He Never Misses

Category: MAD FOR 2019

  • Mad for…Clay

    With my own voice I will call out to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. (Psalm 3:5)

    Day 74 of 365.

    The handsome college freshman in the center of this trio of great guys is Clay Hepp. Clay is a 2018 graduate of Guerin Catholic High School and he now attends the University of Dayton. Having him back in my house this week has been a great gift as he always leaves me, Tom (and my sons) feeling joyful. This is a sharp, gracious, and sunny young man. He’s witty and he’s kind.

    I was going to wait until later in the year to write about Clay, as his birthday is in the fall, but right now is when this young man needs all of our prayers, so I’ve decided there is no time like the present to give a shout out to this terrific kid! When we put God first, all other things ten to fall into their proper place in our lives, and it seems to me, Clay is working very hard to do just that. You see, currently, Clay is going through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process at UD. He’s a Candidate, converting to the Catholic faith with his older brother, Cole, as his sponsor.

    So today, I chose a little bit of the third Psalm as I started to write a little about this faith-filled young man because I hope he will always remember that the Lord is available, and when we call He answers. It’s not always the answer we expect or the one we hoped for but He’s trustworthy and He can be counted on– for now and forever. God always wills what is best for us because He is love itself. Join me in prayer for Clay as he rounds third base and heads towards home on the RCIA journey, that as he embarks on his new adventure in faith this Easter, the Lord will draw him ever closer, and that he will always know God loves him no matter what!

    This young man is already an incredibly loving and attentive son and brother as well as a caring and thoughtful friend. He’s gifted, honest, and articulate. He sparkles. This is a young man who is absolutely a blessing to all who know him. However, I predict an even brighter version of Clay is about to shine forth…and I am so happy for him! I cannot wait to wish him a Happy Easter as the sacraments and all their grace are opened to him.

    Clay, thank you for always being a good friend to Drew and a good example to Zach of what an integrity-filled friend looks like. Your big, silly smile and fantastic laugh have always been a great joy to the entire Thieme clan. We love you, Clay Hepp!!

  • Mad for…Gachia

    Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)

    Day 73 of 365.

    Do you see the joyful mother and wife on the left here in the photo above? That’s Gachia Hoefer. She’s one of the most genuinely friendly and welcoming souls I have ever come across. For this reason, I think the little bit of scripture above is a perfect choice as I attempt to honor her today with some positive words. I’m quite sure that when and if an angel crosses her path unknowingly, they will have been treated as hospitably as humanly possible. It seems to just be who she is and what she does.

    Long before I began to attend mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, I would make fairly regular visits to the parish office. I was uneasy, unsure, and completely self-conscious about my presence there. Gachia was the face that greeted me on nearly every visit I made. After a while, she began to recognize my face, and she was very consistent. She smiled, she welcomed, and she put me at ease. I suspect it was the exact thing she did with countless others who came in lost, lonely, scared or searching.

    Gachia’s a face I recognize and a name I know, but we are not really acquainted at all. I have her on my mind today because I happen to know she’s on a long car ride from Colorado back to Indiana at this moment. I learned about them being stuck out west during the Colorado blizzard this week and how they have had to bob and weave from their original plans, driving back in less than ideal conditions. I’ve been praying for their safe travels.

    With the Hoefers on my heart today, I was reminded of a time that my appointment at the office at OLMC was delayed. Pastor, Fr. Richard Doerr, was to meet with me, but he was running behind. I wondered if I should go and come back another day, but Gachia waved off the idea and invited me to pray with the office staff while I waited. She drew me in. It was just one tiny example of what she spent many years doing…introducing random strangers to the love of God with her kindness and her smile.

    Gachia, the Lord loves your welcoming ways, and so do I. I so wish that I had stopped in to say so in person, or even written a note of gratitude when you retired from your post as parish secretary. You are an amazing, lovely and faith-filled woman and I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know you just a little. The witness you provided me means that even now when I see you at a distance at mass, just spotting you in a crowd is a wonderful reminder to me about how I’d like to treat others with the same joy and care! THANK YOU for your service to the parish and for your kindness to me over several years. I think you are a giant scoop of awesome sauce!

  • Mad for…Georgia

    See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! -1 John 3:1

    Day 72 of 365.

    I chose this scripture verse above to honor a very special woman named Georgia today, because it’s a good respresentation of what it really what it feels like to me to have had her in my life these many years. There she’s been at every event of consequence through the years, cheering me on and supporting my family. It’s like God telling me how lavishly I am loved. She’s what I call my “back up Mom”. I spent every single summer vacation of my youth with her and her amazing husband, Chuck and her son Ted, who truly is like a brother to me. The Dykhuizens and Stumpfs were pretty much a perfect vacation match. Those are memories I will always treasure.

    Georgie’s a retired English teacher so I’ll share this appropriate bit of Shakespeare as well. You’ll “find though she be but little, she is fierce.” Standing around 4’11, there’s nothing quiet or introverted about Georgia. She’s generous with her thoughts and absolutely lacks any filter when it comes to the asking of whatever curiosity enters her mind. It makes me laugh and keeps everyone on their toes who is in her orbit. This special feature of her personality was somewhat disturbing during my teenage years while I was dating. “Has he kissed you yet?” Questions of this ilk were very commonplace. Mostly, I can’t help loving her authenticity. She’s 100% genuine.

    Georgia has a beautiful smile and when she gets laughing, it’s completely contagious. More than once, she’s gotten me laughing so hard that I can no longer breathe and I am left fanning myself for oxygen. She’s joyful, and she’s kind.

    Here’s the thing. I know if I called for her help or advice even today, she would sweep right in with her love and scoop me up. She’s an amazing woman who I truly love and TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday, Georgia. I am so truly thankful for you and I love you very much!!

  • Mad for…Msgr. Laughlin

    My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. –Thomas Merton

    Day 71 of 365.

    Meet Msgr Laughlin. He’s a retired priest with family in the area and he often presides at daily masses at nearby Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. This morning was such an occasion. He spoke to us this morning about prayer, and he referred at some length to the famous Thomas Merton prayer I’ve shared above. I have always found it incredibly comforting, and in fact I had it displayed for several years on my fridge.

    I am told the Msgr. is in his mid 90s. This fact blows my mind, mostly because he’s so incredibly coherent and filled with such wisdom that nearly every time he is there saying mass I end up digging for my phone to quickly jot down something he said. I’ve more than once gone into the adoration chapel and found him kneeling in prayer there. Let’s be honest, the chances of many of us being physically able to do either of those things in our mid-nineties is slim to none, am I right? He’s quite clearly a holy and prayerful man, and I feel grateful he has chosen central Indiana as the place he is spending his retirement.

    Some time ago, he shared a sentiment similar to the one above written by Merton that settled on me in a meaningful way. It went something like this. 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 would, right? It’s the same attitude we need with God. He has a plan for us, he’s worthy of our trust. If we stay with Him, it all ends well. Beautiful truth, spoken simply.

    Today’s gospel message about the importance of praying to glorify God and trusting Him with our lives struck me as incredibly filled with wisdom and meaning. So, this man of God, well into his retirement years, is STILL the face of Christ to others by his witness and his words. Thank you, Lord, for Msgr. Laughlin and all your holy priests!! I am so grateful for them, every single one.

  • Mad for…Tim

    May the light of the Lord shine upon you and grant you happiness on this birthday and for many years to come!

    Day 70 of 365.

    A long, lanky guy who stands about 6’4, Tim Houze is a good man who has a big heart that matches his stature! Today’s birthday boy is both compassionate and warm, and he is always ready to share a genuine hug and an encouraging word!

    I met Tim when he began to date my close friend, Lisa, many years ago. At that time, she was a single mom raising her beautiful son, Christian. When Tim joined them, it just seemed to me that they never missed a beat. I was always incredibly impressed by how he took instantly to the role of Dad. He has proven to be a loving and terrific father to both Christian and their younger son, Malcolm as well. The boys adore their Dad, as well they should.

    Tim is a generous and faithful guy and an active member at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church. He’s made numerous mission trips to Mexico over the years with some amazing men from his parish to help provide housing for the poor– a commitment of time and talent that always leaves me incredibly moved. What’s not to love about a group of men behaving so selflessly?

    In recent weeks as I had some medical drama, Tim showed up at my front door with his sunny smile to visit. He just wanted to check in on me in person and make sure that I know I’m loved. Mission accomplished, Timmy! As you left, I could only think of the famous quote by St. Thomas Aquinas, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” It wasn’t long after that, and my dear friend Tim Houze suffered a little drama of his own….a fall which resulted in 8 broken ribs and a punctured lung among other injuries. As I type this, Tim’s still got many weeks to recover before he’s back to full strength. However, you can’t keep a good man down for long! He’ll be back and stronger than ever very soon.

    Tim is a just, upright and respectful man who I am proud to call a dear friend. When I see him, I know I can count on being greeted with warmth and genuine love. His presence in my life and the lives of my sons and husband is an utter blessing from the Lord. We love you, Timmy, and your life is one which should all be celebrating today on your special day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIM HOUZE! LYMI!!

  • Mad for…Mireille

    Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent, and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play. –Henri Matisse

    Day 69 of 365.

    She loves life in such a contagious way that, as you can see, it even comes through in a photo of her! Meet Mireille Wannemuehler. She’s a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and a friend to many…to name a few of her most important roles.

    I met Mireille when she was teaching. Now retired, she spent many years as the art teacher at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. Make no mistake about it, Mireille is as joyful in person as she looks in this photo and also she is a creative genius. She’s a truly talented artist who generously has shared that gift with her parish family over the years!

    Mireille is the owner of an infectious, welcoming smile and one of the absolute best laughs I’ve ever heard. It’s just so incredibly genuine. She’s beautifully gentle and compassionate. She sees the very best in others, and she’s just the most loving mother who raised very impressive young women! She’s charming and she’s one of those people who is the barometer of goodness. Truly.

    Mireille is faith-filled. Her love of the Lord oozes from her without any effort whatsoever. Perhaps without even knowing it, Mireille is the face of Christ to all in her path. I’ve long admired her and have failed to say so….until today!

    Thank you, Mireille, for being a beacon of sunshine for my boys and all the children for all those years at SLDM. Also, though, I find myself grateful for the great gift of being the recipient of your smile so many time….in Fishers and also when we’ve run into you in South Haven, Michigan over the years. You are a truly fine human being and my life and that of my family are so much better for knowing you!!

  • Mad for…Shelley

    The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. -Dr. Suess

    Day 68 of 365.

    A Brooklyn, New York native, Shelley Bethel might be far from home, but she seems to me to be living her best life here in central Indiana! This sassy gal is boldly smart, sunny and a little saucy too! She’s got a smile that’s a mile wide and the warmest hug around. In short, Shelley is a fine human being, mom to Bryson, Jackson and Addy and wife to Mike. Her children are respectful and full of personality. In my book, both of these are signs of excellent parenting. There is just so much to admire about Shelley.

    Though I have only known Shelley a short time, I have a tremendous amount of respect for her for so many reasons. As the mother of 3 very busy children, her energy is tireless. There is ALWAYS a sporting event to attend or a practice to manage. When you add to that the fact that she works a job that never allows a human free time and two of her kiddos are diabetic (with all the added stress and responsibility of managing their health), I find myself a little in awe. I’m sure it’s much, much harder than she makes it look.

    Shelley is a teacher and a tireless advocate for the value of books and reading for children. That’s why I chose the sweet Dr. Suess quote to feature as I attempt to honor her today! If you’ve learned anything about me by now during my little 2019 blog project, it’s that I hold ALL TEACHERS in the highest possible regard. Blessed are the children who find Shelley Bethel leading their classroom!

    Finally, my friend Shelley is a faithful woman and a recent convert to the Catholic Church. She’s pictured above with her pretty terrific sponsor, Lisa Finn. Shelley is prayerful and has a lovely, compassionate heart for others. She’s not afraid to ask for help when she needs it, a quality I admire greatly, because it highlights her authentic humility. I am praying often that her conversion to our shared faith will continue to lead her to the Lord!

    Mostly, Shelley makes me smile and laugh. She doesn’t seem to take life too seriously, and with all of her responsibilities I find that an inspiring witness. THANK YOU SHELLEY, for your fine example of what it means to be a terrific wife, mother, teacher and friend! I hope my little shout out today helps you remember what an utterly beloved daughter you are of our Most High God! Hugs to you, Shelley!!

  • Mad for…Kelli

    A nation that kills its children in the womb has lost its soul. –St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

    Meet Kelli Wilson. As you can see, Kelli is a wife and mother of four young adults. She’s a gal I have admired from a distance for some time. I’ve watched her cheer on her kids and I’ve witnessed her even more in constant motion in her work role at Guerin Catholic High School where she is the Director of Admissions.

    It takes a special, sunny and very selfless person to flourish in this position at a Catholic High School. One must be thick-skinned and just a vigorous person full of energy and positivity in order to succeed. There are so many details to handle and communicate, and even more people who need someone to hold their hand through the process. Without her natural vitality, Guerin Catholic would be missing such an important piece of the puzzle. Her attitude is one of service and selflessness, which makes her a terrific witness to all those around her for how God wishes us to treat others.

    Over the years, I have sent her MANY emails that basically said “SOS”. Kelli always comes through to help in a timely fashion and she seems to wave off the hassle of yet another parent who “missed the memo” that I’m fairly certain she sent me several times already. Her patience and kindness shine!

    I admire Kelli for her genuine smile and authentic warmth, which is always on display. She’s a faith-filled woman and that shows in all she does. She’s been a vocal supporter of justice for all life from conception through natural death, which is both beautiful and courageous. That is why I chose the quote above to honor her today. It’s the one on display on some of her social media, an act which is meaningful and brave.

    Thank you, Kelli, for being a wonderful example in your life of how to treat others. Your trademark smile and warmth always inspire in me a desire to try and be just as hospitable as you are to the Thieme family each time we interact with you! When you treat folks like that, it surely draws families to GC and also to Christ. We are grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Matt

    What all good teachers have in common, however, is that they set high standards for their students and do not settle for anything less. -Marva Collins

    Day 66 of 365.

    A number of years ago when my oldest son started high school, a list was sent home to parents containing the names of suggested peer tutors for those struggling with their studies in Spanish. Among the names on the list was my son, Nick, which is, I assume, why I received the note. I glanced at it quickly at first and then noticed something striking. About 95% of the peer tutors listed were graduates of St. Louis de Montfort, the grade school my sons all attended. I quizzed Nick about it and he said immediately, “Oh, yeah, Mom….we are all WAY AHEAD of everyone else in Spanish. Turns out, Senor Ward is a beast!”

    What makes Matt Ward stand out to me is the obvious satisfaction he gets in rousing interest in the Spanish language in his students, and his remarkable ability to convey to them the value of improving their skills. He’s empathetic with his students, he respects them, and he teaches with the belief that each one of the faces in his classroom has something special upon which he can build. He explains, he demonstrates and he inspires. His class is never easy, but he is always fair and encouraging. Also? He’s got a great sense of humor. He has the students call him “Don” Ward, (apparently “Don” means lord in Spanish). This is what I’m told. What do I know? I took French in high school. Mostly, I remember saying “Ca va bien” quite a bit. My teacher was definitely no Matt Ward. Anyway, I love the nickname Don Ward! It makes me giggle.

    Several months ago, my middle son, a recent Guerin Catholic graduate, discovered that he was taking with him to Purdue fourteen (14) credits in Spanish. That’s a lot of college credit and Drew gave a great deal of the credit for his proficiency in this subject area to the years he spent with Matt Ward at SLDM. In fact, I am fairly certain Drew even sent him a note to say thanks. That’s an impressive display of appreciation from an 18 year old, German, and very stoic kid like Drew Thieme. It spoke volumes to me as a parent too!

    Matt is a teacher for whom I have mad respect. He works very hard and his efforts have paid significant dividends in the long term for the Thieme boys. I’m sure the daily grind of teaching Spanish to grade school children must be in some ways exhausting and monotonous, but Matt? You are a GEM! You are an integrity-filled and high quality human being. You are kind and funny, never taking yourself too seriously. We feel very fortunate that our children have had the chance to learn from you!!

    This evening in your honor, I am even going to try and overlook the annoying questions Zach will inevitably ask me about dinner IN SPANISH (because he knows I have no clue what he’s talking about) and therefore he feels superior. For one day only, I am going to be less bugged and more pleased that he’s interested in what you’re doing with the kiddos in your classroom. Tomorrow? Well, I’ll probably be back to rolling my eyes and asking him to translate to English!!

    THANK YOU, MATT WARD for being exceptional! I am grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Bill

    SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS, BE A CARRIER.

    Bill Grace, left, with his grandson Cooper!

    Day 65 of 365.

    If there was ever a man I should have honored YESTERDAY, on Fat Tuesday, it’s Bill Grace. But, we’re still close enough, so I’m going for it anyway! You see Bill is a Louisiana native, RABID LSU FAN, and Mardi Gras is more than just near and dear to this joyful man. Just like New Orleans itself is such a unique city with its multi-lingual heritage and striking creole cuisine, so is “Mayor Bill” an unforgettable and unrepeatable character!

    A decade or more ago when I met him, I believe he had already proclaimed himself “Mayor Bill” and he remains to this day the Mayor of the Lakes of Hazel Dell subdivision on the east side of Carmel. We lived several years a few door down from the Mayor and the man knows a thing or two he could share with the rest of the politicians out there. He’s a man of both compassion and integrity.

    If smiles are contagious, then Bill Grace is a carrier. He’s funny, genuine, and knows how to enjoy life! He loves to run and he takes an extreme amount of pride in his yard, which is always spectacular. When the snow begins to fall, one can count on Bill to be making his way up and down the streets clearing sidewalks and driveways for others. His thoughtfulness is an impressive gift to the community.

    Bill is a husband to Leslie, as well as a doting father and grandfather. His family has known it’s share of suffering, but Bill always plows ahead with a positive, can-do attitude during any kind of storm. He’s the kind of guy who somehow seems to be able to stand in its midst and remain steadfast. His family is truly blessed by him, and so are all who have spent any time near him. He’s one of the good guys, and those are folks worth celebrating!

    Thank you, Bill, for your simple gift of joy and goodness to those around you. We could all stand to be inspired and share a little more of the same in our own little corner of the world! I think you make such a positive difference in the world and I wanted to say so…even if I am a day late! You, sir, are THE REAL DEAL! Here’s hoping your Mardi Gras 2019 was spectacular! #GeauxTigers