“To reveal someone’s beauty is to reveal their value by giving them time, attention and tenderness. To love is not just to do something for them but to reveal to them their own uniqueness, to tell them that they are special and worthy of attention.” Jean Vanier

Day 103 of 365: Susan Barrett

This selfless, sunny and sassy mother of five is celebrating a birthday today! Happy Birthday, Susan Barrett! A native of Ft. Wayne and grad of Bishop Luers High School, our birthday girl is pictured with her very accomplished and beautiful daughter, Ellie! She’s married to pretty fabulous guy named Joe, and together the two of them have raised just an incredibly faith-filled and lovely group of kiddos who are now (mostly) grown!

Susan works at the O’Connor House (www.theoconnorhouse.org) where she serves as House Director. This is a very special place whose mission is to provide a Christian home to help single, pregnant, homeless women improve life for themselves and their children. Susan is literally the face of Jesus to countless folks everyday in her role at the O’Connor House, which is why I chose the quote above to honor her on her special day! She has a gift for making others feel that they are unique, important, and beloved!

It’s been my pleasure getting to know the Barrett family over the last few years, and here’s what I want to tell you about Susan. She’s got an enormous heart and a quick wit. When I see Susan, I am certain of two things. I will be getting a big hug, and probably I will be laughing in about 45 seconds. She’s absolutely filled with contagious joy! Her efforts for her family at home and at the O’Connor House are constant, continual, and unceasing. She seems to me a person who journeys with the Lord in the hustle of everyday life. There just isn’t any way to give the kind of positive energy to the world that she does without an overflowing bucket of grace– the kind born of a life spent loving Jesus.

Susan, I want to THANK YOU for providing me a stunning witness of what it looks like to love your neighbor. Each time I see you, I feel blessed by grace. You live your life shining a very bright light. We should all strive to follow your lead, my friend. Today, my rosary is for you and your intentions.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!!