He Never Misses

Category: Loving Others

  • Mad for…Jackie

    Great is a teacher’s influence on his pupils if they love him. -St. John Bosco

    • SLDM teacher, Jackie Adams, with student, Nina Welsh

    Today, I’d like to introduce you to another bright light. Her name is Jackie Adams. Phenomenally adept as a teacher, and an even finer human being, Jackie is a 5th grade teacher at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Fishers.

    As my youngest son prepares to exit grade school and heads on to Guerin Catholic High School next fall, I find myself incredibly grateful for the gift that so many amazing educators have been for my three sons over the years. This particular gal is simply an amazing soul. People who take the time to notice what is special about ALL THE CHILDREN in their classroom are a rare breed. I have a mother who taught grade school for over three decades. I know from evenings filled with stories about school experiences that it’s easy to notice the squeaky wheels and it’s impossible to miss the truly brilliant. It’s so easy to overlook “the regular guy”. This teacher never does that. Jackie taught my “regular guy” youngest son math for 2 years, and it quickly became his favorite subject. Folks, math is hard. There’s lots of homework. This is no small feat!

    With Jackie at the helm, the learning atmosphere has been described to me as “kind of serious, but also laid back.” My son said, “Ask anyone, Mom, because EVERYONE likes Mrs. Adams! She really knows how to teach hard stuff and make us understand.”

    Jackie has a great smile and a very funny and sarcastic sense of humor that plays well to the middle school audience, as well as their parents. Yes, she’s creative in her use of fun games to keep the children engaged, and she’s truly gifted with her unique ability to teach new and difficult material. Children leave her classroom ahead of their peers in other nearby schools, because she’s experienced and talented, yes, but I think it’s more than that. You see, the students also know she truly cares about them.

    Jackie does things like drive 40 minutes (one way) to see her students play in a CYO game, because she understands that her presence speaks to them loudly about how much they matter. She organized routine trips to the adoration chapel for the students in her class who wanted the opportunity for extra prayer time– an effort which required her to seek parent support. It would be so easy to just “skip it.” She instinctively knew the extra prayer time was incredibly valuable. She shares with her students about her love for them and for her own beautiful (and very blessed) daughter. In short, she is a compassionate, caring woman.

    Her smile reaches her eyes and her words are spoken from her heart. This kind of light fills a room, and it inspires in her students a deep desire to work hard and succeed! If your child is lucky enough to spend the day in her care, they will inevitably experience the light of God’s love for them in the person of Mrs. Adams.

    THANK YOU, JACKIE ADAMS, for being the light of Christ to SO MANY young people everyday. What you do everyday matters so very much. Your witness of love is a great inspiration to me personally and it reminds me that I should always make an effort to let God’s love shine through me too! The Thieme family LOVES YOU, Jackie, and we are grateful!

    “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

  • Mad for…Cole

    Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10)

    • Cole Hepp, left, with his Dad (Gerry), Mom (Ann) and brother Clay.

    Today, I want you all to meet an outstanding young man named Cole Hepp. Cole is a junior at the University of Dayton and the oldest son of a couple of my most dear friends. However, before I tell you more about this ace of a kid, I’d like to share why I chose him today.

    It’s been an overwhelming few weeks for me personally. That probably explains why the childish noise coming from the bully pulpit of leadership from one side of the political aisle along with the deafening cheers from the other side of the aisle over their right to kill full term babies…well it just has made me insanely sad. What kind of future can a nation have when almost all the adults in charge are acting like moronic fools? We’ve all gone and lost our minds and forgotten how to love!

    In the midst of those interior thoughts, what’s really important suddently cleared my head. Few things help bring into crystal clear focus what’s really important in this life like, “You have cancer.”

    • Chapel at St. Meinrad

    The morning after news began to circulate about my diagnosis, I received this photo from Cole Hepp. His text note read, “Hi, Mrs. Thieme! I am praying for you from St. Meinrad. The whole Hepp family is so thankful for you and we love you.”

    Cole was the face of Christ to me that morning. I suspect he’s been that same light for many during his time as a retreat leader at St. Meinrad and as he lends his guidance and shares his faithful witness to the young people entering the church who are going through the RCIA program at the University of Dayton this year. That includes his completely fantastic brother, Clay, who he is guiding through the process as a sponsor.

    I’ve known Cole for several years. He went through high school with my son. They were basketball and baseball teammates, and they celebrated their graduation together at a big joint party. He’s got a wide and dimple-filled smile for everyone. His eyes are of the twinkly and compassionate variety. He’s so bright, articulate and full of the love and joy and hope of the Lord that he can’t hold it in. He’s just got to share it…with a great big grin! ALL the moms want their son to have this kid for a friend. He shouts out the greatness of God by the way he lives his life and the choices he makes. He’s on fire for the Lord, and the news is too wonderful to keep it to himself! He’s a grace-filled human.

    I received a letter from Cole today. He opened with a funny memory about my youngest son describing us to him once saying, “We’re a good family!” It’s Zach’s famous line and it really made me giggle. He then shared with me the scripture quote I opened with above and how it represents the beauty of our shared faith. What a lovely and kind gesture for a 21-year old kid to make. He mailed an ACTUAL LETTER you guys. There was a stamp on it and everything. Did I mention he’s a college kid?

    Cole Hepp. In offering me your prayers for strength, peace and love, you were an enormous reminder to me that we crazy old people needn’t worry too much. There’s a generation of faith-filled, courageous, compassionate lovers of Christ all around us. Young man, God loves to watch you climb…and so do I. Some days might be itty-bitty painful steps of blind trust and other days you’ll be an unstoppable mountain climber….but keep going onward and upward. I believe God will continue to use you for great things!

    As I’ve watched you grow from a boy to a man, and the last couple of years as a Catholic Christian, you’ve been a witness to me and many of what joy comes from leading a life of integrity and faith. Thank you for reminding me that the lunatics will not prevail in the end and our collective future is in excellent hands! I LOVE YOU, KID! THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME THE WORLD IS FULL TO THE BRIM WITH GOODNESS!

    P.S.– This article about him from UD is pretty impressive. Take a peek!

    https://udayton.edu/advancement/impact/report-2018/donor/faith.php

  • Mad for…Lisa

    Most of the time, holiness is just about doing the ordinary things of everyday life really well. -Matthew Kelly

    • My friends, Lisa Oberndorfer (left) with Jill Folstrom

    Day 35 of 365.

    I’m not going to lie. It appears I can be bought for the price of one very oversized piece of “celebration” cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. The big hug and the front door dessert delivery this afternoon might be the reason I chose TODAY to write about Lisa Oberndorfer, but let’s be clear….she was going to appear in this column during 2019…that’s a fact!

    Lisa is a mom to three BEAUTIFUL young adults (Jordan, Kelsey and Will) and the wife of a pretty fantastic Boilermaker fan named Jeff. There are so many examples of her goodness that I could share, and I have only known Lisa more intimately for what I consider to be a fairly short span of time. Here’s the thing about Lisa. She’s an utterly compassionate and very funny woman who has the courage and humility to present herself to the world full of hurting people. Probably, she isn’t even aware that she’s an exceptional example of what Pope John Paul II called true holiness.

    “True holiness”, he said, “does not mean a flight from the world, rather, it lies in the effort to incarnate the Gospel in everyday life, in the family, at school, at work, and in ones social environment.” Lisa shows up with her big heart and her gift for knowing when to offer a listening ear. She instinctively grasps that it’s about attention over giftedness, its about setting aside oneself and choosing the needs of the other. She realizes life may not be perfect, but she sees the blessings and she IS DYING to pass some light along to the next person. She’s a pay it forward kind of gal.

    When my oldest son was an angst-ridden freshman at Xavier University, she offered up her experienced Muskie, Kelsey, to encourage him. When I was getting a little too testy at the high school basketball games, she winked at me and handed me a sucker…which she called a “husher”…to make me laugh and quiet myself. Let’s be clear, she needed to do this repeatedly, for an extended number of weeks. Ha? We all behave better while we are laughing at ourselves with a fist full of sugar? She showed up at the house with delicious muffins when she heard I’d had a recent cancer diagnosis and lent an ear and some sage and prayerful wisdom. Also, she showed up with CELEBRATION CHEESECAKE when the diagnosis take a turn for the better. She’s been present for so many people at a time in their lives that it required great humility to show up and offer her care and concern, not sure of the response she might receive, but wanting to do the work of the Lord. THAT is everyday holiness.

    I’d be utterly remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing work Lisa and her son, Will, have done with a charity they founded called “Diabetes Will’s Way” shortly after Will was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes as a 6th grader. Will’s Way serves underinsured young people who need assistance with supplies. They provide grants for durable medical equipment like insulin pumps and glucose monitors, and emergency grants too for families needing help with daily diabetic supplies. Lisa told me it was out of selfishness– intense love for her own son– that she began that great work. That made me laugh aloud. The poor woman has been “duped” by our good and gracious God!! I mean….this would NOT be the first time the Lord used the love of a mother to shower His grace on others…am I right? Hahaha!!! You’re in excellent company on that one, my friend.

    Thank you, Lisa, for being a wonderful witness to me of what it means to minister to others in so many important ways, but especially the gift of physical presence. Showing up is everything, and even better if you can pair it with a side order of quiet attentiveness. I so appreciate the reminder! You, my fellow Boilermaker, are a rare and beautiful gem! Your faithfulness, love and sense of humor must certainly be causing a big smile in heaven as your mom watches down over you. In your grief, you still showed up to minister to me. I noticed, and I’m taking notes. I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP!

    Incidentally, if any of you would like more information or to make a donation to Will’s Way, visit www.diabeteswillsway.com!

  • Mad for…Vincent

    What a great favor God does to those he places in the company of good people. –St. Teresa of Avila

    Super bowl Sunday seems like an appropriate day to toss the “Mad for” love out to New England! See this handsome young man in the yellow tie? He’s a junior at Boston College studying accounting. I’ve known this sports crazed, incredibly intelligent kid with the insane work ethic since he was a little guy, and he’s always been a clear reason I believe in the goodness of people. Meet Vincent Ferrucci. He’s a manager for the BC football team, a former Guerin Catholic Golden Eagle, and also a St. Louis de Montfort Cardinal for life!

    A lifelong New England Patriots fan who grew up in Fishers, Indiana, Vinny was never afraid to swim against the current. He was the kid bowing his head in prayer when the others dug into their meal, forgetting themselves. He was the only young boy who ever spent the night who NEVER failed to clear his plate and take it to the sink. Wow, he took some ribbing over the years. Vin’s as loyal as the day is long, though, and that goes for his Pats and Red Sox just the same as it goes for his buddies. Vin truly has no idea how much of a blessing he is to those around him, or how genuinely thrilled I have always been that my oldest son calls this kid one of his very closest friends. This is true despite that year he was like 1 for 33 from the free throw line, by the way…ha? I think my Dad even sent him an article that season about learning to shoot the underhanded shot, but I digress. Vin took the teasing in stride, always wearing that grin on his face and owning a self-depracating sense of humor. He was a beast around the boards on the basketball court, and the best darn left-handed catcher around.

    They say no beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart, and that makes Vincent Ferrucci a truly beautiful human being. There were times along the journey when I noticed folks around him simply didn’t appreciate the treasure they had in Vin. The thing is, good people don’t have to say they are good people…it’s just on display and easy to spot. Light attracts light. If you tell me you don’t care for Vin, I’m going to tell you to look in the mirror because the problem is you. He’s honest, he’s articulate, and he’s friendly. If I’m honest? Mostly, I think this young man glorifies God by the way he walks through life. I’m thankful to the Lord that my three boys have had the chance to walk beside him and learn a little from his faithfulness, kindness and amazing work ethic.

    Vin’s a passionate guy– he’s got a little Italian in the secret sauce. You can’t coach that and I for one always have LOVED IT! He’s also a guy who would never take advantage of another person, and he’s going to make you laugh as he helps you in your moment of need. If he passes through your life, you’ll want to hang on tight– he’s a keeper! Vin? Linemen win games. I still stand with Lombardi on that. You always blocked your heart out. I love you kid. I really do. Thank you for being a witness of what it means to be a man of integrity. Boy, does this world need you! As much as it hurts me, look what I’m about to do for you…

    GO PATS!!

  • Mad for…Renee

    Good sense of humor, potty mouth, and a beautiful heart. Add in a little country music and a few hundred pairs of shoes and what that adds up to is a magical combination. Meet my dear friend, Renee Schwegman. People with a sense of humor are so much easier to talk to, and when you add to that the fact that Renee has literally never met a stranger she cannot subdue, we were simply destined to be friends.

    • Renee Schwegman. How gorgeous is she?

    Renee is the mom of two pretty great kids and the wife of the only grown man I know who has managed to successfully avoid the “Dad jeans” trap. That’s a compliment, Jeff. She’s also proudly “Aunt Nay” to Max and Lilah, the children of her pretty cool sister, Kathy. Renee is simply too big of a personality to capture in a few paragraphs, but I’d like to tell you about some of my favorite qualities that make Renee one of the finest humans I’ve ever had the pleasure to call friend.

    I like authentic people, and Renee is as genuine as they come. Don’t be a pretender, because I will find you out. I like people with whom I can occasionally have meaningful, deep conversations and at the same time will understand that in my head I still say “Wed-nes-day”. We both sometimes enjoy employing the F-bomb. It’s a nuanced and magical word that can really be any part of speech you want. Make no mistake, though, my friend Renee has one of the most generous hearts around. She loves fiercely. For these two reasons alone, her authenticity and generosity, I credit the undeniable fact that she has more friends from more varied backgrounds than anyone I know. Well, there’s also the fact that she doesn’t even know how to SPELL introvert.

    If you’re ill, she’ll show up with dinner. When your kids need a place to be for a few days, she’ll set up “Camp Schwegman”. She’s compassionate, kind and gifted. She’s driven out of her way to help out nearly everyone she knows so many times that we all need to shower her with gas cards…but she’d definitely prefer if you just took her out for a beer. Even better if they are playing live music there. She knows how to laugh at herself, and with her in my life, its a much sunnier, more adventurous journey. Also, it’s tastier. The girl can cook. I love people who make me laugh. Honestly, it might be the thing I like the most, because it’s definitely NOT her taste in Big Ten teams.

    I read this quote today which is why I chose to write about Renee. “Where joylessness reigns, where humor dies, the spirit of Jesus Christ is assuredly absent.” Pope Benedict wrote that and it made me think…well I have a close friend who is the exact opposite of that…so HOW BLESSED AM I? Renee? You are a boot-wearing badass, and a treasure in my life with a heart of pure gold. THANK YOU for all the times you’ve sent me an inappropriate text that made me laugh and remember not to take myself or life too seriously. I LOVE YOU. SO MUCH.

  • Mad for…Katie

    Those whose hearts are pure are the temples of the Holy Spirit. –St. Lucy

    It’s day 32 of 365 in my silly, sunny little “Mad for” series. Everyday, I want to introduce you to someone amazing who I really believe makes a positive difference in the world. Today, I’ll submit to you one Katie Carter. She’s posing her around Christmas with her two darling kiddos in this mildly fuzzy photo. She sent me this joyful image a few weeks ago to wish me a Merry Christmas, and it made my day. Katie is a teacher, and I’m confident she’s a darn good one. She’s kind, bright, and articulate.

    Meeting Katie was a blessing and a surprise at the time it happened a few years ago. I was asked to walk beside her as she converted to the faith. It was my honor to be her sponsor and it forced me to attend my first ever Easter Vigil mass at OLMC. That was an experience I will never forget. Talk about beautiful liturgy. Whew! We keep in touch through occasional texts, and frankly our busy lives have prohibited much more in the most recent years. As life has brought Katie a few lemons, she’s asked for prayers and encouragement, which I’m truly glad to offer. She’s a fantastic human so that makes it easy.

    Today, however, I got a different kind of text from Katie. She wanted to know how I was, she inquired if I was doing alright. Since we do not travel in the same circles and truly we know zero folks in common, she had NO WAY of knowing that I was literally sitting in a waiting room getting ready to undergo some testing that had me a little anxious. Therefore, her reaching out was certainly a gift to me from the Lord. It was instantly clear to me that the Holy Spirit chose Katie today to make that unusual inquiry. She was the tool Christ sent to make certain I knew that He is right beside me, with me always.

    Also, I had my friend Karen with me. I’ve already told you about her (see day 26). Forget it. What is there to fear?

    God is good. All the time. Thanks, Katie, for listening to that little voice. I know sometimes you feel like a mess, sister, but God doesn’t mind. He’s totally fine using you anyway. It’s a solid reminder for all of us who wonder about our own worthiness, who doubt our own goodness. The Lord loves you SO MUCH that He wants to use you as His vessel. Yes, that means you!! GOD BLESS KATIE!!


  • Mad for…Maddie

    She’s the kind of girl who follows her heart, but takes her brains with her on the journey. She’s not afraid of being smart. Or faithful. Meet Maddie Beck. Today is her 15th birthday! In honor of this auspicious occasion, on this day, I’d like to tell you a little bit about my incredible niece.

    • Maddie and I at Hilton Head. Save your comments about my pool hat.

    Maddie is an utterly brilliant human. She’s just flat out brighter than most of the rest of us. We’ve known this since she was very small– all of us. Several years ago, one of my kiddos had some sort of project that required them to understand the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. He knew just what to do when he saw my “you mean they aren’t the same thing” face. He called his cousin Maddie who lives in Naperville, Illiois. She sent us a video explanation from her family room. I’m pretty sure she didn’t need Google. I once found a chemistry book on her bed as a much younger girl and quizzed her about it. Turns out, she was memorizing the periodic table for fun. She’s a prolific reader. She’s a badass keyboardist who loves the Rolling Stones. Maddie sings in the church choir, and she was BRILLIANT as Miss Hannigan in her school production of “Annie” last year.

    Additionally, Maddie Beck makes me so incredibly proud to be her godmother. She’s caring and she’s kind. She’s got a beautiful laugh, and as a big sister to sweet Ellie, she is loyal, affectionate and warm-hearted. Her work ethic is outstanding, and in my opinion, she glorifies God by the way she lives her life.

    Maddie’s been aided, for sure, by my incredible sister Robin (her mom) and her pretty swell Dad, Chris, along the way. She hit the genetic jackpot there. Ditto that “wow, she’s blessed” sentiment for all the folks at her grade school, All Saint’s, as well as her grandparents and extended family. STILL, there’s a light that shines in this young lady that comes from the Lord. Those folks at St. Francis High School truly have no idea what a gem they have in their midst yet…but they will.

      So, birthday girl, today I wish you just the most fantastic day. I love you. Happy 15th! If I can leave you one sentiment this day and always let it be this quote from the great St. Augustine.

      “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”

      Please, never forget that. If you can manage it, all will be well. No matter what life deals you. I LOVE YOU, MADDIE!

    • Mad for…Sr. Sophia

      Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation. It is not what we do but how much love we put into it. -Mother Theresa

      Note to reader: This is day 30 of 365 in my year long project to introduce others to some fantastic person each day this year that I think really makes a positive difference in the world with their life.  The world needs more reasons to smile, so today I submit to you, Sr. Sophia, a Nashville Dominican.  If you want to know more  about her order, visit:  NashvilleDominican.org

      It’s Catholic Schools Week across the nation right now, and I find myself terribly grateful for my own Catholic education as well as those of my own three sons. This feeling of gratefulness for the enormous blessings got me reminiscing interiorly about one of my favorite CSW experiences a few years back. I’d like to share a pinch of it with you.

      Several weeks before CSW that year, I was over at the football fields at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel cheering on my favorite Cardinals who were facing off against the big, bad Raiders (ha!) when a conversation ensued. It was between a group of grade school chums whose siblings were out on the field playing. As they ran around in the grass tossing a small nerf football some well-prepared mom had packed, they were stopped dead in their tracks.

      “Hey you guys! Look over there! Why are those crazy ladies wearing matching white dresses?”

      “They look kind of funny! It’s too hot for long dresses today…plus that’s really fancy for a football game.”

      Frankly, the fact that the sweet kiddos clearly HAD NO CLUE that these “crazy ladies” were religious women was a touch shocking to me. It made me sad too. As a youngster myself, many of my teachers were Franciscan sisters, and some of them really helped to form me in my faith. These two beautiful Dominicans had come to cheer on their students, and their presence there that sunny day changed the CSW plans I had in my mind on the spot.

      Meet Sr. Sophia. She’s a spitfire from New Jersey, and also she is a Dominican Sister of Saint Cecelia. The Order is based in Nashville, Tennessee and they are strongly committed to Catholic education. I made a few calls that winter and with a little strong-arming from OLMC pastor, Fr. Richard Doerr, I was able to get Sr. Sophia over to talk to children at SLDM about her vocation during Catholic Schools Week. For most of the children she spoke to that day, she was the very first religious woman they had ever met. It was a very cool experience to witness.

      I have only briefly spoken to Sr. Sophia– maybe twice. I’m sure she will be surprised to learn I’ve written about her today, because my name will not be familiar to her. Here’s the thing. A vocation talk by a joyful person in a religious vocation is a game changer. By the example of her consecrated life, she taught a few little ones the way to holiness and joy that day. She spoke to them enthusiastically about the trinity, her background, her prayer life, and her love of the Church. They were enamored. She also answered some pretty hilarious questions without even a hint of condescension. She was the face of Jesus to many that day and I have never forgotten her, praying for her often.

      I asked a friend whose son had Sr. Sophia as a junior high religion teacher at OLMC to share with me a little about her as a teacher. She said this, “He loved her, he enjoyed her teaching, always felt like she was for the kids, wanted everyone to do well, she was interested in them as a person and encouraged them to dig deeper into their faith. She connects very well with the students.”

      Why am I not surprised?

      I LOVE this very funny story shared with me about her and I hope that my sweet friend won’t mind it’s retelling. Apparently, after a talk about “relationships” by Sr. Sophia, she made such an impact that all of the young students that were part of “a couple” in her class decided to just be friends instead. While there weren’t reportedly a large number of “couples” anyway, it’s a tale about her influence that made me snicker.

      Sr. Sophia is full of personality. She’s small but mighty! I chose this photo of her because she’s up on a folding chair standing next to her fairly tall student, Dylan, at graduation. Her infectious smile and authentic joyfulness is on display. Its that same spirit of joyfulness and camaraderie that I notice on display by all the members of her community who I have been lucky enough to meet.

      This Catholic Schools Week, at a time when Christian education is much maligned, I wanted to take a moment to give thanks to God for Sr. Sophia and ALL the religious women who have made a difference for so many of us by their enthusiasm for the truth of the Gospel, as well as the selfless way they share their lives with all of us. THANK YOU, SR. SOPHIA! What you do everyday? Oh goodness, it matters! Today, my rosary will be for you.

    • Mad for…Hugh

      Saint Joseph was a just man. A tireless worker. The upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. -Pope St. John Paul II

      Meet Hugh Ross. Hugh is first and foremost a husband and dad. From my perch nearby over the years, I’d say Hugh embodies what it means to be a holy and present father. In fact, the photo above is one from him attending a Lacrosse event cheering on one of his kiddos– on a freezing cold day as many dads often do to show love and support. Just out of the frame is his cheerful wife Amy, a holy woman I also greatly admire.

      I chose the quote above about St. Joseph for today’s entry owing to the fact that Hugh Ross seems to me a wonderful modern day model of the virtues we see present in St. Joseph. He’s of uncommon faith, and he’s a tireless worker for Christ in all he does.

      When my mother in law died rather suddenly a few years ago, it was Hugh who stepped up on very short notice to be the cantor at her funeral mass. This effort was no small sacrifice on his part, and his presence was an enormous gift to the entire extended Thieme family. The gentle loveliness of his voice lent reverence and beauty to a truly difficult day. It’s merely one anecdotal example of the sort of selflessness and kindness that he displays everyday.

      Love the children first, then teach them. –St. Mother Theodore Guerin

      Also, Hugh is a high school physics teacher at Guerin Catholic High School. It’s patroness, when she spoke of what an educator should be, might as well have been describing Hugh Ross. He teaches a challenging subject, yet his class is invariably a favorite among his students. My middle son in fact named it as his very favorite during his four years there…and Drew is FAR from alone in that selection. It’s because while Mr. Ross is brilliant, attentive, and affable, he more importantly exudes the kind of care and love that Mother Guerin described. There’s a reason he’s received prestigious awards for his work with his students. Christ uses him to show others what His love is all about.

      Hugh is an exceptional human being. He’s a leader in faith and a model for what the Lord means fatherhood to look like. His witness of gentle strength and selflessness is a blessing to all with whom he interacts, including yours truly! THANK YOU, HUGH, FOR WHO YOU ARE AND ALL YOU DO EACH DAY!

    • Mad for…Barbara

      A good deed is never lost. He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. -St. Basil

      Day 27 of 365.

      Meet Barbara Schrader. She’s Tom’s aunt, the older sister of my father-in-law. I met her when I was a teenager, which feels now like a very long time ago. Barbara has been retired for some time now, but she spent many years as the principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School, which is at the Cathedral parish of the Diocese of Lafayette. I have absolutely no doubt that she was both wise and compassionate in that role.

      For a number of years, she spent long stretches of time at her cottage in South Haven, Michigan, and it’s there that I got to know her best. Tom and I would sneak over together to visit when we were teenagers vacationing up there with his family, then later we did the same as a married couple with our young boys. She always greeted us with a warm smile and we’d begin the catching up and story telling. There was often ice cream or some other fabulousness offered– even if the house was already filled to brim with humans. She’s got a great sense of humor and her laugh is quite infectious. She’s a straight shooter who is unafraid to offer her two cents, and one would be wise to take her prudent advice. What I love most about her is that her faith and her fierce love for her large family have always shined brightly. Wow, does she love those children and grandchildren! I remember many, many sets of doll clothes sewn with great care for her granddaughters. I recall stories she loved to share about the sports exploits of her sons and grandsons. More than once, she asked me to pray for a specific family member who was struggling. She always, always inquired about my sister and my parents when she saw me. Also, she can be sassy, but I have never seen her be unkind.

      When her brother became quite ill a few years back, I ended up spending some extended time with him (my father in law, Tom) up at the hospital in Michigan. Barbara and her husband, Jim, were very present during those long hours and we talked and simply tried to be present for him, together. Their gift of presence was enormously comforting to me as I did my best to watch over his care at the South Haven Hospital. She insisted I stop over and spend some time while we held this vigil for Grandpa Tom, and her friendliness and beautiful heart helped me to understand why she is beloved by so many people in Lafayette and beyond. Barbara is grace-filled and her entertaining stories always shed others in the best possible light. It’s so refreshing.

      Presently, Barbara is mourning the recent loss of her amazing husband. This time of grief must be trying to bear, to put it mildly. She’s been on my mind and in my prayer. Please join me in asking God to fill her with the grace she needs. I hope she knows what an inspirational witness she is of what God intended a Catholic wife, mother and grandmother to be. She shines! God Bless Barbara!