A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, its the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

There were these t-shirts created a few years back by my friend Colleen Stine and her company (which at the time was called MamaSaid Tees) and is now called Everykind. The message on the front of the shirt reads “Kind is the New Cool.” INDEED! We could be the wealthiest, most athletic, most talented human in the room, but at the end of the day, how we treat others speaks the loudest about the quality of our character. To me, integrity is the defining quality that makes a person “cool”. By these standards, Sherri Kapsalis is most definitely one cool lady!! She’s pictured (top row, right) with her family.

This mother of three (Katrina, Nicolette and Trey) is supportive, loving and a beautiful example of faith in this role. Sherri and her husband, Whitey, have built a lovely family for whom I know they are both proud and grateful. Sherri is an attentive sister as well as a caring daughter and friend to many! The ways she has stepped outside herself for the benefit of others in the time I have known her are myriad and impressive. For instance, it was Sherri who coordinated the purchase of a beautiful statue of our Blessed Mother to be placed on the campus of Cathedral High School when our community lost a beloved young woman named Jen Maginot. Simply stated, Sherri’s heart is filled with the love of Christ.

I can’t remember if I first met Sherri through her sister, Sara, or if it was her talented son, Trey that I have to thank for the introduction. Trey went through grade school at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Fishers with my son, Drew. The kid is quick, athletic and bright, so I was always glad to see his name on the roster of any team Drew joined. That said, it was a total bonus that it meant I would get to have my life intersect with the Kapsalis/Seger/Kaiser clan. The entire family is filled with positive, life-affirming humans– and they always show up en masse to support their people!

Sherri is sunny, pragmatic, and thoughtful. I have always loved her kind, genuine and matter-of-fact way of interacting with others. She’s certainly sensible, but also Sherri is fun! She knows how to laugh, be a little silly, and enjoy life. Her authentic laugh is infectious, but she is real. She’s a salt of the earth sort of person, and souls like that are shiny to me. I am a day late with my love, but it’s still her birthday week, and I want to tell my long, lost friend Sherri that I am grateful this world is populated by thoughtful, generous people like YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERRI!!

Do not let love and kindness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write the on the tablet of your heart. (Prov. 3:3)