God Bless Dad

Dear Hearts,

Thirty-four 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 has bragging rights for running the Boston Mini Marathon!

Happy Birthday, Dagny, 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, Kathleen!

Dear Hearts,

September 24th is the birthday of Kathleen Marie Kriste: 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.

Last year she became a wife and this year Kathleen became a mama with the birth of the beautiful Eileen Margaret Catherine Criste in April. In the words of her Auntie Annie, as the first niece little Eileen "is about to be spoiled beyond her wildest dreams."

Kathleen has worked in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant and office manager of a medical group, with a plan to attend nursing school. For now, her priorities clearly lie with family and Kathleen is happily caring for and loving up her new little bestie.

So, happy birthday, Kathleen, and may you have 100 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.

Sarah is happy to be living once again in beautiful South Carolina and is having a great time reconnecting with childhood friends and family. She continues to be the steady and loving mama to Maeve, James and Silas and is very proud to have guided the two oldest through their first communion recently.

So, happy birthday, Sarah, and may you have 80 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 is a beautiful and big time in Annie's life as she has moved off to college at the University of Dallas. She is a member of the Covid Class--students whose senior year in high school took place in the pandemic. Today, however, nothing is stopping her! She, with the help of her parents, set up her dorm room and has taken her place in the university's freshman class. We can't wait to see her grow in intellect and faith.

It's nice that she's not too far from home and Annie will always remain a wonderful sister and daughter who makes makes 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 106 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!

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

Happy birthday, Maggie, and may you have 80 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, Adrian, Simon and Jude; cousin, nephew, in-law and friend to scores more folks.

John and Mercy have settled in Omaha and are happily raising four little boys! They welcomed twins--Simon and Jude--in March and everyone is happy and healthy. It is clear that family is John's 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. Recently, he has taken a leap into entrepreneurship and has started a company in website design and maintenance called AIM High Design. 

So, happy birthday, John Robert. May you have 97 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.

This James is a very sweet boy and is kind brother to Silas and Maeve. He's sure to sail through his lessons at school and keep his buddies well entertained. Outside school, James is a gardener, a scientist, an explorer and and engineer all wrapped up into one. And we are all so proud of him making his First Holy Communion, along with his sister, this past May! 

So, happy birthday, James, and may you have 116 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,

Mickey leads the cousin crew on the
surf of Lake Michigan.

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.

Mickey is a happy kid who shows authentic signs of serious musical talent. His latest musical endeavor is playing drums for the Hitchhikers, whose cover of Pasalaca can been enjoyed here. His brother, Charlie, is the lead singer and guitarist and they have a sweet recording studio set up in the basement, I believe.

Mickey is also a terrific swimmer and willing participant in whatever game is at hand. He is the spitting image of his Bampa (grandpa Mike) and has a smile that will charm anyone. 

Happy birthday, Mickey, and may you have 117 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.

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