENT ON WHETHER THEIR GOING TO OPERATE OR NOT. ....WE'LL KEEP YOU ALL INFORMED.

NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTCOME, WE'LL JUST BE GLAD TO HAVE JOHN BACK HOME.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL..

Latest update on John,

Great news everyone, Our John is off the life support machine and breathing on his own, he can also mutter the odd word and sentence though it is a bit difficult for him to do this.

Our family is amazed at the recovery John is making and hopefully it won't be long before he's out of intensive care. I must stress that John is still on the dialysis machine, medication and is in pain.

However,John has shown great courage and is a fighter and i would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continuous help and support, lets all keep praying......brother thomas lol # 5

We're all just back from the Hospital and John is a bit more alert and responsive. He's opening his eye's and moving them around, also his swelling has went down a great deal. Basically John is starting to look like his old self again.

John's arms and legs are blistered very badly and he's in extreme pain, but the nurses are working on relieving his pain and at the same time keeping him awake.

The doctors have said John is still in a very critical condition and alot more work needs to be done with him. So overall John has slightly improved and it's these small improvments that keep us all going. I ask you all to keep praying for John to get better, we all need someone like him in our lives......God bless you all

Christina and myself are just back from the hospital and the nurses have shaved John and he looks alot better, though this is just on the outside. The doctors are taking John off the dialysis machine to see if his kidneys can work on their own, this is just a general test they do and we'll get the doctors assesment later on.

Also John's eyelids have moved slightly; however, the nurses said this was because he was in pain and they may have to sedate him more. Internally John hasent improved much, though he isn't getting any worse. Lets all just hope and pray he improves in any way.

(Isaiah 40:31) " Yet those who wait for the lord will gain new strength ".

Just to let you all know john is still hanging in there. All the nurses and doctors are taking very good care of him. Lets just keep on praying

Latest update on John,

Our John is still with us and still fighting. He looks a bit better today than he did a few days ago; however, I can\'t emphasise enough the seriousness of john\'s illness. His life truly hangs in the hands of god. We keep telling him about all the messages of support and i\'m sure he\'s very proud of all his friends and family.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all....The McCormick Family

(Romans 13:11) it is high time to awake out of sleep.

Latest update on john mccormick,

Once again john has blessed us with another day and is still fighting on. As i said previously john is looking a bit better, but still in a very critical condition. As messages of support come in, we sit by john\'s bedside and tell him and hope he can hear us, so keep sending them. Lets just hope these messages of support give him the strength to keep fighting....thanks for everyone\'s help......The McCormick Family

just out of the hospital and john looks a bit better, some of the colour has come back to his face and some swelling has went down, however john is still in a very critical condition. we need to just keep hoping and praying for him. (john 11.25)...I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

I would like to thank all brethren for their help and messages of support. we would also like to thank the i.c.u staff at the Mater Hospital for the good work they\'re doing with John. As you all know John is very ill and in a critical state, so all we can do is just hope and pray for him. Also, brothers Davy McMaster, Scotty Allen and Tommy Brotherston have joined us at the Mater Hospital to show their support for John. Thank to everyone from the McCormick Family

Name: nigel

Email: ndrane@acsys-tech.com

Date: Fri Oct 01 17:56:24 EDT 2004

please everyone say a prayer for john ,

Email: hankj17@hot,ail.com

Date: Fri Oct 01 13:40:57 EDT 2004

it is with heavy heart i write this letter to all our friends in loyalty. our dear brother john is in the mater hospital in belfast & is seriously ill. i got a phone call from belfast today regarding his health & it does\'nt look good. to all who read this spare a moment & offer a prayer for our dear brother. may the the good lord in his infinite mercy & wisdom grant him a speedy recovery. one of his many friends. harry 

Name: willam beresford

Email: w_storey@hotmail.com

Date: Thu Sep 30 19:45:09 EDT 2004

(JOHN)god is looking down on you,praying for you allways,wiliam.. no surrender..........