God Bless Dad

 Dear Hearts,

Thirty-two years ago, on September 29, 1990, Big Sully passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was the son of John (Lefty) and Anna; brother of Sr. Anna Rita, Bob and Sr. Margaret; wife of Mary Claire, father of Jim, Mary Fran, John, Mike, Matt, Anne, Jerry, Margaret and Patty; uncle to 15, grandfather of 24; great grandfather of 27; boss, coworker, leader and friend to many more.

He was a very intelligent man with an amazing work ethic. His jobs that I know of included delivering ice blocks on the Southside of Chicago; lifeguarding at Lake Michigan; B-24 bomber pilot; and virtually every level of steelmaking up to Superintendent of the Basic Oxygen Plant at Kaiser Steel in Fontana, California.

At age 68, his body could no longer stay the course. It was and was not a surprise to all of us when we each got the call that Saturday morning he died. Mom was amazed at how comfy he looked that morning she found him in bed, sleeping on his side with his forearm draped across his face. It seemed as though he slipped into eternity with comfort and ease.

He left us on the Feast of the Archangels--Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. All three of these saints have important roles in the history of salvation. Among other tasks, Michael's job is to call away from earth and bring men's souls to judgment. Gabriel foretold to Mary the birth of the Savior. Raphael is known for his healing acts of mercy. A great group of escorts, if you ask me.

We miss him, we love him and all feel his presence in various ways. Keep watching over us, Dad. And we pray you are enjoying eternal life with Jesus and all our loved ones.

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

Love, Pitty Pat

Happy Birthday, Dagny!

Dear Hearts,

September 27th is the birthday of Dagny White Brogdon: daughter of Whitey and Signe; sister of Kermit, Mike and Abigail; wife of Russell and mother of Kermit and Nathaniel.

Dagny is a forensic chemist working in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and has achieved a degree of fame in Georgia among the law enforcement community there. She manages the lab and analyzes evidence in drug cases and others and the fact is that nobody seems to do that job like Dagny.

When facing a particularly aggressive defense attorney who was trying to degrade the State's case, Dagny's unflappable demeanor and utter grasp of the intricacies of the case defeated the attorney's attack in detail. The official report read, "Watching Dagny White Brogdon testify was like watching bullets bounce off Superman."

She enjoys being home with her boys, playing, watching sports, traveling and enjoying time together. She also ran the Boston Mini Marathon last year!

Happy Birthday, Dagny, and may you have 62 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, Kathleen!

Dear Hearts,

September 24th is the birthday of Kathleen Marie Sullivan: daughter of Jim and Erin; sister of John, Annie, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joe, Brigid, Seamus and Patrick; granddaughter of Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene, niece, cousin and friend to scores more lucky people.

As of July 1, this young woman is off the market and living in wedded bliss with her groom Anthony! While she was enjoying a vacation in Ireland, Anthony surprised her by showing up and popping the question.

Kathleen works as a certified nursing assistant which is terrific prep for nursing school--her next goal.

She cherishes her family and trips back to Omaha whenever possible, soaking up time with parents, siblings, nephews and friends.

So, happy birthday, Kathleen, and may you have 101 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, Sarah!

Dear Hearts,

September 23rd is the birthday of Sarah Cassaro Sullivan: daughter of Sam and Rosemary; sister of Elizabeth, Kathleen, Patricia, Ann, Mark, Lorne and Debra; wife of Miles; mother of Maeve, James and Silas; sister-in-law, niece, auntie, cousin and friend to many more lucky folks.

Since moving to South Carolina, Sarah has set up their new home with terrific style and comfort and is enjoying hosting family gatherings with amazing meals. They are still running their beautiful home back in Chesterton, Indiana as a Bed & Breakfast called Coffee Creek Retreat. You can see lots of Sarah and Mile's work and design talents in photos on the Facebook page they've set up.

So, happy birthday, Sarah, and may you have 81 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, Annie!

Dear Hearts,

August 23rd is the birthday of Annemarie Clare Sullivan: daughter of Peter and Melody; sister of John, Matthew, Benjamin, Mikey, Bo and James; granddaughter of Bob and Darlene; cousin, niece and friend to so many more.

This year Annie is a senior in high school and is partaking in all the special events of her last year in high school. Friday night lights, homecoming, senior parking privileges, she is loving school life and enjoying her friendships.

At home she remains a wonderful sister and daughter, making family life better and more fun through her creativity. And her beauty is undeniable--those striking green eyes!

So, happy birthday, Annie, and may you have 107 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, Maggie!

Dear Hearts,

September 22nd is the birthday of Margaret Mae Dawson: daughter of Bitsy, sister of Rick, niece, cousin and friend to many more. Everyone calls her Maggie.

Maggie is a successful entrepreneur, owning, running and growing her own fabric and quilt-supply business out of her shop in the Calumet Region. She is a talented artist with some of the cutest fabric designs I've ever seen! Check out her designs available on a website called Spoonflower, under her shop name Maggiedee.

Maggie is a faithful and loyal daughter and she and Bitsy spend a lot of good time together. Brings her Mama much happiness.

Happy birthday, Maggie, and may you have 81 more healthy ones by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

Love, Patty

Happy Birthday, John Robert!

Dear Hearts,

September 18th is the birthday of John Robert Sullivan: the oldest son of (Seamus the Younger) Jim and Erin; brother of Annie, Kathleen, Thomas, Peter, Maggie, Joe, Brigid, Seamus and Patrick; husband of Mercy; father of Ivar and Adrian; cousin, nephew, in-law and friend to scores more folks.

John and Mercy have settled in Omaha and are happily raising their two little boys! It is clear that family is his pride and joy. Professionally, John is the IAM Security Engineer at Conagra Brands, handling day-to-day operations for this enormous company's Identity Access Management work in technology.

So, happy birthday, John Robert. May you have 98 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, James!

Dear Hearts,

September 18th is the birthday of James Patrick Sullivan IV: son of Miles and Sarah; brother of Maeve and Silas; grandson of Jim, Nancy and Bitsy; cousin, nephew and buddy to many more lucky folks. He is the spitting image of an Irish-America boy who would've fit right in to a Norman Rockwell painting.

James is one of ten men who carry the name in our family:

Booma's father, James Patrick Conick,
Nanny's brother, James Maloney;
Boom Boom's brother, James Sheehan;
James Patrick Sr.;
Uncle James Francis Whalen;
James Patrick Jr.;
James Patrick III;
James Naime;
James Robert Herrington;
James Patrick IV;

This James is a very sweet boy and is kind brother to Silas and Maeve. He's just started third grade and is sure to sail through his lessons. He is a gardener, a scientist, an explorer and and engineer all wrapped up into one.

So, happy birthday, James, and may you have 117 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, Mickey!

Dear Hearts,

September 14th is the birthday of Michael Levon Sullivan: son of John and Elizabeth; brother of Charlie; grandson of Mike and Joan; cousin of Caroline, Grace and June; nephew and buddy to many more. We all call him Mickey.

This boy is a multi-talented kid who shows authentic signs of serious musical talent. He's also a terrific swimmer and willing participant in whatever game is at hand.

Mickey is the spitting image of his Bampa (grandpa Mike) and has a smile that will charm anyone. He's independent, creative and active little guy in his own right--swimming, playing, coloring and laughing through life.

Happy birthday, Mickey, and may you have 118 more healthy ones by your Grandma's Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

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

Love, Patty

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. This is Misty's premier entry in Dear Hearts!

Misty has just began her third year as an Education Specialist in the moderate-severe high school classroom. Her approach to her work is full of energy and joy that is fueled by an impressive 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 met when they were both working as classroom aids in the Special Ed classroom at Villa Park High School several years ago. And they are back together on campus this year since Misty took a teaching position at that same school.

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. She's become a gardener and is enjoying her crops in her cooking. 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,

Find a volunteer opportunity here.

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; 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 72 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 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. A few years ago, she informed her mom that she plans to have 11 children (one more than her mother.)💚

So, happy birthday, Brigid, and may you have 111 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

Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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 81 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 started eighth grade and carries the right mix of confidence and humility into his life. 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 111 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