January 5th. What a special day in our family.  Cathleen arrived into the outside world on this day 22 years ago and has been a festival of joy and happiness for us ever since.

In our family, she has the title “Director of Domestic Affairs” (DDA for short). We depend upon her for everything when she is around – we muddle through when she isn’t here, but as soon as she arrives, the closets are magically in perfect order, parties organized, photo albums methodically color-coded and spice containers alphebetized. She’s incredible.

I know as her mother I should restrain myself in singing her praises, but I can’t. She’s just that special.

Even as a little girl, she stood out. At the age of five, she started a school (“Little Angels”) which she ran for neighborhood kids for over 11 years, spending her own pocket money to buy them notebooks and pens and volunteering most of her free time toward helping them learn English, master their lessons and do their homework.

Now she’s all grown up, studying Theology at Boston College and planning on getting a PhD so she can continue to do what she has always loved: teach.

She is funny and brilliant and beautiful and has the kindest, most loving heart anyone could wish for. What more could one ask for? Happy Birthday, Darling Cathleen!