Happy Birthday Patrick!

Dear Patrick,

How does the old saying go..."Better Late than Never!"??? Well, believe it or not, this post is intentionally delayed. I needed to be home to get my hands on this adorable photo of you with our newest littlest Patrick.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Our days have always been tied together in my mind, as your birthday follows mine by one day - it must have been a good month for Mom and Dad!

On the occasion of your birthday, I thought I'd take a moment to say thank you and to let you know how much I love you. It's kind of surprising, given the fact that when I was fourteen I found you to be the most irritating person who ever walked the face of the planet! I think we've both evolved a bit since then...

I'm so proud to have you as my brother - you are a wonderful man in every sense of the word! As husband and father, your commitment to your family shines. I love watching you with Justin and Patrick! They are lucky to have you in their lives. I know you studied under the best, so it's no surprise that you'd be a great family man.

One of my favorite aspects of your personality is your sense of humor - you make me laugh out loud, which is always a great thing! We have some fun and pretty crazy memories, which I will not memorialize here (and which you may - or may not - remember!). The mere thought of you usually makes me smile - both out of a wonderful sense of shared past and out of an appreciation for the person you have become in the present.

It's so good to know that with our family spread all over the country, I have you within an easy drive...long live the California pod! Your present will be late too (you'll probably get it when your son gets his!) - but my love and best wishes are being sent your way today! Happy Birthday - you're the best!

Love,
Lisa