Dear Colin, Catherine and Ryan,
This is the story of my life before you were born and
the stories of my Iowa family whom I loved and admired beyond measure.
Many had died by the time you came along and the others lived too far
away for you to know them well. But they are the people who formed me,
and in turn, formed you. They were (and are) a brave, bright, funny,
irreverent bunch—but most of all, they were a family who, throughout
their lives, loved and supported each other unconditionally and steadfastly.
For these reasons, I have written down their stories and mine so that
this special heritage—your heritage—will be remembered.
I pass it on to the three of you with great admiration for the adults
you have become. You would have made the preceding generations so proud—just
as you have made me proud. This is my gift to you, to Ava and Quinn
and to grandchildren yet to come.
I give it to you with all my love,
Mom
(Sheila Kelly Sullivan McIntyre)
Christmas, 2006
This book was produced for distribution within
the family.
For more information, or to request availability
of the book, please contact the author at ghostriverimages.com.