My Dad was once, many moons ago, a student teacher at Benton Central High School in Benton County, Indiana. It was there that he met the now legendary figure, Dick Atha. My own experience with Atha is somewhat limited, but his grandsons Nathan Bohn and Mason Atha are the same age as my oldest son, Nick, who played on various baseball and basketball teams with these two over the years. In fact, Nathan and my oldest remain good friends and are roommates at Xavier University in Cincy.
Mr. Atha is a doting grandfather who enthusiastically cheered on his grandsons in numerous games we both attended over the past several years, and my own Dad, being the same kind of very proud grandpa happened to be present at some of these functions as well. A storyteller extraordinaire, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how much of what my Dad continued to share about this Atha character were true.
Well, today, a few days after it’s initial printing, I happened upon this phenomenal article about my Dad’s old pal, Dick Atha. It verifies everything Dad ever shared about this high quality, character filled man. I already deeply admired him for the integrity and compassion he instilled in his daughter, Mary (Atha) Bohn, my friend. It was also evident in our brief interactions that this is a genuine man filled with goodness and joy.
So today, I wanted a few more folks to see this great article written by my hometown newspaper, the Lafayette Journal & Courier. It celebrates the rich contributions made to his community and beyond by a truly terrific human. Click on the link above. It’s worth your time!
Thank you, Mr. Atha, for your heroic witness of what it means to spend your life in enthusiastic service to the young people of your community. We all can learn a lesson from your fire, constancy, and passion!
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor: 3:18)
This is my friend Mollie Smith, with her husband Adam. And yes, I can in fact name all the Smith children. They are even more fantastic than they look here!
Day 53 of 365: Mollie Smith
By now, most of you know that I am BIG on honoring the birthdays of folks I know and even those I don’t know as well. Birthdays should be a festival, I think! This week, it’s Mollie Smith’s festival. Her birthday was earlier in the week, and I’ve chosen today to tell you a little about her fabulousness.
I read this inspiring entry in a spiritual book recently and the chapter was titled, “God loves your family resemblance.” This immediately made me think of the Smith family, because their glorious clan is so recognizable, and they are a family who loves and serves the Lord with enthusiasm. I credit their mom (an amazing convert to the Catholic faith, by the way). She’s as fine a Christian woman as I have ever encountered. I mean, Adam’s okay too…ha?! It’s just this THIS WEEK, I am celebrating his bride.
Here are some of the highlights from that chapter I mentioned. I hope when you read it, it will give you a more clear picture of the type of mother and kind, compassionate woman I believe her to be, because these words make me think of Mollie….and Carly, Kolbe, Simon, Lily, Sadie, Wyatt, Luke and little Ella too. I’ve been watching them from a distance for some time, and this is a family that inspires in me a firm desire to love the Lord in the same joyful way they do– its seems to me to be born of the deep faithfulness they all share.
Do you giggle like your mom? Or chuckle and chortle like your dad? Do you remind everyone of your Great-Aunt Ruth? We tend to look and act like the people we’re related to– those whom we love. So…are you as kind as the King? Do you love like your Lord? Do you give like Jesus? Having your mom’s eyes or your dad’s smile is great, but when it comes to your heart, God is hoping it looks a lot like His. Because He just loves to see your family resemblance. (Tama Fortner)
Mollie, I know you are proud of your stunning family, and you should be. Jesus surely sees the family resemblance with your clan. The Lord is smiling down on you and sees your perseverance, your endurance, your kindness, the YES you have proclaimed just like Our Blessed Mother, and so do I. Thank you for the witness of faith you have shown me through every encounter I have ever had with you or any of your children. You are impressive, birthday girl!! HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, MOLLIE!
Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them. -St. Therese of Lisieux
Day 52 of 365: Fr. Richard Doerr
Feb. 21, 2019– About 10 years ago, one of my holiest friends noticed I was in a dark place. I’ll spare you the details, except to say that she insisted I should meet her friend, Fr. Richard Doerr. Spiritually and otherwise, I was just a hot mess. Like he does all week long, year after year, with countless folks who seek him out or who are sent to him against their will, he used his considerable pastoral gifts to help me find the Lord.
Fr. Richard Doerr
Priests have long been targets of the enemy of enemies. After all, these good guys, (and I promise you most of them are just that), live their lives in heroic service to others. My friend, Fr. Richard, is such a man. He won’t care for this birthday tribute one bit, but I’m stubborn and unreasonable so I’m offering it here all the same. Sorry for your luck, Padre.As a diocesan priest, he’s the pastor of a parish of over 4,000 families. That’s north of 14,000 souls who are in his care, folks. He’s a Purdue grad and so am I, therefore I will offer you this comparison with which to judge the enormity of the task he’s been assigned. Have you ever attended a basketball game at Purdue’s Mackey Arena? The number of souls he’s tasked with guiding towards the Lord is roughly equal to a sell out crowd at Mackey. Think about that the next time he doesn’t respond to your message in the time frame you’d prefer.
He carries burdens too heavy for his people to bear alone. He consoles every day, and despite the incredible work load, he carries the secret grief, the tragic loss, the family crises, and the painful failures. The needy and the poor know the parish he leads is a place of refuge. He’s pastorally gifted, and he seems to exist in a calm, rational state despite frequent episodes without a reasonable amount of sleep. You see, if someone in his flock truly needs him, the hour doesn’t matter. He goes where he is called. His cross is very heavy, and he bears it with love. Sometimes, he’s maddeningly spent. Always, he’s prayerful, and mindful of the grace and beauty of the life he lives.
Because authenticity is my favorite quality in humans, I’ll offer that he’s a genuine and very real guy who has been known to curse when a good cuss word is just the best option available, and he’s got a wicked, sarcastic and hilarious sense of humor which often carries him through the day. That sense of humor definitely makes his homilies accessible and memorable. He can be both joyfully irreverent and shockingly compassionate.
Don’t forget, though, he’s a human being. He’s got his own family, including a mother, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews on whom he dotes. Just like the rest of us, he’s needed to take mom to her doctor’s appointment or babysit for the little ones now and then. He needs and tries to take the time to be present for his own family. People forget that humanity and expect too much sometimes. It pleases me that he does an excellent job of looking after his physical health and he somehow manages to squeeze in workouts most days of the week.
All my people know I love this guy, and so does he. Keeping quiet isn’t a strength area for me. If I love you, I say so. Here’s the deal. This guy stuck with me when any other mere mortal would have told me to hit the road. I am nothing if not needy and persistent. He attempted to buy himself some oxygen by shoving spiritual books in my direction. I read them ALL. I was a sponge and I cried out for more. I fell in love with the saints, whom I had largely not yet met. I learned the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which I can only pray while singing aloud or in my mind, because it played on an endless loop on a CD he gave me. I was captivated by it’s beauty. He introduced me to Caravaggio’s art, which left me breathless. I’m not even going to tell you about the whole Taize prayer service he insisted I attend. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Well, I was moved to tears. You should find one and go. Talk about ridiculous!
When I take myself and my sins too seriously in confession, he says things like “Get off the cross, we need the wood, Shelly.” He makes me laugh at myself and he texts me stupid memes now and then when he’s had a long week or he sensed the same from me. He presides at reverent, beautiful masses and he sings like an angel. In short, he has been the most selfless shepherd I can ever imagine encountering. I realize his vocation calls for him to often be “in persona Christi”… but this guy? It’s like my husband says. He’s not messing around. Fr. Richard wants us to know and love the Lord. He spends himself entirely in the effort. I am but one of his 14,000. The number of people who have told me similar tales of their own powerful conversion which God orchestrated through this particular instrument would make your head spin.
Frequently, with his extra large heart on full display, he asks me for my prayers for parishioners who are suffering. It’s my deep honor to offer them. Today, I’d like to ask you to pray for him. It’s his birthday, and he does a stunning job keeping Christ in the lives of the people in his care. Please join me in asking God to grant him the same in his own. His life is one worth celebrating in a BIG way. Pray for your priest too– again and again. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FR. RICHARD!
Today’s Prayer for Priests, Offered for Fr. Richard Doerr:
O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priest, Fr. Richard. Give him a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of his priestly life.
In his loneliness, comfort him in his sorrows, strengthen him in his frustrations, point out to him that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show him that he is needed by the Church, he is needed by souls, he is needed for the work of redemption.
O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your son who is close to you because of his priestly ordination, and because of the power which he has received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs him so much. Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and especially help him to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy.
Video Story of Jeff Utzinger: Please click to watch
Day 50 of 365.
Today is the birthday of my old neighbor, Jeff Utzinger. Jeff’s the sunny, energetic, passionate, athletic father of three great kids (Jennifer, Jeffrey and George ) and the husband of a very sweet gal named Christine. In honor of his special day today, I’d like to ask you all to watch this important and heart warming video. From it we can all learn the importance of being courageous enough to be a good Samaritan, among other very useful lessons. It will tug on your heart strings, even if you don’t know Jeff AND it will convict you of the value of AED devices.
I thought the best way to honor my gracious and brave friend was to share his story and the message contained with a few more folks. If you’ve not seen it, it’s truly worth the time.
Jeff, today’s your day, and your life is certainly one worth celebrating! I am proud to know you and pleased to count you as a friend. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. I’m thankful for the memories and fun we’ve shared over the years and for the lesson in gratefulness and humility you’ve spread by being open with your story. Bill’s a hero, and SO ARE YOU! YOU ARE SAVING LIVES!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Oh God, you are my God- it is you I seek! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, in a land parched, lifeless, and without water. I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory. For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you! (Psalm 63: 1-4)
Colleen Ward, pictured here (a few years back) with her husband Marc and her 4 beautiful children.
Day 49 of 365.
If you take the time to notice the life being led by Colleen Ward, you’ll see a pattern of thanksgiving. She clearly believes, by her conspicuous witness, that our good and gracious God meant for us to not only thank Him for the graces He’s shared which enrich our lives, but also to thank others responsible for the small blessings that make our journey more pleasant.
I met Colleen many years ago when I was a working girl in a corporate communications job. In my role, I counted heavily on the expertise and legwork of a local PR firm, Coles PR, where Colleen was employed at the time. I’ll be candid. As clients go, I was a first class, high maintenance PIA. I look back on that time and roll my eyes at my ridiculousness. Colleen, then as now, was the definition of class, impressive work ethic, and kindness. She was and is now– bright, talented, professional and flat out impressive. Guerin Catholic High School made an incredibly far-sighted and positive move when they snagged her for her communications role several years ago. I know very few people whose integrity matches that of Colleen. She’s a positive, sunny, character-filled gift from the Lord.
Sometimes, folks need a meaningful expression of how they are valued. An expression of authentic gratitude to a world filled with folks who need to know that they matter is no small thing. I’ve seen Colleen express just these kinds of meaningful sentiments to and about lots of folks. The most impactful for me in terms of learning from her witness, though, are the public expressions of appreciation she continues to share about her family members.
EVERY SINGLE TIME, it reminds me of the St. (Mother) Teresa quote, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
Colleen is sunny, funny and self-deprecating. She lives her life in service to others, but spends herself quietly. Her lack of volume, however, should not be construed as a lack of strength. She is a fierce, capable woman of God. I notice and admire her most for loving her family lavishly, unconditionally, and maybe sometimes even foolishly– which is just the way God loves us. The way she praises the Lord with her life is inspiring. Today, on your special day, I want to turn the tables and thank you, Colleen, for being a powerful witness to me and many. If we all loved our families and those around us as you do, WOW would the world be transformed!
TODAY, YOUR LIFE DEFINITELY DESERVES TO BE CELEBRATED!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLLEEN WARD!!!
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ Matthew 6:31
Above right, Julie Kiffmeyer pictured with her terrific husband, Joe.
On day 7 of his life on this planet, Matthew, the infant son
of Joe and Julie Kiffmeyer stopped nursing.
He began to fuss and cry uncontrollably.
This was their third son. Julie
surmised she was having her first experience with a colicky baby. Over the next day or so, there were moments
of calm, but mostly Matthew was just a wailing mess of a sweet thing. And he wouldn’t nurse. She wondered if she’d eaten something spicy,
she wracked her mind for ideas. He wouldn’t eat despite her trips to the
drugstore for every kind of nipple and bottle available on the market.
Then, he turned a very scary shade of dark red. She took him to see the pediatrician. A lengthy examination ensued, which led to
more of the same. Initially, nothing
seemed amiss. Then, suddenly they saw a
clue. His eyes were twitching, and he
was clenching his fists. Her baby boy
was seizing. Every 5 minutes.
“I was calm,” Julie declares when we asked her to recount
the years old details. “Had I been less
so, I think probably they would have sent me home with the usual remedies and
suggestions for a colicky baby. It was
my calm demeanor that I think led to a closer look. I clearly was not an over-reactor.”
It wasn’t long before more tests and an MRI revealed that
Matthew had a level 4 brain bleed affecting the left side of his brain. Although his symptoms and prognosis really
are unique to him alone, his official diagnosis was cerebral palsy.
“My mom taught me to trust in God and not worry. I was raised in an Episcopalian home. God gives you what you can handle. How Matthew is? That’s how we’re all supposed to be.”
I knew exactly what she meant. You see, Matthew is the same age as my middle son, Drew. They are both teenagers now, and anyone who knows Mattie knows he’s an amazing, sunny kid. When I met the Kiffmeyers, Matthew was about 4 years old. We were both busy Catholic school moms with kids the same ages. A lot of people would look at the situation as an obstacle, but Julie? She revels in every single success, and she flat out just celebrates the gift of her son—actually all of her 4 children. Andrew, their oldest, is in grad school in St. Louis, a physical therapist. Jimmy is a UC Bearcat, next comes the aforementioned Matthew and then sweet Sarah is an 8th grader with my Zach at SLDM. I’ve never detected anything but gratefulness and I’ve heard a whole lot of laughter as I observe her family. Personally, I think it’s hereditary. AND, like all our best qualities, the positivity I see in her children, well, I think it’s a gift born of God and passed down by their mother! Ha?!! Ok, maybe they won the double DNA lottery. Dad, Joe, is a pretty fantastic human too.
Julie is graced with the outward looking smile. This smile is one which is aimed at another
for his or her benefit. It’s the silent
and powerful acknowledgment that she sees the presence of Christ in that
person. Love is a decision. When we love, we are making a decision to
look outward. It’s not about impressing
someone or looking the part. Have you
ever considered how you might answer the question if God asks you “How did you
love me?” Julie has.
Do you know anyone who smiles with their entire body? I know a lot of people with beautiful smiles
who are just showing their teeth and flashing their cuteness at me when I see
them. People who smile are pretty much
my most favorite people, I’ll be honest.
However, there is a vast difference between smiling and radiating a glow
that envelops those in your path. A real
smile is authentic, and it simply can’t be faked. It’s a response to all the joys and chaos of
life, and it attracts admirers. Do you
know anyone that smiles like that?
My well-adjusted, authentic, bright, warm and compassionate
friend Julie is such a person. With all
the energy in a 3-foot radius, she smiles, hugs and giggles to greet others. She knows what to savor and what to
disregard. Her positive perspective can
turn any problem into an opportunity for growth. She listens.
She notices. Quite simply, she
sees the value of each passing moment.
She’s content and aware in whatever moment she inhabits in a way few
others can manage.
This is a woman with 4 amazing children, but she’s had moments of struggle. I shared the story of her son Matthew to illustrate this point. Life hasn’t been perfect. She knows her life belongs to the Lord and she trusts God and just lives today better than almost anyone I’ve ever met.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” When we exhibit the virtue of joy, we recognize that happiness is rooted not in things of this world, like money or power or possessions, but in being believers of Christ. Our joy is in being a beloved child of God.
Julie is a Jesus girl.
She is a happy and amazing woman of God.
Thanks for showing me what JOY is supposed to look like,
Julie. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I LOVE YOU, FRIEND!
She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
This globe-trotting cutie is Erin (Vanderkleed) Ulrich. In this photo, she and I were grabbing a glass of wine in Sorrento, Italy with our moms. She was a very key cog in my one and only overseas adventure. You see, it turns out Erin is a map reading, walking tour SAVANT.
In my growing up years in Lafayette, Erin and her family were a fixture. Our Dads were buddies in high school, both proud members of the Jefferson Bronchos tennis team. My dad was best man in her parent’s wedding. The Vanderkleeds had two girls, and there were two of us Dykhuizen girls. I was the oldest and Erin was the youngest, so she’s several years younger than me, and that’s all you need to know! Ha?
Erin and her really fantastic husband, Brad, are both Purdue grads and therefore, fellow Boilermakers. They have three children (Jack, Sara and Lily) and she lives in Libertyville, IL. Erin is a woman of tremendous strength and formidable aptitude in most anything she puts to her mind. She’s moved across the country with her husband as he climbed through the ranks at Walgreens over the years, which I am certain has not been an easy task to manage with a young family in toe. From afar (and through my mom’s updates) I’ve kept up with Erin and her sister, Jill, through the years.
Erin’s a wife, mother, sister, and an aunt. She enjoys running and she’s incredibly beautiful, even after walking 10 miles while reading non-stop from a Rick Steves walking tour guide to Rome (after an overnight flight from Chicago). How did she do that? Truly, she has a certain elegance with which she carries herself. I watched her for 10 days and I still can’t figure out how she ties her scarves in such a charming way. When she does it, it looks so easy and darling…while I am pretty much a tangled mess! Ha!
She’s lived in Chicago, in Oklahoma, in Boston and now she’s back to Chicago. Did I miss a stop? I’m not entirely sure. As a mother, one’s concern is for the health and emotional well being of her children during times of chaos. Her plate has been full with their adventurous roaming. I have tremendous admiration for Erin’s energy, fortitude and toughness.
Erin, I know I’m a couple days late on the birthday love, but perhaps you should know that I am all about the FESTIVAL style celebration when it comes to these things!? I’m incredibly grateful for our chance to reconnect during what was a truly meaningful and beautiful trip this past fall! Having you there made the experience so much better. Thank you also for your kind words and encouragement during my recent health craziness. They were truly appreciated!
From your witness, I’ve learned how important it is to remember that strength comes from persistent and continuous effort…we’ve just got to keep going! If we do that, we’ll be just fine. You are a terrific human. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY FRIEND!! I hope it was a great one!
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Christian, on the left with my oldest son Nick, when they were 10.
A recent photo of CD with his little brother, Malcolm
My oldest son, Nick, when he was in kindergarten, came home day after day telling me about his friend, Christian. When I happened upon this mysterious little guy’s mom at a school “movie night” I immediately introduced myself and told her that I sure as heck hoped she’d heard the name “Nick” at her house, because my kid was crazy about her son. When she assured me this was not new information to her, I just recall saying “Well, THANK GOD!” The two boys (and their mothers) became fast and lasting friends.
Meet Christian Daniels. When I first met this smart, earnest, and polite little sports lover, I knew immediately he was a high quality human being. It was obvious even at age 5. Seriously, CD just entered the world a kind, articulate little guy and these facts remain unchanged, as does his lifelong love for U of L sports teams.
Quick-witted, big-hearted and unflappable, Christian has always been both a hard worker and a high achieving student. He’s a natural leader, a quality which has been evident throughout his life. In grade school he was the point guard on the basketball team and the QB on the football field. In high school, he was captain of the basketball team (AND he was an IHSAA State Champion), and now he’s the top dog at his fraternity at Miami of Ohio. His peers have always respected him, because, quite frankly, he’s a respectable guy. It’s that simple.
Christian is faithful, a man of integrity, mature and self-confident. He has a positive attitude, and he’s a gentleman. He’s true to his word. If he tells you that he is going to do something, you can count on it. He has a high moral compass and he’s an honest and compassionate friend with a terrific sense of humor. I could not ask for a better young man to have in my house eating those pancakes he learned to cut LIKE A BEAST in my very own kitchen! (Ha? See what I did there CD?)
As a big brother, there just isn’t a finer example. Who else do you know at age 19 who makes extra trips to and from school so he can coach his little brother’s CYO team? I wish I could adequately describe to you the pure joy and pride on Malcolm’s face because his big brother was on that bench with him, coaching his team. That selflessness on CD’s part and for the benefit of all those little SLDM Cardinals will never be forgotten by his little brother, who truly worships him.
Last week, I got a beautiful note from CD. In it, he spent considerable time thanking me for the kindnesses shown to him over the years. It was classic Christian in tone, just positive and upbeat, brightening my day and spreading happiness, because he can. He looks for the good in others, and in a world filled with so many people who don’t take the time to do the same, Christian SHINES.
Happy 21st Birthday to you, CD! My life and the lives of all the Thieme family are so much richer because of your presence. What inspires me about you is the way your character shines, no matter the circumstances. The quote (above) that you shared with me in your note made me smile. You said it was one of your favorites, and I can see why. It fits you perfectly. LOVE YOU, KID.
A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, no scales can measure his worth. (Sir 6:14-15)
Jake Andriole, with Zach and Drew
When Drew and Jake were about 8 years old or so, he and his SLDM basketball teammates were warming up very early one Saturday morning at the Indiana Basketball Academy. The doors had just opened and clearly the heat had been off during the night. It was quite chilly at 7:30am, so Drew grabbed his gloves and put them on as he warmed up. Drew suffers from Raynaud’s Syndrome. When the temperatures get too chilly, he begins to lose circulation in his fingers. He’s an ace at managing it. This particular morning, a player warming up on the opposing end starting harassing Drew a little, making fun of his gloves. Drew ignored him. However, his good buddy Jake was having exactly NONE OF IT.
“Hey, dude! He’s got like a disease or something. How ’bout you BACK OFF!”
There you have Jake in a nutshell. He’s about loyalty, courage, and integrity. I’ve told that story 100 times, but that’s because it captures his essence with such clarity.
When a person does what is right by their own personal values and morals, that’s integrity, and that’s Jake. He properly cares for others, even when it costs him something or he has to stick his nose out a little. He’s faithful in the way he shows up, in good times and bad times. If Jake’s your friend, he’ll call you an idiot to your face if it needs doing, but behind your back, no one will defend you like he will. He loves with his whole heart.
Jake Andriole is a guy’s guy and strong as an ox, but also he’s a big teddy bear. He’s gifted when dealing with children, and has zero sense of entitlement. It’s so refreshing.
I’m not at all sure Jake realizes how much God has been at work in his life, but He truly has graced this talented, loyal, confident, grateful, outgoing, and sunny young man with outrageous riches. His presence at my breakfast table definitely set the record for most pancakes ever eaten in one setting, but make no mistake, he’s welcome ALWAYS. This kid has been a terrific blessing to our family.
Watching you run your race is something I’ve been doing since you were a very little boy, Jake Dan. You’ve been strong, fierce and sure, following the path laid out before you– even when you are not entirely sure what is coming next. Wherever you’re headed, you always encourage others. I’ve seen you encourage fellow athletes as well as friends and family members. 100% of the time, I want YOU on my team.
HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY, JAKE DAN! Thank you for always making me smile, for the great big bear hugs, and for the gift of your sunshine in my life and the life of Drew, to whom you have been the most loyal friend imaginable. I LOVE YOU, KID!!
Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
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)
He Never Misses 