Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how.

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Charming, friendly, and kind are the words I choose today to describe Karen Toth. As a “mama bear” she’s a fierce protector of her daughter, Sam, and her son Zach. She’s both strong and feminine at the same time– and just so beautiful too. I think that must be where Sam gets it, because these are traits I noticed she certainly shared with her mom while she was growing up. Her youngest, Zach, is the same age as my oldest, Nick, and they both attended St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Fishers where they graduated together in 2012.

Karen is a woman who smiles with her eyes, and she has a contagious laugh! While she’s not an introvert at all, there is a certain quiet reserve about her that I’ve sometimes noticed. Her tender and faithful heart make her a beautiful and supportive mom to those two nearly grown children she shares with her husband, Eric as well as a terrific friend to many. Her love for her family and the Lord are quite apparent, which provides a beautiful witness to the rest of us.

Mostly, I got to know Karen through the sports experiences of our sons. Those CYO years with that particular group of SLDM parents are treasures I will carry with me forever. It was a special group and we had SO MANY LAUGHS with them. I often sat on the sidelines hearing the latest and greatest from the Toth family ladies (which nearly always included Karen’s super charming sister, Sheila Brewer) and cheering on the various teams alongside their smiling faces. Karen always went above and beyond to make sure all the kids within earshot got a nice “atta boy” after every contest. She’s affirming and lovely. I miss seeing her, though I do keep an eye on her great kiddos from afar.

A great personality and a winning smile really do go a long way! I mean, sure, she’s got a little sarcasm in her bag, and she does flash an occasional devilish grin, but always in good fun! Karen is affable, low-key, and modest. Wherever she inhabits is a friendlier place because of her presence. So today, I just wanted to give a shout out to a kind, caring, sweet woman– a long lost friend named Karen Toth. I am LONG overdue to tell her that I see her fabulousness, and so does the Lord.

For all of you who are following my little series, you’ll notice that my aim each day is to point out the ordinary people around us who really do brighten the lives of others. So many times, I find I hear back from them that they don’t even realize or see their shiny parts. Often, people say “that was so nice, but really I don’t deserve those words.” Fake news! There is something AMAZING about each of us. We are all made in God’s image, are we not? He didn’t make exceptions. Isn’t it awesome how the Lord has His way of seeing and calling out what is wonderful in each of us, even when we can’t see it ourselves?

Keep doing you, Karen As humans go? YOU SHINE! I am so much better for knowing you. I think we need an “8th grade” SLDM parent reunion, because I’d like to have the chance to catch up Karen, Eric, and with all the parents of that amazing SLDM class of 2012!!

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt. 5:16)

editors note: While I can assure you that I have indeed written this column each day in 2019, what I have learned from this exercise is that I can’t count worth a lick. Is today the 336th day of 2019? Someone help me! For those who have noticed that I’m a calendar fail, I’ll own that. However, I’m a calendar fail with good intentions at least, ha?