Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. (William James)
A native of Breese, Illinois and a graduate of Southern Illinois University, my old neighbor Melinda Brueggemann is a woman I would describe as articulate, sassy, and not just a little bit saucy too. Her defining features are her good sense of humor and her compassionate heart.
A mother of three (mostly) grown children, Bennett, Evan and Elana, she is also the wife of a truly hilarious human named Barry. These two are now and always have been tremendously supportive parents, so the Brueggemann kids really are blessed to have them as parents. Since I know their youngest, Elana, is a standout on the Depaul Women’s Volleyball team, I’d be willing to bet they’ve made their way to a number of Big East volleyball events this season.
I saw a refrigerator magnet this week that said, “Good sense of humor, dirty mind and beautiful heart. Deadly combination.” It made me laugh, and it definitely applies here, ha? Hopefully this will make her laugh and she won’t be offended it made me think of her! Mel definitely has a well-developed sense of humor, and I think it helps to balance her if I am honest. She’s also incredibly bright as well as beautiful, which you can see yourself above in the photo with her hubby!
Here’s the thing, though. When our mutual friend, Karen, was nearing the end of her very long struggle with cancer, it was Mel who reached out. I think she wanted to check on what I might know about Karen, but also her genuine desire was to make sure that the folks who she knew loved Karen were in the loop, praying and supporting in whatever ways were possible. We stayed in close contact during that time to make sure there was food for the family when that was needed and organized prayerful aid by the community at large. So, while her sense of humor is most definitely an effective escape valve for the tensions and pressures of life, don’t be mislead. Melinda is a character filled woman of God. She loves others by beautiful acts of service, offered genuinely and without need for recompense.
Melinda, today you are the victim of my daily shout out. I hope what you hear me saying is that I believe you make the world a better place by the way you care for and love all those in your path each day. You, Mel, are a quality human and we are all better off for having your sunshine add a certain brightness and smile to the area you inhabit. Keep on keeping on…and GO BLUE DEMONS!!
I love funny people and when I’m with funny people, or people who are amusing in their weirdness, I love it. Because that to me is funny as opposed to someone who stops and says, “Hey let me tell you a joke.” (Paul Feig)
This week, I noticed a talented friend of mine was featured in Indy Maven’s best local holiday gift ideas. If you’re so inclined, check out the link and all the talented local artisans at https://indymaven.com/holiday-gift-guide-2019/ and pay particular attention to Val Campbell and her Cosmic Leather line. I don’t have the waist pack Indy Maven liked, but I do have her leather cross body bag and it’s just spectacular– a very high quality piece
Creative, gifted, and very funny, Val is the mother of three boys and the wife of a handsome guy named Matt. She’s incredibly beautiful, as you can clearly see from the photo I stole off her Facebook page. She will definitely prefer it to the only photo I found of her on my phone from an old baseball tourney. In that photo (which I just deleted) we all look like we have been ridden hard and put away wet, as the saying goes, ha?! I met her when my son Zach played baseball with her son, Ethan. There were multiple perks to having a son on the same team as one of the Campbell boys. First of all, Val always took the hats and embroidered the boys names or numbers on them. It was totally cool! Also? Sitting on the sidelines of any baseball game with Val means you are in for a good time. A master of sarcasm, she’s just plain fun, the kind of girl who makes me giggle without really trying much at all. Everything about Val is genuine. The thing is, you can joke with her and then sort of also solve the worlds problems with a deeper conversation when you’re around Val. She’s got a lot of tricks up her sleeve.
A Indy area native, I am fairly certain Val attended Lawrence Central High School. I’d be willing to bet all her old friends still think of her and how their faces hurt from smiling when she’s around. My youngest, Z, gave up the sport of baseball, but I know that’s definitely how I feel about my old baseball mom friend even though I haven’t seen her in person in quite a while.
Val Campbell is without a doubt a loving, attentive, and supportive mother as well as a sunny and pleasant human. She’s friendly and welcoming to others– and her smile is contagious. She’s got a silly streak and also, apparently, she’s a badass entrepreneur on the rise! When I saw her featured this week in the local holiday gift guide, I was incredibly happy for her because I just love it when outstanding things happen for integrity-filled people like Val!
I wish you much continued success in all you do my friend, as well as a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your guys!! With you in this crazy world, the place is just a happier place more filled with laughter, and I am grateful that our good and gracious God gave me a chance to get to know you! God Bless all the Campbells!
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
If someone trustworthy tells you a movie is terrific, hard to watch at moments, but just has a great ending and to stick it out…you do it, right? Someone wise once told me that’s the same attitude we need with God. He has a plan for us, and He’s worthy of our trust. If we stay with Him…it all ends well.
My sister-in-law, Mary Jo, is one of my husband’s two siblings. She’s the middle child in the trio, actually. Mary Jo is married to a bright and articulate German man I recently told you about. His name is Andreas. Together, they are parents to a young man named Thomas, who they adopted from the foster care system when he was quite young. I think he was just a bit under a year old, in fact. My memory is unreliable, though, so I could be a tad off. Here he is more recently with his cousins at Drew’s high school graduation, with his cousin Katie LaReau’s arm around him.
In any case, the addition of my nephew Thomas to the family brought not just a small amount of joy to his parents and also to his grandparents and the entire family. None was more afflicted with joy, in my estimation, than the heart of my mother in law, Jane. This week, we marked the 6th anniversary of her death, a sad and somewhat unbelievable milestone if I am honest. Where has the time gone? However, we’ve also got cause for joy this week because today is the 12th birthday of the youngest grandson of Tom and Jane Thieme– Thomas Sashegyi!
I find myself writing with a bit more care than I sometimes demonstrate today. Typically, I simply allow this to be a few paragraphs of unfiltered spontaneity– a stream of consciousness blog post. This one feels a tad different and that is for one simple reason. In the first 339 consecutive entries, my daily affirmations were directed at and written for the person about whom I am speaking. My goal usually is to provide a reason for someone to smile at the positive qualities I notice, and hopefully that leaves an imprint of sunshine on their day. Today is a bit different. You see, I know that Thomas doesn’t have the ability to read these words, and I’m not certain how many of them he would understand if his mother chose to share them. I do know this, though. It’s important to me today that all who love this little boy understand on his birthday today that I see the dignity of his life, and the possibilities of his mind and the fact that the same good and gracious God who made you and me also made this handsome young man with the devilish grin in His glorious image. Also, I want him to know his Aunt Shelly wishes him a very happy birthday!
Thomas is a curly-haired wonder, the master of riding anything on wheels at speeds and with precision that boggle my mind. The use of bikes and scooters are a strength area. He is also a solid ice skater who has played a little hockey in his past. He loves to fish, and can entertain himself for hours with this activity. He’s got boundless energy, and a reliably good “high-five” that I can almost always get him to “blow up” with me. This year, he spent a little time handing out exactly three pieces of candy to each trick-or-treater that came to my door…well…except for the scary looking kids in creepy masks, ha? This part made me giggle a little, because here’s Thomas in his costume (with Drew), which definitely includes the very sort of mask he was eschewing as my Halloween doorman. Kids make me giggle!
Mary Jo and Andreas, I know your parenthood journey is fraught with bumps and hiccups very different from the ones on my own road of motherhood. Today, as I attempt to celebrate the life of the little man I know you love dearly, I just want you to know that I love your son too, and I see your perseverance and courageous determination. So does the Lord. Christ is with you on your journey though, and He is trustworthy.
Please tell Thomas that his Aunt Shelly, Uncle Tom, and his cousins Nick, Drew and Zach want to wish him a VERY HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY! Eat all the cake, Thomas…..it’s your day!!
Vocations are born in prayer, and prayer, and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit. (Pope Francis)
Today, I’d like to depart, ever so slightly from my typical format. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m still planning to point you to an awesome human whose name is Jason Diebolt. That said, I’m humbly requesting prayerful action from my readers today.
First, however, let me tell you just a little bit about Jason. Peaceful, kind, and friendly are the first three words that come to mind when I think about this young man. He’s an affable kid who graduated from Guerin Catholic High School in 2016 with my oldest son, Nick. His is simply a beautiful soul. There’s just nothing at all that’s notably disagreeable about Jason, and since the moment I heard his name mentioned by my oldest son, the word used in conjunction with his name the most was “faithful”.
It was no surprise to me, then, that Jason chose to take the road less traveled and explore a priestly vocation after his years as a Golden Eagle, where he roamed the halls with his completely charming twin sister, Jenna. He’s been studying for four years at St. John Vianney Seminary in Minnesota. I ran into him briefly during a school break some time back when he joined our Gospel of Life Council members for a meeting or two. He and a fellow seminarian wrote a beautiful Novena for Life that the folks at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church (his home parish) prayed last year and again this past October during Respect Life Month.
As we enter into Advent this year, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, I can really think of no more beautiful time to pray for all our seminarians. I’d like to request that all who feel so disposed please stop and join me in praying during this time, especially, for a character and integrity filled young man named Jason, that he may hear the Lord’s voice and follow it bravely and joyfully. Our prayerful support is powerful aid, and I feel confident he will feel it in a meaningful way.
Good and Gracious God,
I pray that Jason and all our seminarians will grow in faith, hope and charity. May their hearts overflow with your compassion, understanding, and generosity. May their desire to serve you inspire others to answer your call. Lord Jesus, give Jason the grace to follow you more closely this day and always. AMEN.
It was a colorful car ride to St. Luke’s Catholic School that sealed the deal for me on one Oliver Harmon. It had long been abundantly clear that this young man with the colossal personality was both a force to be reckoned and just….well…a hoot! However, listening to him break down all of his favorite sports teams while razzing his cousin and my sons in the back of my minivan was pure gold. When we arrived at the gym, the Rams were at the tail end of a 5/6 “C” team game, which Oliver proceeded to call as if he was doing both the color and the play-by-play for ESPN from the back row of the grade school bleachers. I wasn’t sure whether I should attempt to “shush” him or just embrace the hilarity with which he was doing his work. I went with the latter.
Warm, sunny and welcoming, Oliver is a University of Dayton graduate who originally hails from South Bend, Indiana. He’s the brother of two great guys named Christian and John, and his little sister Lucy is a beautiful young woman. His parents are kind humans named Joe and Julie Harmon. Oliver now lives in Chicago where he works maybe for an engineering firm if my information and my memory are accurate? I feel confident that the Windy City is a brighter place for his presence.
Likability is Oliver’s strength area. His full up to his eyebrows with hot air, but you can’t help yourself and you just smile when he’s around. This is a kid I just have always liked from the minute I first met him. He’s got the gift of gab, has never met a stranger, and every sighting of this young man leaves me smiling. He greets me with a smile and a big hug, and those are two of my most favorite things!!
Today, I learned that this super young man recently suffered a torn ACL (or some other pretty serious knee injury) that is going to require both surgery and a long period of rehabilitation. This will be challenging for such an active guy, so his aunt Julie (Ferrucci) asked me to please put him on my prayer list. She knows I have a soft spot for this kid.
Oliver, I want you to know two things today! First of all, I am LONG overdue to tell you what an outstanding young man of character that I know you to be! Second, I am nothing if not a reliable prayer warrior, and you are officially on my list. Your great sense of humor will be a terrific asset to you during this rehab. It won’t be easy, but BEHAVE, and GET WELL QUICK! I am praying for you kiddo!!
Be the same person privately, publicly, and personally. (Judah Smith)
Okay, I am very slow with this birthday greeting and 50th birthday shout out to a terrific human being named Anna Fagg! Forgive me, my friend! I am apparently the last person in Hamilton County to know you have been celebrating a big milestone! A tennis playing mom of two, Anna has a beautiful daughter, Victoria, and a tall, lanky, hoops playing son named Harrison. He’s a senior at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. She’s married to a super cool, down to earth guy named Andy. I met them years ago at St. Louis de Montfort where our children all attended grade school together. Victoria is the same age as my oldest son, Nick, and they were members of the SLDM class of 2012.
Genuine. That’s the word that for me positively defines Anna. Sure, she’s friendly, funny, and kind. Yes, she’s an incredibly supportive mother and a loving wife. That’s easy to see. However, what makes Anna a truly special person for me is how authentic she is. She’s not driven a second by ego, or status, or anything of that ilk. She simply gives off positive vibes and treats the people around her like they matter. She’s flat out a salt of the earth woman.
With Anna Fagg, there’s no hidden agendas, she’s just got an honest goodness about her. She knows how to smile bright and warm the room with her sunshine. Fancy, she’s not. Fun, yes indeedy! I’ve got a thing for genuine people. In fact, it might be my most favorite quality. Every time I see Anna, I am reminded how important it is for each of us to just be ourselves. The Lord knows what He’s doing, and none of us is like the next guy– what a beautiful thing!!
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, ANNA! What do you say we overlook how late I am and just declare festival until the end of the year?!!
P.S. I can’t root for your team tomorrow, my friend– I’d like to, but I’ve got to be genuine, ha?! Boiler UP!!
As I pack up the crockpot full of green beans this morning, I find myself grateful for my people. Some of those folks I am related to, and some not. In my mind and heart, they are all truly my family.
For the folks in my life who inspire me by their stunning faithfulness— and there are many— I am grateful. In recent weeks, I feel closer to Jesus because of Katie, Chris M., Chris H., Tina, Lori, Janice, and of course my sarcastic pastor, Fr. Richard. To you fine folks, I tip my Thanksgiving hat.
For my guys— Nick, Drew, and Zach who have taught me so much over the years and who each own beautiful, caring hearts— I love you, I am so proud of you, and I am grateful to call you son!
For my “Shoebox” girls, the Dinner Club crew, the “Love bunch” and the members of my Mom squad— you know who you are. I love you all beyond words. Thank you for doing life with me. Many times each of you has brought joy to my day and a smile to my face. Occasionally, I have even leaned in for much needed encouragement and a hug, and you people never fail to come through. I am thankful for you! Nothing beats “next level” friends who walk alongside us on this journey…am I right, Rhys?
For my parents, the two people who have always and forever shown me unconditional, foolish love and support— “thank you” feels far short of adequate. I love you people madly.
Finally, to my husband, Tom. Look what those 2 teenagers from Lafayette did these last 25 years? Gosh. That happened fast. Words fail today. I truly love you, our family built together day by day, our life. Thanks for always taking me to the door when it’s raining and for knowing I would love to see the Christmas display at Sullivan’s. You’re the bomb. Let’s see what beauty comes next on our little adventure?
As I ride in this Durango on SR 47 headed to Mom and Dad’s, typing this rather inarticulate entry on my cell phone, I have one last thing on my heart. For all who have lost someone they treasured over the past year and who are heading into the first holiday season without that special person, their smile, and their warmth…I am praying for you all today. ❤️
Happy Thanksgiving!! God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!
Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. (Thich Nhat Hahh)
Smiles translate into any language perfectly. One which is genuinely offered signals compassion and a welcoming heart. It means kindness and warmth resides inside a person. Holly Ives is a woman who gives those glorious authentic smiles away to EVERYONE. To me, it’s her defining quality, and because of her authentic smile, I really believe she might be one of the most beautiful people I know.
On a day when she’s found life a little irritating, she mixes that famous smile with a little sarcasm and just the BEST laugh around. A few times over the years in the carpool line at St. Louis de Montfort, I encountered her on such an occasion. I left her cracking up in these instances, because I thought to myself how much prettier her tempter tantrums were than my own. I’d love to say she helped me adjust my sails and adopt her approach, but that would really be a lie, and since I JUST participated in the sacrament of reconciliation, I’d prefer not to sully my (still mostly) lilly white soul, ha??!!
A stubborn, slow learner is what I am, but nevertheless I find Holly very amusing and also inspiring. You see, when life brings lemons, Holly throws a little sass and smartassery at it, then she throws her head back, laughs and grins at it. As we all know, when you smile, life smiles back. When I was a kid, my favorite great aunt used to LOVE an old, eccentric comedian named Phyllis Diller. I have to admit she made me laugh too. In a few important ways, Holly reminds me of Phyllis who was famous for saying, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.“
The mother of two amazing, intelligent kids named Renee and David, Holly is also the wife of a quick-witted man named Erik. I’ll be honest. I have not a single clue where Holly is from originally or where she went to school. I don’t know much detail at all, which I suddenly find somewhat tragic. I do know these things. She’s a supportive and loving mother who is incredibly bright…and just plain fun to be around. When I leave her, I am always better for having had the interaction. At the end of the day, if we leave someone feeling more filled with joy than when we arrived, is that not exactly what it looks like to sprinkle a little Jesus around in this world?
Happy Birthday, Holly! I hope your people love you up today in a big way, because you are nothing short of spectacular! This Thanksgiving week, I wanted you to know that you make me feel welcome, warmed, and when I leave you, I am usually giggling a little. I am so very grateful. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE FACE OF JESUS TO ALL IN YOUR PATH!
Great is a teacher’s influence on his pupils if they love him. (St. John Bosco)
Eeyore. That’s how we usually describe the youngest of my boys. He’s definitely the guy you want standing next to you as the tornado is about to roll in, because he has already thought through the worst-case scenario, and he will be strong and steady through the storm. Anything less than the apocalypse itself will be a total win in Z’s mind. Perhaps this is why the two of us laughed this week at my attraction to a festive Christmas t-shirt which said, “In a world full of Grinches, be a Cindy Lou Who.” Let’s just say Zach didn’t feel it would work well in HIS life, but he felt it was an annoyingly solid fit for mine. As my youngest son is taking his first set of final exams as a high school student presently, those kiddos and their teachers are on my heart today. It takes a solid educator to be able to reach the Eeyores as well as the Cindy Lou Who types. That’s why I think…God bless good folks like Tommy Mascari, as they serve the Lord through teaching!!
Coach Mascari (pictured above with his wife) has been a Kinesiology teacher at Guerin Catholic for a number of years. In fact, I recall with some humor when my son Nick told me his first test grade in the class was like a 57%. I am certain it was the first test the kid ever came close to failing. I said, “Well? What happened, Nick Fred?” He replied honestly, “It’s PE, Mom. Who knew it was going to be hard? Probably I should think about studying next time.” It was a sage self-correction. You see, Coach Mascari’s class was challenging 7 years ago, and it remains so today.
That said, Tommy Mascari is an understated, hard-working educator who does a beautiful job connecting with the young people entrusted to his care. He’s understanding, faith-filled and fair-minded. Some kids, especially the ones who are related to me, seem to connect especially well to the quiet wit and low-key authenticity of folks like Tommy. They identify best with teachers who lead by example and treat others fairly. It doesn’t hurt if, like Tommy, they are gifted with a little less natural volume and slightly more sarcasm in the arsenal than your average bear as well. Apparently, a Thieme guy can only take so much cheerful enthusiasm, ha?
Tommy Mascari is the handsome husband to an athletic fellow educator named Jen and the father of three. Those are three blessed young people to have such an attentive Dad who supports them in all they do! I’m pretty sure the Mascaris are parishioners at St. Maria Goretti, but I could be wrong on that, so don’t hold me to it?
As a teacher, I think it’s clear Tommy Mascari plans for the success of all his students by the way he operates. His students are attentive and engaged, because he has good control of his classroom. After 8 years of parenting high schoolers, a mom has her sources. He’s generous with his time, and could often be found sharing his classroom space after school with young athletes who needed a place to eat a sandwich before their basketball game, for instance, when my older two kiddos were at GC. He’s been involved for many years with the Guerin Catholic boys basketball program, on which he’s had significant impact– including during a couple state championship runs! He’s not a man who seems to seek notoriety, but he just honestly does his work, offers his gifts, and makes a difference for many young people every day.
I’m indebted to folks like Tommy who brighten the future by the wisdom they share, and the patience they display with their students every day. Thank you, Coach Mascari, for being a friendly face, a bright light, and a gentle guide for my sons….and so many other young people over the years! We are grateful for you!!
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depends on you.” (St. Augustine)
Appearing again at the reception desk on November 10, 1999 after a long delay in the waiting room, I informed the gal sitting at the desk that I simply couldn’t wait any more to see the doctor, and she kind of rolled her eyes at me and said, “well, she’s quite busy so you’ll have to wait your turn.” She misunderstood me. So, rubbing my pregnant belly I clarified, “that’s fine, it’s just that I am so incredibly dizzy I think I might faint, so I think it’s better if I just leave and go home so I can lay down.” A nurse standing nearby heard the exchange and immediately ushered me to a room and had me get on my left side while she took my vitals. “Oh my word! Her blood pressure is through the roof. Get the doctor!”
That’s how it came to be that Andrew James Thieme was born several weeks prematurely by emergency c-section. He spent some time in the NICU at St. Vincent’s Hospital on 86th St. before coming home with some rather bulky and over the top equipment attached. Dr. Hirsch cautioned me about him, warning that we should certainly expect developmental and other delays. More drama ensued when he spiked a 104 degree fever shortly after being released from the hospital. Long story short, our sweet son had a kidney condition which would require surgery to repair, a thing we’d end up doing later at age 4 (at Riley Hospital for Children) when the timing was right. Those folks down at Riley are rock stars, by the way!
I share this snippet of melodrama today on the occasion of Drew’s 20th birthday because it makes me laugh to look back on now, two decades later. After causing me considerable anxiety on his entry to the world, this young man corrected course in a big way. Drew Thieme is the LEAST dramatic human being imaginable. As a toddler, he’d simply wait patiently in his bed for me to come get him in the morning– no fussing. He’s among the most strong, steady, respectful and emotionally stable kids I have ever encountered. As a little guy, he pretty much just wanted to hang out with his big brother, Nick. Thankfully, Nick and his buddies were good sports about letting D participate in whatever they were doing. Partly, that was because Drew could always keep up with them. You see, he may have started out a little small…but he caught up quickly! My three boys are pictured below (from left to right) Drew, Zach and Nick!
Little Drewbie LOVED games of all kinds, but especially card games and magic tricks! He had a magic wand, hat, and cape that he wore with pride just HOPING one of us would want to see his act. He was never interested in video games, but he typically had a board game or a deck of cards handy. If not those, then he had a ball of some sort! His smile was always bright, and his report card ridiculously good. He’s sharp as a tack and with a terrific work ethic. When his younger brother, Zach, was born, Drew became “his person”. When no one else could seem to calm down our youngest, or if my patience was lacking while I tried to explain to Z some new concept, Drew would inevitably jump in. “Mom, I’ve got this! Let me talk to him.” He even wrote a book titled, “How to take care of your little brother.” It’s a prized possession of mine. Drew Thieme, you have now and always have had a beautiful heart that feels compassion for others!
While he’s not a big talker by any stretch of the imagination, Drew is nevertheless naturally pastoral– a born leader. It’s just that he doesn’t waste words. He’s not enthralled with the sound of his own voice, but if he has something to say, it’s likely of value, so one would be wise to pause and hear him out. As a friend, he’s loyal and caring. As a son and a brother, he’s top drawer. I don’t think he’s ever failed to make me just a little teary on my birthday or Mother’s Day with his incredibly kind and loving notes.
We had a lot of fun over the years watching Drew play baseball, basketball and football. With his lanky frame and his good hands, he was always a valuable player on every team, but it was the way he led by example and the sportsmanship he displayed with his teammates and opponents that made me most proud as his mother. I mean, I did enjoy the home run moments, the CYO city championships (one of them captured below with Coach Dad), and the those senior year touchdowns he scored for the Golden Eagles, too…I’m not going to lie!
Drew is as authentic and honest as the day is long, and filled with integrity and love of the Lord. He’s sincere of heart and filled with faith, taking in weekly mass and availing himself of the sacraments frequently. Jesus is smiling down on Him for sure. He’s a driven young man, but also he knows how to relax in God’s grace. I’m grateful and thankful to have such a son, and I pray for him and his brothers every single day!
As he forges ahead, Drew is a man whose temperament seems to require that he be working a plan. I terrifically admire his drive and the effort he puts forth to get where he wants to be. He was one of the valedictorians of his Guerin Catholic Class of 2018, which was no small feat. His current plan involves finishing his undergraduate degree next December, taking the spring semester off school to work a tax season internship with an accounting firm, then to take the following year and complete his masters degree. He’s the treasurer of his fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) at Purdue, and a member of student-led School of Management Employers Forum at the Krannert School of Management. He has a part-time job in a computer lab on campus and he’s a practice player for the Purdue Women’s Basketball team. His sweet and very beautiful girlfriend, Erika, must have the patience of Job because Drew is a busy guy. Any mom would be proud, and I am definitely any mom!! Also, thinking about his life makes me sleepy.
That said, God’s plans and our plans have a way of diverging from time to time. My hope and prayer for Drew is that whatever God’s will is for his life that he rolls with it and embraces it, because God is…well…God. He knows what He is doing.
I have my three boys to thank for a very important lesson. I wanted to acknowledge that here as I write today about my own children for the last time in this series. I have long loved the Lord. However, it took me an extraordinary amount of time to realize He loves me back. Just as I am. He used my children to help me grasp it. You see, I love these 3 boys (Nick, Drew and Zach) with a fierceness only other moms can understand. Am I right, ladies? That love is without condition and does not wane even when said young man does or says something idiotic. I mean I have some crazy mama bear claws and my heart might burst from the insanity of the unconditional love I feel for these smelly young men!! Well, when I realized that I am the daughter of the Lord, who is literally LOVE itself, it occurred to me that He must love His child, Shelly, at least as much as I love my children? I mean, He’s GOD, and I’m not… so probably it’s possible He can love even a tad better and a bit more, ha?
Is that a beautiful gift the Lord gave me through my sons? You betcha!
Happy Birthday, Drew! I am CRAZY proud of you. I love you! Happy 20th, you big goofball. I hope you sing so loud from the rafters at Banker’s Life this week enjoying that Luke Combs concert that you don’t have a voice for a week! You deserve it.
“People are made for happiness. Rightly, then, you thirst for happiness. Christ has the answer to this desire of yours. But he asks you to trust him.” -St. (Pope) John Paul II
He Never Misses 