He Never Misses

Category: Family Life

  • Mad for…Caroline

    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)

    It’s a rare and truly faithful gem when we uncover someone whose genuine concern seems to always first be for the good of others. In the case of Caroline, I’ve mostly admired that authentic spirit and sparkle from lurking nearby in sports venues over the years. She’s generous and selfless in the most rare and beautiful way. What I’ve come to understand from paying closer attention is that she really is more than that, she’s a glittering jewel of a soul.

    • Caroline with her oldest son, Andrew, at daughter Kathryn’s recent wedding.

    Caroline Godfrey is the mother of 4 (mostly) grown children, and she recently became the mother-in-law to two more. She’s the wife of a very fine man she always calls “Billy”. Most of what I know about her family firsthand, I uncovered on a couple of lazy afternoons in Vincennes, Indiana. Now, no offense intended if you are a Vincennes Alice, but once you’ve seen St. Frances Xavier Basilica and maybe even ventured over to peek at the George Rogers Clark Historic Monument, you’re left with the movies and a slice of pizza at Bobe’s. That about covers Vincennes. When you’ve made the annual trek with the Guerin Catholic Basketball team to the annual holiday tournament on numerous occasions, well, it’s been done. At this point, a booth at Gilbert’s Pub with a couple of cold beverages is really the most appealing option for the long afternoon breaks. Because they were more experienced GC basketball parents, when we found our way to Gilberts, the much more saavy Godfreys had already taken up residence.

    What I already knew and loved about Caroline (and Bill, too) from afar was cemented for me on that second trip to Vincennes. She’s authentic, funny, kind and utterly humble. If I’m honest, I thought to myself that I’m not quite sure how someone pulls off an afternoon of beer, chips, and salsa giggling all the way and STILL she left me feeling I had been in the joyful presence of a woman who so reminded me of our Holy Mother. How is that even possible? All I can say is, Caroline is just an extra large scoop of awesome sauce. I know, I know…my eloquence is nothing if not overwhelming. Ha?

    It was the ultimate come as you are party. Mostly, we laughed and talked about our kids and confessed to our most hilarious parenting fails. She reminded me that day that we don’t have to have it all together, we just have to know and love the One who does.

    I could share personal stories of encouragement she’s offered to myself and others, kindnesses to those who have less, her giftedness listening and caring– but if you know her you’re already aware. She’s never drawing attention to herself in any of it. It’s just who she is. Caroline is the face of Christ to all around her.

    A couple years or so before that silly afternoon at Gilberts, I had prayed over Caroline with a large group of GC basketball moms right in the middle of the Noblesville High School gym after our kiddos finished a game. She was about to undergo surgery for breast cancer, and the moment was powerful. Her humility that evening, and the way God shined was wholly spectacular. When I heard more recently that her cancer had returned, I was convicted completely of the need to pray without ceasing for this lovely woman of God. It was less a choice and more a calling. I’ve been working the beads for you, sister.

    Have you ever met someone and thought, “How on earth is she for real?” That has always been me where Caroline is concerned. She’s just the definition of lovely, authentic goodness. She carries herself with grace. I have known instinctively for some time now that the Lord meant me to notice and learn from her powerful witness of what He means us to be as a wife, mother, and faith-filled woman of God. These are sometimes the stunning gifts the Lord bestows on us when we are members of a thriving Christian community. I’m going to need some significant work…but He sure gave me a beautiful example in Caroline.

    My friend, there’s a heavenly arsenal of warriors fighting alongside you with our prayers for your healing in mind, body and spirit. Please know that we are with you, and so is the Lord. THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING WITNESS OF FAITH AND FOR SO OFTEN BEING THE FACE OF JESUS TO OTHERS, INCLUDING ME!

    The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

  • Mad for…Mary

    “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7)

    • My sister in law, Mary Jo, with Tom in Saugatuck

    Day 43 of 365.

    Meet Mary Jo (Thieme) Sashegyi. Mary Jo is Tom’s sister. He’s the baby of the family and Mary is 3 years his senior. When Tom and I were freshmen at Lafayette Central Catholic High School, she was an upperclassman. That fairly close in age connection made it a little easier for me get to know her. She was still around the house, you see, when we started dating while his oldest sister Jennie was off in college.

    Mary Jo celebrated a big milestone birthday last year around this time, and we SO enjoyed that day and getting to know some of her terrific friends a little better. Her birthday was yesterday! So, while I am a day late, I hope she’ll forgive me as I honor her, though a little off schedule. Her life is certainly one worth celebrating to the fullest!

    The scripture quote above sort of chose me today, rather than the other way around. You see, I had already decided today would be Mary’s day, and then this little line hopped into my way in a book today and it made me laugh and think of Mary Jo. She’s a really beautiful woman with this big and (occasionally) unwieldly head full of curly hair. So, I was taking the verse LITERALLY in that moment. I have always been a bit jealous of her locks, if truth be told. It would take me several days and only the good Lord knows how much hair product to get the graceful curls she wakes up already having.

    The fact is, God already knows and loves a whole lot about Mary– curly hair and all. That quirky little giggle, the soft-spoken voice, and the kind heart she has– the Lord did all that. Mary cleans up like a queen. She’s truly a graceful and stunning woman. However, she’s also annoyingly lovely with her hair all a mess, no makeup, and no primp. She’s the kind of gal who doesn’t have to wear designer anything. The Lord simply drew her from the riches of His imagination and made her a loving, kind and beautiful human.

    Mary and I once took a trip to New York City together to visit her brother while he did a college internship with IBM. The three of us laughing uproariously through the streets of the “Big Apple” is still one of my most fond memories. She was up for whatever fun was happening, and it simply cemented in my mind that her (much lower) volume than mine should not be construed as lack of enthusiasm or substance. She’s a good egg.

    Mary is the mother of my sparkplug of a nephew Thomas and her very bright, multi-lingual, German/Canadian husband, Andreas. She’s got her hands full with a busy family life. However, she keeps going, trusting in the Lord on her journey. Her faithfulness and kind heart are her enduring qualities. Mary Jo, I want you to know that there is just so much I admire and appreciate about you. I definitely should have said so sooner. Also? I truly hope you had a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Much love!

  • Mad for…Michele

    He who watches over you will not slumber. (Psalm 121:3)

    So today, I’ve decided to talk less and post more photos than normal. To say that it’s been a long few years for my friend, Michele Maginot, would be a colossal understatement. Today marks the 4th birthday in a row that she has endured without her youngest daughter, Jen. The beautiful and utterly kind Jen would be 19 years old today.

    My fellow Boilermaker fan with the most hilarious dry sense of humor, Michele is also the most patient person around. How do I know this? It’s her beagles. Dear God in heaven, someone please explain to me how seemingly reasonable people like Michele seem to love their beagles despite all the destruction they leave in their wake!? Ha?

    Jen’s been much talked about for her kindness, and I know she’s in heaven today watching over her thoughtful, funny mama, as well as her Dad, Paul and her brother Greg and sis, Alli. Jen’s defining quality, I always thought, was a rather impressive reflection on the quiet grace and kindness she learned by the witness of her terrific mom.

    Michele, by the grace of God and many, many prayers offered, you’re still standing. I know you’re tired, I know the tank sometimes feels empty, and you might be running on fumes….but you’re still running. You’re allowed to slip away and find a quiet place, for a moment, an hour, a day. Just remember when you do it to rest your weary head on the shoulder of the One who never sleeps and who never ceases to watch over you because HE LOVES YOU. You are the beloved daughter of the most high God. So you just put your head in His lap today.

    Michele and Jen
    Alli, Jen, and Greg
    Paul and Michele

    You, my dear friend, are a family of 5. For now and forever. Therefore, I’ve posted pictures which reflect that. So today, my prayer for you is that God rains down grace for you so that you find the strength to take a deep breath, say a prayer and take the next step. God loves the way you keep calm and trust on, how you reach out to help others. He loves the way you keep going. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME for your positivity, strength and selflessness. I hope you feel the hug I’m trying to send you. I love you. Happy Heavenly Birthday to your girl. She sees you, and she’s SO PROUD.

  • Mad for…Ann

    “To help children, boys and girls, young men, women and adults to know and love the Lord ever more is one of the most beautiful educational adventures…” (Pope Francis)

    • Don and Ann Kalmey

    Day 41 of 365.

    One of her several recent notes read, “I wanted you to know that yesterday you were my special intention at mass and communion. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.” Meet Ann Kalmey. She’s the mother of one of my most dear friends on the planet, Lisa, as well as two more grown children, Lee Ann and Doug. She’s a grandmother to a whole slew of accomplished and amazing young people. I really know her just a little, from a sprinkling of moments together over the years, and yet this fact is utterly unsurprising.

    You and I, all of us actually, we sometimes wish for a better world, a better way, an improved life in one way or another. Standing between the ideal and reality are mountainous obstacles, colossal challenges….and we think I’m only one person!! What can I possibly do? Let me tell you what you can do! You can BE LIKE ANN!

    Ann and her incredibly fun-loving and intelligent husband raised their beautiful family with a strong base of faithfulness as it’s core. Ann spent much of her professional career as a principal at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School near Louisville, KY. Because Ann is an unbelievably articulate and very strong woman, I know without a doubt that the staff of teachers she led and the students under her care were both well educated in the faith and unconditionally and compassionately supported. “Without confidence and love, there can be no true education” said St. John Bosco. I quite agree. What an amazing way Ann has served the Lord with her life and vocation!

    In more recent years, Ann also FOUGHT THE BEAST….and she WON! I am confident she has met many other obstacles in her life besides breast cancer with similar fire and persistence. Her formidable strength and faithfulness as well as an overflowing helping of compassion are to me, her defining qualities.

    Here’s the thing Ann reminded me of in recent days with her persistent and thoughtful reaching out. God can do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. On our own our little efforts might be little in our minds eye, but when we live our lives with Christ at the center, we aren’t on our own– we are souls magnifying the Lord! We needn’t ever think “I can only do so much!”

    Thank you, Ann, for being an encouraging face of the Lord to all in your path. Your daughter, Lisa, is a fierce and unbelievably loving and faithful woman because of the love of her mother. I couldn’t do life without her, and this week I realize how fortunate I am that through her, I’ve been able to get to know her spectacular sparkplug of a mother….and snag a scoop of your fabulousness in my life too!

  • Mad for…Jane

    Day 40 of 365:

    We are so hilarious, I feel bad for the people who don’t get to listen to our conversations and enjoy our hilariousness. I like you, D, because you join in on my weirdness. D is short for “Dirt” by the way, which is the very affectionate nickname I gave Jane Mullin years ago. When I don’t call her “D” it just feels strange to me. Despite the fact that she’s a little bitty slip of a gorgeous woman, she IS older than me, older than DIRT you see. It stuck. Sometimes, she even gives me a birthday present with no card inside, just a little medicine jar full of dirt from her backyard. She’s not the kind of gal who gets offended when you insult her, INSTEAD, she smiles and calls you something even more offensive. Then, you both giggle.

    • The lady in red is my friend, Jane Mullin. She’s with her family here.

    Meet Jane. She’s the mom to two completely brilliant DePauw Tigers, Conner and Katie, and the wife of the best sports dad with whom I shared the stands for many years. She’ll be annoyed that I am telling the whole darn world that I think she’s one of the finest and most genuine, loving moms I have ever encountered. Her kids have a fantastic work ethic and they are high achievers, because she knows what she’s doing. She is the very face of love.

    Do you know that night when you were laughing so hard and you tried to stop, but you looked at the person and laughed so hard you no longer had oxygen and there were only tears but no more noise? Yeah, this is that friend. She drinks a little more beer than you think someone that size could manage. Also, she cusses. Furthermore, she sends long lovely letters offering prayers when she finds out you’re sick. When you respond to her fabulousness by being sentimental, she replies, “SHUT UP, Shell….you are being such a girl!” Then, you forget your bad day and you let out the best real laughter in a week.

    Her claim to fame at SLDM is the fact that SHE is the one who “issued sanctions” against a certain rival elementary school whose coach cheated BADLY in a 4th grade hoops contest years ago. That Catholic parish shall remain nameless here, to protect the innocent. Nevertheless, for years, our quiet protest was the “loss of sainthood”. We never published “St.” in front of their name on our internal game schedules after that. Oh yes, it’s as petty as it sounds…but if you have a sense of humor and you know her comic genius…it really IS that funny.

    In addition to all of this, Janie is unbelievably selfless and compassionate towards others. She’s utterly without guile, and she genuinely wants success and joy for everyone around her. Despite her silliness, she is a person who seems to always chooses to serve rather than stand still. Her life is filled with examples of self-sacrifice and smiles galore. She loves her family and her friends, and wow do we all love her back!!

    Thank you, D, for always being so darn encouraging. You never fail to cheer on all the athletes, lifting up others along the way, the same way you do your family and your friends. It’s inspiring, and it makes us all a little better for knowing you. It’s a beautiful thing to make a friend whose life may take a different path, whose face you may not see as often as you’d like but to know that it’s possible to do that without really ever growing apart. You always tell me “I love you like a sis”. Right back at you, D!

    I like this little quote, my hilarious friend, “Serve the Lord with Laughter!” It was spoken by St. Padre Pio and it reminds me of you. THANK YOU FOR THE LAUGHTER. I LOVE YOU, D!

  • Mad for…Danny

    Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God. -Karl Barth

    • Meet Danny, and his little sis…Shannon

    This twinkle-eyed kid on the left is Danny. God loves the way he shines. Danny reminds me of the scripture verse from the book of Matthew, the very famous 25th chapter. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.”

    What makes Danny so special is how kind he is. He’s remarkably gifted with young children, and so many times I have witnessed him comforting “the littles” in his own family. Younger siblings Ryan, Maddie and Shannon simply beam in his presence. I have no doubt that’s because they are absolutely certain that he’s just crazy about them.

    “To maintain a joyful family”, Pope John Paul II once said, “requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others.” This is the quality I most readily identify with the dimple cheeked, friendly, and affectionate Danny Hall. He is a natural born servant leader.

    Danny’s family is a truly unique and stunningly beautiful one, born of the darkest kind of tragedy. When he was 8, he lost both of his parents in a act of domestic violence that breaks my heart still. His mother, Shannon, was a friend. Her sons remind me of her so very much, and I know she is looking down from above full of pride for both her incredible boys. I know she also sees how compassionate, gentle, good-hearted Danny is every darn day. His immensely loving extended family and the entire community have stayed ever at his side, which makes all the difference, for sure. He’s being raised by his aunt and uncle, Colleen and Doug Stine. I could, and chances are good that I will write about them later. He has an older brother, Connor (the biggest Auburn fan EVER), and those three little cutie-pies I mentioned earlier.

    Here’s what I’d like Danny to know. I see you. I’ve noticed and so has Jesus. What you did, He saw. What you said, He heard. You might not even remember it. It was just a little thing, a part of who you are because of whose you are. It wasn’t little to Him, just like it’s not little to Ryan, or Mads, or Shan, or Moms…..or any of the people around you that you love up day after day. You are one phenomenal kid. When your smile reaches your eyes and the words come from your heart Danny, it’s a light that fills the room. Your kindness? It’s a gift from you to God. He loves you for it, and so do I!! You are a blessing to your family, to all at St. Louis de Montfort, and far beyond, kiddo.

    Thank you, Danny, for helping me see God by the way you light up a room with your smile. You make me want to be kind to others, just like you!!

    Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16)

  • 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…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!