Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. (Henri Nouwen)

I’d like to introduce you to my godson, Alex Fritton. He’s pictured above with my husband, Tom (hereafter known as “the godfather”, ha?) in a photo from last summer in South Haven, Michigan. Alex is a Cathedral 2018 graduate and he’ll be a sophomore at Purdue next fall. He’s the middle son of Mike and Ann Fritton, and the sunny and handsome brother of Jack and Matthew.

Alex is one of the most genuine and outgoing young men around. He’s always wearing that winsome grin! He has a truly glorious smile that he shares with everyone in his path. He’s engaging, charming and very charismatic!

A former St. Luke Ram from the north side of Indianapolis, Alex was what I call an “All-Star Altar Server” during his years there. He’s a conscientious and faith-filled young man. As I recall, he made a trip to Italy with a group from the parish a couple years back, and I remember his thoughtful gift of lovely wooden rosaries from the adventure, which he gleefully shared with our entire family. His stories of engaging with the much older folks with whom he shared the trip were delightful and they only made him more lovable in my eyes. He told us he toted more than a few bags, but that Monseigneur warned the young guys on the trip “to not let themselves be bullied by those old people.” Alex just laughed as he shared the story.

He’s gifted with the little ones because he’s just a big kid himself and his nature is warm and thoughtful when interacting with others of all ages. He’s just plain fun to have around, a fact which has been the case since he was a tiny little guy hanging out with my boys. I haven’t had the chance to ask him how his first year of school went in Boilermaker country, but this kid bleeds black and gold, so I suspect it was a success.

Tomorrow, Alex turns 19 and this is the first time that I am actually A DAY AHEAD on birthday greetings! Let the festival begin! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX! I think you are a truly fantastic human who makes the world a sunnier place every single day, and I am so proud of the character filled young man I know you to be. You are my godson, and I want you to know that your name is permanently on my prayer list. Thank you for always making me smile! Boiler Up, kid!