Happy Birthday, Sofia!

Dear Hearts,

June 10th is the birthday of Sofia Marie Sullivan: daughter of Mike and Shelly; sister to Jake, Seamus, Mia, Gus, Nelly and Max; niece, cousin, classmate and friend to scores more lucky people. Sofie is a pleasure to spend time with--she is happy and kind.

Her abundant talents are diverse and include baking, school (she has straight A's), basketball (she's an all-star) and softball. Her mama says she is a miniature version of her dad in both looks and temperament--a kind and sensitive soul. She also loves leading Testament Tuesday with her Uncle Tim!

Happy birthday, Sofie, and may you have 114 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 Red

Dear Hearts,

June 10th is the anniversary of the birth of Lawrence Kermit White, Sr.--Larry/Whitey's father. His nickname was Red. Jim offers this:

He was born in 1912 in Tennessee on a farm. His father was a minister. He graduated from West Point in 1933, married his lifelong spouse, "Sweetie" Flint. They had three children, and the one we know is Whitey. Whitey is prouder of nothing more in this world, except his family, than of the fact that he carries the name Lawrence Kermit White, Jr., after one of the acknowledged greatest infantry colonels we have ever had in our Army.

These Whites are decorated officers: Red holds the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star, Whitey holds 3 Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star.

When Red was about 32, he was a full colonel and the youngest regimental commander in the US Army. His regiment was held up by Japanese tanks, and Red went up front and right into the teeth of the Japanese tank battalion. He got his unit moving- he led from the very front- he went first-"Follow Me!" He got hit, almost mortally, and never had full use of his leg again, and never spent a pain-free day again, and he lived until 5 April, 2006.

Father Elmer Heindl, (not sure of the spelling) a Catholic chaplain, crawled up and put a tourniquet on Red, under fire. The unit accomplished the mission, won the battle, and that was Red's last day in his beloved Army. He and Father Heindel were both put in for the Medal of honor, but awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, for extraordinary and intrepid gallantry.

Then, the US wouldn't let Red go, and he spent the next 25 years as #2 man (the one who stayed put when the politically appointed #1 was switched) at the CIA. He transitioned the old OSS under Donovan into the modern day CIA- and he is in that organization's Hall of Fame.

He was beloved by every single person who ever served under him, and revered by his peers, and respected at the very least by his few seniors.

He was very good to me, the few times I was privileged to meet him. I know this- Whitey is what and who he is, because of many things, but one of the strongest is his fierce love and loyalty for his father, and his determination to emulate "The Old Man."

And I'm proud to report that Whitey is just like his Dad- even looks exactly like him. Red is gone now, and is never to be forgotten. Thank you for everything, Col. White.

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

Love, Jim & Patty

Happy Birthday, Gracie!

Dear Hearts,

Smiley Grace and Giggly June

June 7th is the birthday of Grace Vaucher Huffman: daughter of Kate and Ryan; sister of Caroline and June; granddaughter of Mike and Joan Sullivan and Mike and Susan Huffman; niece, cousin and friend to a whole bunch of lucky people. She has the most adorable curly hair I've ever seen!

She is a force of athleticism in the pool, the soccer field and the driveway, and will make quick work of scoring goals on a team whose players are two or three years older than Grace. She has recently learned about Killer Whales and is enamored with them.

She loves her two sisters fiercely and can make them laugh better than anyone. Gracie is strong, sure, patient, curious and smart. Watching her swim and play at her birthday party last weekend was a complete joy.

Happy birthday Gracie, and may you have 120 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, 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

Happy Birthday, Randy!

Dear Hearts,

June 3rd is the birthday of Randy Flores: son of Kim and Big Randy; brother of Corey and Katie; husband of Lizzy; father of Levi, Amos and Maggie; son-in-law to Margaret and Brian; uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many, many more. Randy is still one of the nicest guys I know.

Professionally, Randy is a field technician for Siemens, the company that provides services in power generation, transmission and distribution to communities throughout the world. Randy is out in the field in So. Cal. everyday trouble shooting, repairing and modifying various aspects of our infrastructure that we all take for granted, like street lights and traffic signals.

He's also a talented craftsman in carpentry and construction. Currently, Randy is handling the demolition of the Flores' kitchen and living areas for a major remodel. He'd take on the whole job if he had eight more hours in a day!

And when he leaves the homestead, he usually has one or two boys in tow. Levi and Amos enjoy some really cool excursions thanks to Randy: hunting, fishing, surfing, hiking, cutting trail and dirt biking. Maggie has him securely wrapped and tied in a knot around her little finger, and he's the first to say so. She'll join Randy and her brothers in future adventures and probably run the whole show!

Happy Birthday, Randy, and may you have 87 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, Kerry!

Dear Hearts,

June 3rd is the birthday of Jim's classmate/brother and dear friend, Kerry Lawrence: husband of Kat, our Sheehan cousin, and the author of the West Point Class of 1970 Constitution. He is that class's James Madison, a highly respected attorney and a man his classmates all turn to for sound counsel and a clear head and a level, brave take on life.

Kerry is a construction attorney in the Seattle area but more than that--he is an experienced mediator, arbitrator and dispute resolution expert. He, like Jim, is a faithful friend and classmate who keeps in touch with his West Point alumni. He and Kat cherish their family and are proud grandparents too!

Happy Birthday, Kerry, 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, Patty

Happy Birthday, Seamus!

Dear Hearts,

June 3 is the birthday of Seamus Sullivan: son of Mike and Shelly; brother of Jake, Mia, Gus, Sofie, Nelly and Max; grandson of Bob, Darlene, Don and Judy; nephew, cousin, teammate and friend to scores more. Seamus is a terrific blend of his mom and dad, both physically and personality wise.

When you're in his company, it's no surprise that Seamus, like all the Arizona kids, steps right up with a hug, a greeting and a big smile. He's a physical specimen but don't let his big muscles scare you--he's polite, faithful, compassionate and funny as heck.

Seamus just graduated in May from St. Mary's where he played football, baseball and soccer. And it looks like he's graduating from being a Knight to a Crusader, as his talent on the field and in the classroom has earned him admission to the University of Dallas, as well as a position on the soccer team next fall!

Happy Birthday, Seamus, and may you have 107 more healthy ones, by the Aunt Joannie Sullivan Law of Longevity Aspiration of 2008.

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

Love, Patty