Happy Birthday, Jim!

Dear Hearts,

June 7th is the birthday of James Patrick Sullivan, Jr.: son of Jim and Mary Claire; brother of Mary Fran, John, Mike, Matt, Anne, Jerry, Margaret and Patty; father of Jim III, Mickey, Miles, Amos and Franny; husband of Bitsy; grandfather to Oscar, Beatrice, Lucille, Maeve, James, Silas, Roman, Marcos and Carmen, as well as those on Bitsy's side; uncle, cousin, nephew, classmate and friend to hundreds more. He's also known as Papa Sully, Seamus the Older and Sully. He is proud to share this day in history with those who fought on the shores of France on D-Day in 1944.

Jim is one of the most impressive people I know. To look at just some of his accomplishments in resume form is remarkable: 

• Bachelor of Science, U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• Master's Degree, Business from Webster University
• Doctorate of Education, Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Chicago
• Leader of the National Conference on Ethics in America Committee (West Point Class of 1970)
• Career Army veteran
• Independent Professional Training & Coaching Professional
• Author

And we all know that's only a fraction of Jim's talents. All these accomplishments are joined with intangible characteristics that make him a true force of goodness. For instance, I'd say relating to people is his wheelhouse, and we all know what that looks and feels like, right?

Scooping up tiny humans and snuggling or playing with them; asking the important questions to someone who's trying to figure things out; checking in, touching base, reading the room; listening patiently and truly considering what's been said; telling very good jokes; leading our family and keeping us in touch; remaining the most loyal person I know; practicing and growing in his faith every day; providing a wonderful example of servant-leader to the world; and so much more.

Like a few of our ancestors he has so eloquently described in the past, Jim is larger than life. We all know him, we all love him, and our lives are richer because of him.

So, happy birthday Papa Sully, and may you have 53 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, Pattissima