Happy Birthday, Misty!

Dear Hearts,

September 12 is the birthday of Misty Rae Bornhop: wife of John Bornhop; daughter of Mark and Michelle; daughter-in-law of Andy and Patty; sister of Michaela; cousin; niece; granddaughter; in-law; friend and advocate for her students.

Misty is an Education Specialist in a moderate-severe high school classroom. Her approach to her work is full of energy and joy that is fueled by an impressive expertise and work ethic. It's a pleasure to hear her stories from the classroom and how much she enjoys working with her students. She and John teach at the same high school and, after attending a school football game recently, I've learned they are some of the favorites teachers among the students and faculty.

Her newest role comes very naturally--momma! Watching Misty love and care for little Emmett is inspiring and gratifying. Her calm demeanor serves her, Emmett and John beautifully when times with a baby are challenging, and her bond is strong with them. Refreshingly, Misty keeps a light heart and terrific sense of humor through good days and tiring days.

Outside work, Misty is a busy woman keeping up with friends, gathering with family, cooking delicious recipes, travelling with John and heading to concerts throughout So. Cal. Best of all, Misty is a loving, loyal, intelligent, compassionate and hilarious young woman who continues to brighten our lives.

So, happy birthday Mist, and may you have 96 more healthy ones according to the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.


God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Patriot Day & National Day of Service and Remembrance

Dear Hearts,

September 11th is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the people lost and injured in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Twenty-one years ago today. It was surreal. It was terrifying. We saw the worst and the best in people on that day. It's difficult, but I strive to remember the goodness, the holiness and the compassion shown by so many back then.

Franciscan Father Joseph Bayne, chief chaplain of New York's Erie County Emergency Services said, "I did not see the devil's face at Ground Zero. I saw the face of God in the people working, caring, sweating, crying, rescuing, recovering and being very spiritual in their very humanness."

God bless the dead and the damaged left in the wake of this hateful endeavor.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Jim!

 Dear Hearts,

September 10th is the birthday of Jim Sullivan, Seamus the Younger: son of Bob and Darlene; brother to John, Bobby, Paul, Mike, Tim, Mary, Margaret, Ella and Peter; husband to Erin; father to John, Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joe, Brigid, Seamus and Patrick; grandpa, uncle, cousin and friend to scores of us. When we were little, we called him "Jimbo."

Jim continues his work in medicine as an expert in critical care and anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine-Bellevue Medical Center. Aside from his practical work with patients, he contributes each year to medical research through writing various articles and publications.

Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father who has logged a huge number of hours in the bleachers of baseball games and the arenas of hockey matches, often behind a video camera catching every play. He has been blessed with the role of grandfather and is loving that new relationship. And he's gained a son-in-law this year!

So, happy birthday, Jim. I'm sure you'll be surrounded by lots of love and attention from your beautiful brood. May you have 71 more healthy ones according to the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Brigid!

Dear Hearts,

September 9th is the birthday of Brigid Clare Sullivan: daughter of Seamus the Younger and Erin; sister of John, Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joe, Seamus and Patrick; niece, cousin, auntie and friend to many, many more lucky folks. Like so many in our clan, Brigid's face is the map of Ireland!

Brigid remains an independent and intelligent girl who could run the house if allowed, according to her mom. She loves dance, spending time with her best friend and cousin, Kate, and Brigid is doing very well school.

So, happy birthday, Brigid, and may you have 110 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Dear Hearts,

September 8th is the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was conceived without original sin by Joachim and Ann nine months before this day on December 8th, the Immaculate Conception.

"We can see every human birth as a call for new hope in the world. The love of two human beings has joined with God in his creative work. The loving parents have shown hope in a world filled with travail. The new child has the potential to be a channel of God’s love and peace to the world.

This is all true in a magnificent way in Mary. If Jesus is the perfect expression of God’s love, Mary is the foreshadowing of that love. If Jesus has brought the fullness of salvation, Mary is its dawning.

Birthday celebrations bring happiness to the celebrant as well as to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary’s birth offers the greatest possible happiness to the world. Each time we celebrate her birth, we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world at large." https://www.franciscanmedia.org/nativity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Frank!

Dear Hearts,

September 4th is the birthday of Francis Galvin, known as Knarf: Godson of Seamus the Older; husband of Annette; father of Fiona; cousin, nephew and friend to many more. He is a steady, productive member of the Chicago commodity trading community.

Knarf has been the fifth brother in Jim's family since he was about 7. He is a fine man and a real character.

Happy Birthday, Frank, and may you have 80 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Henry!

Dear Hearts,

September 4th is the birthday of Henry Aaron Hareid: son of Kate and Aaron; brother of Ava; grandson of Mary Fran and Gary; nephew, cousin, teammate and friend to a lot of other lucky folks.

Henry has just turned 15 and is in high school now. He keeps the family laughing with his terrific sense of humor that, combined with his humility, makes for a delightful young man. He continues to excel in the classroom and in sports. As an avid player and fan of baseball, hockey and whatever sporting challenge presented, he learns the rules and science of a game and takes to the field, rink, court, etc. And he does so with a beautiful big smile, positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor.

Happy Birthday, Henry, and may you have 110 more healthy ones, according to the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty