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