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.

Just last week, our brother John reminded us that 51 years ago Jim graduated from West Point, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an officer of the U.S. Army. And last week Jim learned that he has been elected as President of the U.S.M.A. Class of 1970! He has been the glue that holds that class together all these years, much like he has kept all of us in touch.

 Jim is a true force of goodness, 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 52 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