Category: MAD FOR 2019

Happy people don’t have the best of everything, they make the best of everything!

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Above is a picture of two out of the three exceedingly beautiful Kordesh women. On the left is my friend, Barb, and she’s pictured here with her daughter Kristen. I met Barb and her husband Steve a few years ago through CYO sports at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Fishers, where their son Matthew signed up to play a little basketball. He ended up on Zach’s team, and Tom was his coach.

As a parent to three boys who attended school from Pre-K through 8th grade at a Catholic elementary school, I quickly came to admire the “non-school” families who not only signed their children up to play CYO sports at their parish, but who decided to dive completely in to a group already very well-acquainted with one another. It’s hard to be the “outsider”. Jumping right in was definitely what the Kordesh family chose to do, and I hope they experienced a warm welcome! So many of us immediately enjoyed Barb, Steve and Matthew. What I love about Barb is that she keeps smiling, no matter what life brings, and she was always up for whatever shenanigans we were undertaking. If we had a pizza party, there they were. If we decided to organize a Christmas toy drive for a needy family, Barb always said “count us in”, willing to do what she could.

Her sarcastic good humor, competitive fire, and positivity are what stand out most for me about Barb over the course of time. She’s interested and engaging, articulate and kind. She’s the mother to three: Kristen, Katie and Matthew. Those are three incredibly blessed young people to have such an energetic and loving mama! I ran into Barb a few weeks ago when her Matthew and our Zach played on opposing teams for a high school tennis match. Matthew and his Fishers Tigers were much too much for the Guerin Catholic tennis boys that day, but it was so wonderful to have a few moments to catch up with Barb and hear the latest and greatest. As always, her warmth and bright smile made my day!

Barb, I am long overdue to share with you how much I truly enjoyed our time together over the years while our youngest kiddos played hoops together. Your sunniness and awesome sense of humor never failed to make every interaction with you a positive experience. I chose the quote above as I attempt to honor you today because to me it speaks loudly about the quality of your character. Thank you for choosing happy and sprinkling it around! We’re all better for knowing you, and the whole darn world would be too if we follow your lead!

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. (Phil. 4:6)

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My neighbor and friend, Jamie McClaine (pictured above with her son), is a beautiful woman of faith. She’s the mother to Maci and Gray and the wife to a handsome guy named Fred. I haven’t spoken to Jamie since she took her youngest (son) to college, but she’s been on my mind. I’m not sure she was quite ready for the concept of “empty nest”. Jamie is a truly loving and supportive mother, and wow are those two young people blessed to have her in their lives! This evening as I was reflecting on my college boys, she came into my mind and I decided I should check in on her and also….I’d like to tell you a little more about her! She’s a woman who makes a positive difference for others.

Jamie is gentle, with a bright perspective and a quiet voice. She’s not a physically large person at all, but her heart is bigger than most for sure! She’s caring and compassionate as well. I remember a couple years back a day when we were both attending mass at Guerin Catholic. On this particular day, I began to sweat profusely out of nowhere about half way through, and I had to escape to get some air. I came back in later feeling much better but I didn’t take my seat. Jamie reached out to check on me afterward to make sure I was okay. I assured her that other than just being a woman of a certain age experiencing a poorly timed hot flash, I was going to survive. She laughed and commiserated with me that afternoon, but it was her genuine concern that I recall. That’s typical of Jamie. She goes out of her way to care. When you speak to her, she is listening and she makes you feel like she is totally focused on enjoying that moment with you.

Jamie is a woman of character and integrity, and a peaceful, dignified woman of faith. Honestly, she’s among a select group of gals who make me think of Our Blessed Mother. With her selflessness, quiet light, and her wisdom, I find her a beautiful example of love.

So, Jamie, today seems as good a day as any to tell you that I so admire your faithfulness and your authenticity. Hopefully, you are weathering the new empty nest as well, with your trademark positivity! Thank you for being a wonderful example of holy motherhood and faith– as well as a bearer of light for all around you! Let’s grab coffee soon, okay friend? You are a gem and I am way overdue to say so!!

Time and good friends are two things that become more valuable the older you get.

Today is the 15th birthday of one of my all-time favorite kids. Anthony is the youngest of the three Ferrucci brothers, and the son of Steve and Julie. His big brothers, Vincent and Dominic are pretty swell humans too, but it’s this guy who has been a lifelong friend to our Z. In fact, I’ve got some pretty spectacular photos of the two of them together. So, I think I’ll begin with a classic. This is a truly spectacular moment in time photo from their “Power Rangers” days over on Northhampton Drive.

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An incredibly intelligent young man, A-train has always been a sports lover. He is a contrarian as a sports fan, however. This kid who has grown up in a Boston loving household in Fishers, Indiana is nevertheless a fan of the following teams: Boise State, St. Louis Blues, and the Baltimore Orioles. What the what?? His bedroom is actually painted in Boise State colors. Don’t ask me why. I’ve been trying to figure him out for years, and I’ve attempted in vain to convert him to a Purdue fan, but he’s an independent thinker. We love you despite your confusion, Anth!

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He might say otherwise, but I’ve always thought football was his great passion. However, in whatever sport he chooses, Anthony is an athletically gifted young man. He can throw a mean fastball, toss you out trying to steal second base, and cause havoc on the basketball court as a fierce defender, among other talents. There IS a reason why we call him “A-train” though. On the football field, this kid just keeps his legs moving. He’s aggressive, quick and a kid I always want on my team no matter what the sport– he’s a fierce competitor!

A natural gifted student in the classroom, Anthony is the name you are hoping to hear when they break the kids up in groups and your child reports about the experience, ha?!Things are guaranteed to end well. Not only is he just remarkably smart, but he’s also got a solid work ethic. He’s a young man who is filled with character, integrity and faith.

Over the years, Anth has been a solid friend to many, but certainly exceptionally so to Zach Thieme. As little brothers go, I can’t imagine that Vincent or Dom could hope for a better one either. From the time he was a toddler, this kid was tagging along and cheering hard for whatever teams his brothers were on. He’s got a terrific smile, and it’s hard to resist teasing him because of his super giggle and great sense of humor.

During their grade school years, Anthony often spent the night here, and the reverse situation happened quite a bit as well. Those two boys, Z and Anth, would disappear for hours, entertaining themselves by competing against each other in whatever creative sporting competition they could invent. We only heard from them when they got hungry. We never worried or needed to intervene when Anth was around because he was and is now just a solid human being.

I can’t wait to cheer Anthony on these next four years as he makes his way through Guerin Catholic. He will undoubtedly make his mark as a Golden Eagle both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Young men who love the Lord and always give their best effort like this one are precisely what we hope for as parents. I know Steve and Julie are very proud of him, as well they should be!

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As you celebrate your birthday today, Anthony, I just wanted to take a moment to remind you how much our family loves and appreciates you! I couldn’t resist finishing my tribute with this “thumbs up” picture, ala Nick and Vin. All 5 of us here at the Thieme house are grateful to have such a quality young man in our lives. You definitely add your own brand of positivity and fun everywhere you go! GOOD LUCK to you for the remainder of your first high school football season, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! LOVE YOU, A-TRAIN!! GO, GOLDEN EAGLES!!

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

A great man is always willing to be little. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

As I type today’s entry, I’ve just returned home from church. As I sat listening to Fr. Hurley give his homily about the virtue of humility, I knew that was the Lord calling me to write about my aunt, Judy Langdon. She’s pictured below, at right (in green dress). I’ve got no idea why I have this photo or who’s in this shot with her, but I like it because it shows her warm smile and it even seems to convey one of the things I love about her– her beautiful humility.

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Growing up, at each and every family event I attended, my Aunt Judy did something that I rarely noticed others doing. She always took a few minutes to sit down next to me and ask me very specific and pointed questions about my life. She wanted to know how my classes were going, and did I like my teacher. She quizzed me about the activities that I was interested in. She left me feeling like I mattered. I saw her do the same with my sister and my cousins too. In all those years, even as I grew and matured, this pattern of hers never changed. One would think that as I got older, I might have thought to turn to her and ask her a few questions too. I don’t think I did. Some of us like the sound of our own voice a tad too much, huh? Aunt Judy is a humble woman. She’s the embodiment of the famous quote by Rick Warren that says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

At mass today, the gospel was the famous passage from Luke which deals with honor at a banquet. Jesus notices how people jockey for a seat of prominence, and then points out the most desperate scenario/outcome for those who are more about ego than humility– getting noticed for all the wrong reasons. His message is about taking the lowest place on purpose.

My Aunt Judy has never played the ego game. She’s a faithful, gentle, intelligent and godly woman. Also? She’s always had the most amazing green thumb! So many of the most beautiful plants in my own garden are from starts she shared with me. I regret now that I have never previously told her that her quiet kindness and dignity made a big impression on me over the years. Today, as I was listening at church, I realized it was time to correct course and thank her for her beautiful example.

This lovely woman has suffered tremendously in the past year since the tragic loss of her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I know many of us, her family and friends, continue to keep her as well as my Uncle Roy and the rest of the family in our prayers. God is faithful, though, and His unconditional love lasts forever. I’d like to ask you today to please pray with me for their peace of mind and heart.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Everything that is done out of Love acquires greatness and beauty. (St. Josemaria Escriva)

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I got to know the truly remarkable Lisa Gruber a little better while I was in what I referred to as “my Jesus book club”. She was a terrific mom I already knew a little from St. Louis de Montfort, but her love of the Lord as well as her joyful spirit shined through for me in this setting. She’s got a quirky awesome sense of humor too! As she celebrates her birthday tomorrow, she’s on my mind as well as my prayer list.

The beautiful thing about our good and gracious God is that He can show us His face through even the most ridiculous and heartbreaking experiences. Lisa has been through several of those. Recently, I’ve been praying for her recovery to health after serious surgery to remove an adrenal tumor. A few years back, we prayed for her after the loss of her son. In both of these instances, her example of faithfulness and grace were inspiring. She’s full up to her eyelids with her real life examples of Mary’s “yes” to our Lord, and I find her to be a gentle, soft-spoken, humorous, and spiritually wise woman.

She’s a loving and phenomenal mom, wife, and friend, plus she never seems to age! I don’t know how she manages that. Lisa is as selfless and grateful as she is holy. She is a first class Jesus lover. If they come to convict Christians, Lisa is in the first round of arrests.

St. Josemaria Escriva wrote “The Way” and in it he advocates for directing daily life and even mundane activities towards the glory of God. That’s why I chose this quote for today as I try to honor Lisa on her birthday weekend! Although we may not stumble upon anything we might consider to be an extraordinary opportunity to grow in holiness in our lives, we can act in the regular day-to-day routine with great love for God. That’s what I see in Lisa. Her small “yes” each day just seems to lead to another and then another….and before long she’s just flat out gone and done something incredible yet again! God’s grace is powerfully present in this stunning, prayerful soul.

As you celebrate your birthday this Labor Day Weekend, Lisa, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being a visible sign of Christ to all of us around you. You truly are His face and His hands. I am inspired by you to work on my own holiness and love of the Lord. I HOPE YOU HAVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY, BECAUSE YOUR LIFE DESERVES TO BE CELEBRATED!!! Heal quick, my friend!

There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. (M. Hale)

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Tom and I lived in the Lakes of Hazel Dell subdivision in Carmel, Indiana for about a dozen years on a little street called Garden Gate Way. We became friends with many of the neighbors during that time, including the Grace family from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who lived 3 doors down. I actually wrote about Bill Grace in this very column a few weeks back. We learned a lot about the LSU Tigers from Bill and Leslee Grace and their girls during those years, as well as the proper way to spell “GEAUX TIGERS”. How did I do, Anna Zwiebel??

The incredibly intelligent, athletic, and thoughtful young woman from Louisville, Kentucky that you see pictured above is a senior setter on the LSU volleyball team. I think they open their season TONIGHT. She’s bright, fun, positive, stunningly beautiful and energetic. She’s never met “Mayor” Bill or his wife, Les. However, when I shared with Anna about how my friends lost their home when lightening struck the house, hitting a gas line, and that they essentially lost everything, she was eager to learn how she could help. “Well these people are the biggest LSU fans I have ever met,” I explained.

So, at the busiest possible time for this young woman preparing for her final college volleyball season, she stopped what she was doing and helped me gather some cool new LSU gear for the Graces, and then she shipped it to me so we could hopefully bring them a smile during their journey to rebuild. I know it’s shocking, but there’s not a lot of access to LSU gear here in central Indiana, so this assist was pretty clutch. While it’s true one can’t replace a lifetime full of truly obnoxious LSU clothing, flags, cornhole boards, household items and the like overnight, with Anna’s help, they are on their way!

Anna Zwiebel is a special human being with remarkable leadership skills and a passion for life. She’s the daughter of Lee Ann and Rob and the older sister to another glorious soul named Lara. It’s a tad convoluted how I came to know her, but essentially it amounts to my friendship with her Aunt Lisa. When she graduates from LSU this year and heads off to PA school, it will truly be LSU’s loss…because her light shines so brightly! However, Anna’s represented the Tigers with class for sure! I’ve watched her be a supportive teammate, a loving daughter, sister, niece and friend over the years. She’s a selfless person with a beautiful heart. She’s the kind of young woman who helps out a couple total strangers with the gift of her time, expecting nothing in return, because it’s the compassionate, thoughtful thing to do.

I am not sure where life will take you next, Anna, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that wherever you land, you will continue to make the world around you a better place by the way you live your life. That’s just how you roll. GOOD LUCK to you and the entire LSU Volleyball team this season. GEAUX TIGERS!!

The saints were saints because they were cheerful when it was difficult to be cheerful, patient when it was difficult to be patient, silent when they wanted to speak and agreeable when they felt an urge to scream. They pushed forward when they wanted to stand still. (Fr. Lawrence Lovasik)

I’m not sure how many folks are aware that the beautiful and well-loved courtyard at Guerin Catholic High School was provided to the students there by the Bates family. It was given in memory of Dr. John Bates by his wife, Ann, and their children Carolyn, Will and Hank.

I met Ann Bates not long after she’d lost her husband, but I didn’t know that at the time. I knew her only as I observed her to be. She was generous with her time, gentle, and truly kind. She loved up ALL those smelly GC football boys and kept them well-fed and loved during her time at Guerin Catholic! Ann’s a woman of deep faith, and it showed in her interactions with others. Her son, Will, was a cheerful kid a year older than my son, Nick, and he and his buddy, Vincent Ferrucci just always enjoyed him. He was a good egg to all the younger guys, and often a reason for their smiling too as he always had a great sense of humor!! I’d sit in the stands and cheer on the Golden Eagles that year and for a few years thereafter and there was Ann, ever present for her football loving guys. My Drew played with her youngest son, Hank, and he was as impressive on the field as he was in the classroom. Though I never got the chance to know her daughter, Carolyn, I feel confident that she is an equally character filled young woman, because after all, she was raised by one strong momma who is long on integrity!

This year, as her “baby” headed off to college, Ann suffered another loss. The very same day she left South Bend after dropping off Hank is the same day her sister passed away from cancer.

Although Ann and I have never been close friends, I have long admired her positivity and perseverance. We share some people in common, therefore I was asked to pray for Ann, and I am on it, because I believe deeply in their power! I know that this woman of God will have many others doing the same for her, and the Lord of all goodness will rain down grace on Ann Bates. Today, as I pondered who to write about in my “Mad for 2019” project, I kept getting distracted by thoughts about Ann. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is loud and I am thick in the head.

There’s just SO MUCH all of us around Ann can learn from her strength and her beautiful spirit and faithfulness. Thank you, Ann, for being a light to others and a holy example for the rest of us to follow! Truly, your authenticity and the quality of your character is inspiring. You are an amazing mom, and a beautiful human being…and I am praying for the repose of the soul of your sis…and peace of mind and heart for the entire family!

“In every age and at every stage of their passage through time, the experience of Christians has been a share in the experience of Christ which includes joy and peace– but also emphatically includes suffering.” (Fr. John Hardon)

Whoever is happy will make others happy. — Anne Frank

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Because my home here in Carmel, Indiana has more than one melancholic temperament under roof, I have a chalkboard in the mudroom. This is so that I can impart positivity against the wills of some of the men living here. For several months, I’ve left the same message posted which says, “Smile! Happiness looks gorgeous on you!” As I left the house this morning, I giggled. You see, today’s birthday girl was on my mind as I headed to mass to pray for her, and she does not need her mother to post a message such as this. This young lady has sunshine in her soul. I think God fashioned her out of star dust.

Meet Ellie Beck! Ellie is my niece and god daughter, the youngest daughter of my sister, Robin, and her handsome husband, Chris. She is also the little sis to Maddie, who is a high school sophomore. Ellie is the youngest of the grandchildren on my side of the family. Incredibly intelligent, witty, and kind, she’s also remarkably talented. About a year and a half ago, at the end of 5th grade, I happened to catch her in person at her school’s spring musical, Annie. I am completely biased, of course, but I thought she killed it in the lead role.

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Ellie shines brighter. She smiles with glorious sincerity. Most of all, Ellie has a compassionate heart and a spectacular silly streak. When we took a walking tour of Purdue’s campus this summer, Ellie wore her “IU Hoosiers” sweatshirt to antagonize all of us Boilermakers and declare her love and loyalty to her parents alma mater. It made me chuckle! The top photo above is of Ellie in the Purdue Bookstore, trying on everything she could find that did NOT contain the Purdue logo! She’s misguided, but it’s not her fault, so I’ll overlook it, HA!? Here are some other things I’ve noticed about Ellie. She’s grateful, curious, and when life trips her up, she dusts herself off and gets up. Ellie is eager to share what she’s learned with others and she greets the world with positivity. She’s friendly and considerate.

Today, Ellie turns 13! Being a teenager can be tough, but this young lady is ready for the challenge. She makes the world a better place for others by the way she lives her life. Elle Belle, I am so proud to be your aunt. You are a hot fudge sundae with sprinkles on top special! Our good and gracious God loves you beyond words, and so do I! I know you are over there at All Saints doing your thoughtful, kindhearted thing every day, and today I hope you get the chance to lick some icing off your fingers and celebrate YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLIE!!

The generous will themselves be blessed…(Prov. 22)

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Ed Villacorta and his wife, Liza, have two beautiful children– Kenneth and Sophia. This family is one of those that I have been around for years through both SLDM and Guerin Catholic experiences. However, since neither of these incredible Villacorta children is an exact match with my boys, their family isn’t one I have really had the chance to get to know as intimately as perhaps we could have. That said, Ed’s name came to me today because I ran into some of his thoughtfulness.

Back in junior high, my middle son, Drew, made a brief appearance as a cross country runner. He was fairly successful at this sport, but it was short-lived because of, well, the running, ha?! If it weren’t for Ed Villacorta and his generosity, we’d literally have no proof that Drew Thieme was ever a participant in this sport. He’s shared a tremendous number of pictures with me over the years as I spent some time as a communications person for SLDM CYO. I needed pictures for our newsletter, twitter feed, the website and all sorts of things. Once Ed discovered the need, he would frequently send me the most incredible shots of young people having loads of fun in their SLDM sports of every variety. The pictures were usually edited, captioned and often contained the parish logo. It was impressive work! Later, as our children grew a bit older, he shared some images of Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles too!

This is Ed’s last year as a GC parent since his gorgeous girl is a senior this year. She’s articulate, friendly, and kind, which are traits she certainly picked up at least in part from her father. Edward Villacorta is unceasingly positive, and in every interaction I have ever had with him over the years he is incredibly courteous and generous. If it’s true that the most joyful, happiest folks are those who are most often giving more to others than they receive in return, then I would guess that’s among the chief reasons for Ed’s sunny disposition! He’s also clearly a faith-filled man who loves the Lord, and a fantastic example to his children and all in his path.

On behalf of all of us who have glorious photographs which capture beautiful moments in the lives of our children that were gifted to us by you, Ed, allow me to say THANK YOU! This is merely one small way you have spread God’s love around like wildfire by the way you live your life. Many times your smile and bright hello made every difference in my day, and I am LONG overdue to say I AM GRATEFUL!!