God Bless Kate

Dear Hearts,

April 30th is the 224th anniversary of the birth of Kate Nowierska, who was married to Major Anthony Gorczynski, a Polish cavalry officer in Napoleon's Army. One of their children was Romualda Gorczynska, who married Edward Zygmunt Wilkoszewski and had 20 children, only 9 of whom lived very long. One of them was Alfred Wiley, known as Snaz, who was Boompa's father.

So, Kate is my great-great-great-grandmother, and great-great-great-great-great grandmother to the youngest generation of our family today. She died in Poland on July 29, 1891 at the age of 92! Thank you for the genes, Grandma Katerina Nowierska--especially the gene of long life. Please watch over us all.

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

Love,
Seamus the Older

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Dear Hearts,

Joey and his sister Dee Dee ready 
for the junior/senior prom.

April 29th is the birthday of Joseph Andrew Herrington: son of Phillip and Ella; brother of Darlene, John, Ruth, James, Anna, Agnes and Rose; grandson of Eddie and Sylvia, Bob and Darlene; nephew, cousin and friend to scores more.

He is the oldest boy and the tallest in the family these days. He likes Thai food and is enjoying going to high school with his sister. Once he's home, you'll likely find him with a little one in his arms, protecting and entertaining his siblings.

Happy Birthday, Joey, and may you have 108 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, Maggie!

Dear Hearts,

April 28th is the birthday of Margaret Elizabeth Sullivan: daughter of Jim and Erin; sister of John, Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Joseph, Brigid, Seamus and Patrick; auntie, niece, cousin and friend to many, many more.

Maggie is one of the four girls in her family, with six brothers as well. She has a beautifully bright smile that is surely backed up with strength, intelligence and a terrific work ethic. Indeed, Maggie has performed annually in a beautiful ballet production of the Nutcracker, dedicating many hours of training and study to her craft.

Hers is one of the more abundant names in our extended family with eight Margarets altogether: Aunt Margaret, Margaret Sullivan Glick, Margaret Sullivan Lewis, Margaret Merwin Hanjani, Margaret Frances Sullivan, Margaret Elizabeth Sullivan, Margaret Poppy Flores and Bitsy's daughter, Maggie!

Happy Birthday, Maggie, and may you have 108 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, Averee!

Dear Hearts,

April 26th is the birthday of Averee Sullivan: daughter of Matty and Aubree; granddaughter of Matt and Wendy; sister, niece, cousin and friend to many more. Averee is a kind and funny young woman, as well as a terrific big sister.

She is Big Sully and Mary Claire's first great-grandchild, the first grandchild of my generation--Matt's first grandchild.

Averee has graduated from high school and enjoying life to the fullest--attending concerts, travelling and hanging with friends. Her singing voice is enchanting and Averee continues to share that gift with the world through social media.

Happy birthday, Averee, and may you have 106 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, Peter!

Dear Hearts,

April 26th is the birthday of Peter Dominic Sullivan: son of Bob and Darlene; brother of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Mike, Tim, Mary, Margaret and Ella; husband of Melody; father of Annemarie, John, Matthew, Ben, Mikey, Bo and James; uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to scores more folks. He is the baby of the family.

Peter is the Director of Technology Solutions at IQVIA, a healthcare and life sciences tech company. He remains an incredibly hard-working man who is full of love and joy. Family, however, is Peter's passion--his immediate clan in Keller, Texas, as well as the extended Sullivan family throughout the nation.

Peter is always up for a challenge, big or little, and will never let a child get away without a good belly laugh or giggle. He cooks, coaches, fishes, golfs and remains an all-around good guy.

Happy Birthday, Peter, and may you have 83 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

God Bless Wanda

Dear Hearts,

April 25th is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Wanda Frances Zinn: daughter of Josef Zinn and Antonina Grabska, born in Gdansk, Poland on 25 April, 1873. She died in Chicago of the Spanish Flu, during the epidemic of 1918. She is my great-grandmother.

She is Boompa's mother, and he spoke softly of her, with wistful and luminous memory as being beautiful and exceptionally gentle, known for her gentleness, and her gentility. This was a great contrast with her wild husband, Alfred (Snaz) Wilkoszewski, later Wiley. She was Wanda Wilkoszewska after they married.

Wanda raised her six sons and one daughter with that high standard of civility and decorum, dignity and gentleness typical in Polish families, despite the unknowing jokes.

Boomp once told me that he came downstairs on the morning of September 20, 1918, got his lunch pail from his mother, kissed her goodbye, went to school, and when he came home, she was gone and he never saw her face again. She had died of the fierce, killing flu during the day and the health department had to take her body away. She is buried in Resurrection Cemetery here in Chicago.

Boomp was 14 when she died. He never closed that book, and I know he had trouble expressing sorrow forever after- sadness used to hurt him so much he would duck it and make diversions. Just moments before he died, on July 12, 1994, at age 90, he sat up, opened his arms and said, "Mama. Mama." Then he lay back down and died peacefully. Maybe she brought him in and she was there to bring him out. He was the last of the seven siblings to go, and she must have been waiting for him, knowing that the little boy's heart had been wrenched and broken.

Please watch over us, Wanda Zinn Wilkoszewska, Great Grandmother, and lend us your gentleness.

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

Love,
Seamus the Older

Happy Birthday, Mike!

Dear Hearts,

April 22nd is the birthday of Michael Sands Sullivan: son of John and Nancy; husband of Lindsey; brother of Maggie and Matt; father of Evangeline and Violet; uncle of Brandon; cousin, nephew and friend to many more.

Mike's skills are diverse and impressive--from his knowledge of law, to a wide variety of barbecue methods. He can sing beautiful harmony and play a high-paced round of disc golf to victory. Indeed, he is quite involved with the disc golf community, serving as a local chapter's leader and supporting Lindsay and Evangeline in their competitions as well.

Mike is an incredibly supportive husband and father, literally and figuratively cheering on his wife and daughters in their pursuits. Recently that means holding karaoke sessions in the living room so that Violet and Evangeline can belt out songs from Frozen and more. Clearly they are all inspired by a recent trip to NYC and few Broadway shows. 

Mike is goofy, loving, smart and compassionate. He loves the Nationals, the Simpsons, trying a new cocktail recipes and cooking.

So, happy Birthday, Mike, and may you have 82 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, Paddy Finn!

 Dear Hearts,

April 20th is the birthday of Patrick Finnian Sullivan: son of Jim and Erin; brother of John, Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joseph, Brigid and Seamus; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Gene and Judith; nephew, cousin and buddy to scores more.

As the youngest of six boys and four girls, he has been shepherded well--all the while watching and learning about life from his parents and siblings. He is a happy boy and is always up for an adventure with a positive attitude and willing heart.

So happy birthday, Patrick, and may you have 117 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, Jake!

Dear Hearts,

April 19th is the birthday of Jacob Shajin Sullivan: son of Mike and Shelly; brother of Mia, Seamus, Gus, Sofie, Nelly and Max; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Judy and Don; nephew, cousin and friend to a whole bunch more.

In personality and talents, Jake reminds me a lot of his cousin Andrew--just like the fathers of those two young men are so similar.

He is a kind, considerate and faithful young man with terrific physical strength and moral courage. It warms my heart to see how loving and confident he is with his siblings--especially when they are babies!

Jake is in his fourth year of college at the University of Dallas, pursuing a B.A. in Business Administration & Management. We all look forward to watch how his future busts open in the coming year.

Happy birthday, Jake, and may you have 103 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

God Bless Our Heroes

Dear Hearts,

April 18th is the 248th anniversary of that famous and heroic midnight ride. Thank God for that valor that got us started. Shout out to the two other brave men who rode with Revere that night: William Dawes and Samuel Prescott who were left out of the poem and, subsequently, most history books.

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

Love, Patty

God Bless John Sheehan

 Dear Hearts,

April 16th is the 153rd anniversary of the birth of John William Sheehan: husband of Kate Maloney; father of Boom Boom and her two brothers. He was quiet but fierce, gentle and good. He died an American, and brought one of our ancestral lines here. Today we have a dozen men carrying the same name.

John William Sheehan was born in 1870, in Carrigaholt, in County Clare, on the western edge of Ireland, right where the Shannon enters the sea. He was very tall for the time at 6 feet 2 inches, with hands large as shovels. He was very quiet, and so shy that he could not speak to girls.

He died at Boom Boom's house on December 23, 1947, and Kate followed him in 9 weeks, on February 24, 1948.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Sheehan. Please watch over us.

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

Love, Patty

God Bless Aunt Helen

Dear Hearts,

April 10th is the anniversary of the death of Aunt Helen: wife of John; daughter of Boom and Boompa; sister of Mary Claire; mother of Christian, Teresa, Damian, Lisa and Mercy; aunt to nine of us; grandmother of eight; and friend to so many. She died peacefully in her home in Missoula in 2018.

She was Jim's godmother and our dear Aunt. She is the epitome of a Sheehan woman, and everything that means and carries. We will all miss her very much. We miss you, Aunt Helen, and pray you are enjoying eternity with our ancestors.

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

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Dear Hearts,

April 10th is the birthday of Lisa Jogues Whalen Clark: wife of Jim; mother of Jo; daughter of John and Helen; sister of Christian, Damian, Teresa and Mercy. She was born in Alaska when our flag had 49 stars.

Lisa continues a successful career in print production at the manufacturing level. Over the years she has worked for the Gap, Starbucks, Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom. Today, she leads the creative production team at Continental Mills, a corporation that produces food products that I'm sure you have in your cupboard right now! Among other talents, her job requires a trained eye for design and Lisa offers that in spades.

She works hard and plays well, enjoying golf excursions, quilting retreats and any adventure her husband and daughter choose to tackle. She is a true artist--with food, fabric, home design and more, and creates beauty wherever she goes.

So, happy birthday, cousin, and may you have 60 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, Abigail!

Dear Hearts,

April 7th is the birthday of Abigail Astrid White Moon: wife of Rob Moon; daughter of Whitey and Signe; sister of Dagne, Mike and Kermit; and Jim's beloved god-daughter. Jim has known Abi since she was a few days old, held her at her baptism, and he says she has been the same always--as beautiful and gentle as an angel, and as good smart and kind and strong as her parents.

The Rev. Abigail W. Moon has recently moved to become the Senior Associate at Trinity Church Boston after 11 years at St. John's Episcopal Church in Florida. As described in her professional bio, Abi served in youth ministry in Georgia, South Carolina, and with the national church before becoming a priest. As a former Army brat and Peace Corps Volunteer, she loves the gift of the diversity of community and the common ground of our liturgy.

She is an avid baker and loves to run. Abi is married to Rob and they have a fluffy dog named Max.

Happy Birthday, Abigail, and may you have 76 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, Daniel!

Dear Hearts,

April 5th is the birthday of Daniel Sullivan Glick; son of Brian and Margaret; brother of Elizabeth, husband of Amanda; father of Holden; grandson of Dody and Mom (Daniel's names for Big Sully and Mary Claire) and Jack and Dawn; nephew, uncle, cousin, in-law and friend to scores of others.

Daniel is working as a firefighter/paramedic for L.A. County Fire at Station 101 in Claremont. He is studying to become an engineer--one of the people who provides support and maintenance to the firefighters in a variety of ways and in various scenarios.

He remains a renaissance man, adding culinary arts to his repertoire. Living in a firehouse requires everyone to prepare meals for the team and Daniel has impressed his coworkers many times.

So, happy birthday, Dano, and may you have 89 more healthy ones, respectively, 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, Erin!

Dear Hearts,

April 5th is the birthday of Erin Louise Coffey Sullivan: wife of Doctor Seamus the Younger; mother of John, Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joseph, Brigid, Seamus and Patrick; sister of eight siblings; daughter, aunt, cousin, in-law and friend to hundreds more.

Erin's faith is strong and beautiful. Her sense of humor is wonderful. And her steadfastness as a wife, mother, sister and friend is quite admirable and appreciated by all. She has been a home-school teacher in Omaha for many years, and clearly succeeding--the older kids have begun attending and graduating college with many accolades and honors!

Erin is now the grandmother of two and is looking forward to another family wedding in the coming year with her daughter recently engaged.

Happy birthday, Erin, and may you have 73 more healthy ones, respectively, 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, Nancy!

Dear Hearts,

April 3rd is the birthday of Nancy Carol Sands Sullivan: daughter of Donald and Florence, sister of Sandy, wife of John; mother of Mike, Maggie and Matt; grandmother of Evangeline, Violet and Brandon; in-law, cousin, aunt and friend to many more.

Nancy continues to live her life with constant strength and goodness, even in this incredibly difficult time of loss since John died. Despite the grief, she is consistently kind, consistently funny as heck, consistently smart. Her humility is incredible as this woman is so gifted in so many aspects of her life! Nancy is a terrific photographer and musician, and can design and produce a bountiful garden as well as a delicious meal.

She is a true champion of children, giving them time, patience and whatever tools/toys they need to be successful or just have a blast at playtime. Nancy has been my go-to comrade in all things chocolate and Nutella cookies/balls will remain in my top three favorite desserts.

Happy Birthday, Nancy, 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, Patty

Happy Birthday, Jo!

Dear Hearts,

April 1st is the birthday of Johanna Frances Clark: daughter of Lisa Whalen and Jim Clark, niece, cousin and friend to a whole bunch others.

Jo is an adventurous and creative person. Living in Seattle, Jo is working as a baker and manager at Belle Epicurean, a high-end bakery serving delicious pastries throughout the state of Washington.

So, happy birthday Jo, and may you have 99 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, Steven!

Dear Hearts,

April 1st is the birthday of Steven Wolfgram, Jim's fellow soldier who taught Jim more about courage and duty than just about anyone in the Army.

He was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and currently resides in Washington State enjoying some of the most beautiful sunsets on the globe from atop a hill overlooking the Pacific.

Jim describes Steven as very hard-nosed and very fair and very human. He is also very funny. Steven earned the Silver Star--an honor right under the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross--and maintains with great respect that it's the ones who fell on beaches, rice paddies, deserts and hilltops who were his heroes.

Happy birthday, Steven, and may you have 44 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Anticipation of 2008.

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

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, Patrick!

Dear Hearts,

April 1st is the birthday of Patrick Joseph Sullivan: son of Bobby and Nicole; brother of Jeremiah, Ella and Thomas; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Ron and Celia; nephew, cousin, teammate and friend to dozens more. He's also become an uncle this past year!

Patrick is a young man whose confidence and humility makes spending time with him very enjoyable. He's a junior at the University of Dallas, continuing the tradition as the fourth of his immediate family to attend UD. His brother Thomas is there too, along with five cousins.

So, happy birthday Patrick, and may you have 104 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, Joan!

Dear Hearts,

April 1st is the birthday of Joan Shepson Sullivan: wife of Mike; sister of Paul and Lynn; mother of Katie O. and John; grandmother of Caroline, Charlie, Grace, Micky and June; sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend to scores more. She is, in fact, the author of the Aunt Joannie Sullivan's Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008 which is invoked at the end of every Dear Hearts greeting. Click here for more information on that law.

I was lucky to spend the past weekend with Joanie and was wonderfully reminded of how incredibly kind and compassionate she is. Throw in her terrific and usually understated sense of humor and it makes for a great time.

After a career and raising children, Joan has become an extraordinary woman in retirement, developing new skills in photography, Lego building and all things Super Mario. And is up for whatever fun, goofy, experimental activity her grandchildren dream up.

Happy birthday, Joannie, and may you have 45 more healthy ones, by your law--the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

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

Love, Patty