Thank You, My Friend

Yesterday, the world lost one of the very best people. Matt McCann was absolutely magnetic. Everyone was drawn to Matt's humor, good nature, generosity and genuine good heart.

I first met Matt almost six years ago while working on a video project for our company. The project was a nightmare for many reasons not the least of which was my total lack of video production experience, but through it all Matt was positive, resourceful and much needed comic relief. By the end of it, we were buddies and there was no going back.

Harry joined the team soon after and the three of us ended up traveling all over the US to film videos of the students that attended the school. From Florida to Arizona, the trips never lacked for adventure and a ton of laughs. There is something about power outages in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and three days filming in a trailer park in the Texas summer heat that will bond you for life. I am so grateful that we documented so many of the funny memories and quotable moments in infamous "Production Book".

Through it all we bonded over a love of travel and a shared sense of adventure. Although Matt's sense of adventure often exceeded even mine and Harry's, like eating rattle snake for dinner in Arizona and repeatedly trying to convince me we didn't need hotel rooms; we could all just camp-out or "squat" in some abandoned building. I regret a bit not putting him to the test on that one, just to see what he'd do :)

Matt and I were also friends outside of work. Matt, his wife, Annalisa, and I all have strong ties to New Orleans and in 2011, we met up in NOLA for one of the greatest Jazz Fest weekends of all time. It was truly an incredible trip and one I will always treasure.

So in 2012, when the Ravens made it into the Super Bowl and Matt text me, "I've gotta guy. If we get tickets to the game in NOLA are you in?" My immediate reply was "Hell yeah!!!! I'll even drive!" And so in true Matt McCann style he did in fact "have a guy". He got us tickets and we spent 36 hours driving round trip between Baltimore and NOLA to stay for 36 hours including the game. But wow, what a game and what an experience!!

Matt and I often talked about how much we loved that trip, the spontaneity of it and the fact that is was a little bit crazy, but a true once in a lifetime opportunity.

We had a friendship based on many things, but travel and enjoying life were at the root of it. And through it all, Matt taught me so much about truly living life, keeping it simple and focusing on the important things - the people and the experiences that make life rich, well-lived and memorable.

So when I first came up with the crazy idea to quit my job and spend my savings on a three month trip to Ireland and Scotland, Matt was one of the biggest supporters of the idea. His last message to me was, "I don't want to hear about any rest, only adventures!"

On my second night in Ireland, I was sitting in an Irish pub in Trim listening to five brilliant old Irishmen play music that Matt would have absolutely loved. And I laughed because the banjo player was an old, short version of Matt. We often found what Harry and I called "bizarro" versions of Matt in our travels. Matt was so clearly with me in that moment, as "bizarro old Irish banjo Matt". I loved that moment and the smile it brought.

Matt passed away early the next morning, after a long and heroic battle against cancer.

It is far too soon. It is unfair. It is devastating to his family and friends.

But I will honor Matt's wishes and have only adventures. And I know that I will see him in so many of them.

Life is short, unpredictable and precious, so live the hell out of every single day! Thank you for inspiring me and encouraging me, my friend. I and so many people love you, always.

Please consider helping my dear friend's amazing wife and beautiful children.