Category: Positivity

It’s not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters. -Mother Teresa

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The Fecht clan used to live a few doors down from us and they had a pretty house which sat right on the corner of the street. Will and Julie Fecht have three smart, terrific kiddos. Their oldest son, Jacob, is the same age as my Drew, and I used to share Catholic school carpool duties with Julie. She and I talked quite a bit during those years, mostly about the logistics of schlepping our rug rats around. She’s a pediatrician and a lovely, articulate woman of faith.

Of the five Fechts, it was Will that I knew the least. I was aware that he liked roller-blading (because he often whizzed by the house wearing them) and hockey and I knew that he was a Wabash College grad– because his daughter Karen told me! He was always friendly, but we were just acquainted a little. It wasn’t until my father-in-law, Tom, got very ill that I discovered that Dr. Will Fecht is in fact a truly amazing doctor and compassionate human being.

Grandpa Tom has colon cancer. About 3 years ago, his cancer returned and his health seemed to be rapidly declining. He was barely getting off the couch, and his weight was very low. He had been in and out of the hospital, and we made sure that he was anointed by his pastor, Fr. Pat Click. I’m no medical professional, but it just felt to me like his condition was not being addressed with the urgency that seemed appropriate given his poor state of physical health. We couldn’t seem to get the attention of the needed specialist or surgeon in short order, and I was worried that by the time they got to him, it would be too late. I was wracking my brain trying to think how to get Tom Sr. the care he needed. Enter Dr. Will Fecht.

I text Will’s wife, Julie, and asked her to confirm for me that Will is in fact a gastroenterologist. I figured that even though my father-in-law’s situation wasn’t an exact match for Will’s typical patient, he might have some guidance he’d be willing to impart or know a colleague who could possibly assist. Will went way above and beyond. He saw the two of us in his office, and within short order, Grandpa Tom was admitted to St. Vincent’s Hospital where he had his remaining colon removed. I strongly believe Will Fecht was largely responsible for saving Tom’s life.

Grandpa Tom and his twin sister, Josephine, will celebrate their 80th birthday next month. He’s still doing well three years later and has had many opportunities to make memories with his children and grandchildren during that time. There have been Christmas mornings, school choir concerts, high school basketball, football, and baseball games with his grandsons. Granddaughter, Katie, played a lead part in the school play last year. My son, Drew, graduated from Guerin Catholic as valedictorian. Last weekend, Grandpa Tom went with my brother in law, Jerome, to see Purdue’s football team win their home opener. He took a road trip to St. Louis to see an Indy Car race recently with his nephew, Brian. There have been multiple Indy 500’s. I truly don’t believe that any of these terrific memories with Grandpa Tom would have been possible without the intervention at a crucial time of one Dr. Will Fecht. When we raise a glass and toast these two great souls on their big birthday event this October 27th down at Thieme and Wagner Brewing in Lafayette, I’ll be saying a prayer of thanksgiving to my old neighbor, Will Fecht.

THANK YOU, Will, for being a blessing to others through the work you do each day, and the compassion with which you do it! The Thieme family appreciates you!

Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. -St. Charles Borromeo

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A few years back, my oldest son, Nick, decided to join the high school football team for his senior year. He hadn’t had football pads on since the 7th grade. Nick played quite a few downs on the defensive line on a Guerin Catholic team that just barely got edged out in the sectionals by eventual state champion, Bishop Chatard. It was a fairly talented team that season and Nick called playing football for Coach Tom Dilley his “best high school experience.” In fact, he later said he regretted not playing football all four years.

Tom Dilley is the husband to a completely lovely woman named Anjanette and the dad to two high school aged girls, Sarah and Hannah. He’s also a teacher at Guerin Catholic. I can’t speak to the testimonial that the ladies in his life would give him, but I suspect based on his clear integrity and the quality of his character, that those are very blessed gals to have him in their lives.

We are smack dab in the middle of “Friday Night Lights” presently, and this made me think about Coach Dilley and what a positive impact he makes on so many young men. I’d characterize him as an old school sort of coach. He’s not afraid of a little volume, but also he has a very quick, dry wit. He reminds me not just a little of a college football coach I knew pretty well as a kid– Joe Tiller. Joe’s daughter, Julie, and I were friends so I spent quite a bit of time around him. Joe was a very funny but no nonsense, super competitive guy, just like Tom Dilley. Coach Dilley has great rapport with his guys and knows how to handle high schoolers and their shenanigans. In his program, a brotherhood is built. For young men, that experience of battling together for a common goal is such an incredible life lesson.

Two years after my son, Nick, played ball for Coach Dilley, my middle son Drew decided to do the same his senior year. Honestly, I never saw that coming. Football had never been his sport and he hadn’t played since maybe 5th grade CYO ball. However, Nick’s phenomenal experience definitely made an impact on Drew…as did the prodding of GC’s strength and conditioning coach. Drew is pictured above with myself and his Dad, along with Coach Dilley (at right) on senior night in October of 2017. Drew was the only true tight end on that squad so he was forced to learn quickly. His experience playing for Coach Dilley is something he wouldn’t trade for anything. Tom Dilley teaches young men about effort, energy, attitude, being coachable, and the importance of having a good work ethic. He’s a man of faith. These are values that build boys into strong young men.

As a parent of sports loving boys who have tried many sports over time, I noticed something important about Tom Dilley at the awards banquets both of the years we were involved in the GCHS football program. He made sure that a coach on his staff had something affirming to say about EVERY SINGLE BOY in the program in front of the entire room of players and parents. It was powerful! At a moment when many coaches spend a lengthy amount of time talking about their own coaching history or the success of the program, Coach Dilley was more interested in highlighting the work ethic and character of each young man on his teams. It spoke loudly to me of the kind of man he is, and was a clear example of how he was able to effectively and positively impact my sons and many others in such a short amount of time.

THANK YOU, TOM DILLEY for all the hours you put in for the benefit of young people each day. Coaches like you make all the difference!

“A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.” John Wooden

Intense love does not measure, it just gives. St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

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From afar, I spotted an old acquaintance today named Jenny Hubbard. Jenny is the mother of three who is pictured above with her husband, Dan, and her kiddos in this slightly dated photo. She’s a beautiful woman with a bright and compassionate countenance.

I met Jenny at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School where her children and mine were enrolled, but I got to know her a bit better through the CRHP experience. If you’re Catholic and you haven’t gone on one of these “Christ Renews His Parish” retreats, you really are missing out. They are a wonderful way to really connect with others in your parish on a more personal and spiritual level. Jenny impressed me as a truly genuine and kind soul during our time together, and I’ve always had great respect for her since that experience.

Jenny has a gentle and caring spirit and she smiles easily. She has spent a lot of her energy and time over the past several years helping pregnant women from our community to have healthier pregnancies, become better parents, and take steps towards self-sufficiency at the Women’s Care Center in Indianapolis. The pregnancy resource center is the largest, most successful such center in America and they support and educate women facing unplanned pregnancies. It’s beautiful work which certainly has Jesus smiling down on all who are involved. In fact, if you want to know more or you’d like to help, visit www.supportwomenscarecenter.org for more information!

Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. (St. Francis of Assisi)

I am long overdue to thank Jenny for the stunning example of selflessness she shows us all by the way she has lived her life. Just like St. Francis instructs, Jenny just seemed to put one foot in front of the other, trusting in providence, and before I knew it, she was off to the races doing amazing work every single day. I don’t know Jenny as well as I’d like, but from my perch over here on Randolph Crescent Drive, she’s been a very solid wife, mother, friend, and amazing pro-life advocate with a good portion of her life. You, Mrs. Hubbard, are the real deal and I am inspired by your energetic and positive spirit! Keep doing you, Jenny, because you are an extra large scoop of fantastic!

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. (Abraham Lincoln)

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Above (L to R): Jak Kolb, Cole Metzger, Ty Harrington, Colin Hussey, Zach Thieme

Tom and I took a creative, winding drive to the south side of Indy this morning to watch the Guerin Catholic boys tennis team take on conference rival, Roncalli. It’s not so easy to get there from here with a big portion of the interstate closed for construction. When we arrived, we noticed that one of GC’s best players, Ty Harrington, was taking his jersey off and giving it to a teammate, Colin Hussey. Hmmm. We weren’t sure what was going on.

Colin had made the trip with the team after asking Coach Sciaudone if he could ride along to cheer on the guys. You see, he wasn’t in the lineup for today– at least not originally. However, sometimes life throws curve balls, and in this case a bright yellow one literally struck sophomore Ty Harrington squarely in his left eye during warmups. A trainer was called and Ty was not cleared to play. This left GC in a bit of a predicament at #1 doubles. Enter, Colin Hussey.

Hussey is a sunny, wise-cracking senior who is new to the sport of tennis. He’s the oldest of three Hussey children and has a brother, Devin, and a sister, Shalyn. I’m told Colin is a big Mets fan, and that he enjoys rap music, and playing golf. He’s a parishioner at Holy Spirit at Geist Parish. Colin also knows how to treat younger guys, like my freshman son, Zach, for whom Colin has been incredibly welcoming and encouraging. He smiles a lot. Colin had never previously played in a varsity match, but this morning, Cole Metzger was now in need of a partner.

In high school tennis, there are 5 matches that each count for one point. There are 3 singles matches and two doubles matches. The contest was tied up at 2-2 with GC wins at both #2 singles and #2 doubles on the board. Metzger and Hussey were still on the court playing at #1 doubles against the Rebels. The Golden Eagles needed a win to seal the victory– and the Metzger/Hussey team was able to come through for the team! It was a cool moment and a sports success I know Colin will long remember. The truth is, so will I!

Today, Colin was the epitome of sportsmanship. He showed up early on a Saturday morning to take a long ride on a school bus across town to be a cheerleader for others. When he was needed, he stepped up. It felt providential to me that those two boys at #1 doubles were the ones who were able to secure the victory despite the circumstances. I hated the morning for Ty. However, Ty Harrington really is a fantastic player with a great smile and terrific attitude who will be back, I predict, by the next match.

When everyone is in it together in team sports, when it’s about something bigger than one player, when a selfless, supportive kid like Colin is successful, it’s good for the team as a whole! For me, today was one of those moments in time that remind me what I love about sports. When character and integrity are called forth and young people rise to the occasion, then THAT is what a team is all about– and it glorifies the Lord!

Colin, thanks for reminding us all today what sportsmanship and character are all about! I think all of us down at Roncalli were thrilled to see you get the varsity W!! CONGRATULATIONS AND GO, GOLDEN EAGLES!

“If you can be great teammates, you have a chance to be a great team.” (Diana Taurasi)

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. (St. Augustine)

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I found myself inside a CVS store this morning where it turns out I waited in vain for a prescription refill that wasn’t to be. While I waited, I overheard a frustrated mom of teenagers talking about her experience with the high school guidance counselor assigned to her son. Two things became immediately clear to me as she shared her utter disgust with the gal next to her. First, this woman’s children do not attend Guerin Catholic High School, nor has she had the pleasure of meeting a guidance counselor like Grace Pratt.

The third Thieme boy is now beginning his high school journey at GCHS. Just like Nick and Drew before him, Zach Thieme was assigned the intelligent and highly capable Mrs. Pratt to guide him through the process at Guerin Catholic and on to whatever adventure awaits him afterward. As I listened to a stranger grumble about the inattentiveness and lack of courtesy she has been experiencing with her child’s counselor, I thought, “Give thanks to the Lord…” for our fantastic experience. Sometimes, we take for granted the beautiful people God places on our journey.

Grace does something from the first moment she encounters a new student that I have always appreciated. While being respectful of everyone in the room, she focuses and directs all her questions to the student– not the parent. It sets a tone that in the minds of my sons ordered their brain to the concept that it’s THEIR education and THEIR responsibility to achieve both academically and socially. Yes, Mom and Dad want to help, and for sure they have teachers and a great counselor to guide them– but it’s time to take charge and set goals.

Grace has a sharp mind and a sarcastic quick wit. She’s kind, compassionate, and is a beautiful woman of faith. I don’t know her husband or children, but based on how she treats the rest of us in her path, I feel quite confident that they are all incredibly blessed to have her in their lives. It’s been seven years since my oldest son first started at Guerin Catholic, and in that time, I am not at all certain I have properly thanked Grace for her patience and professionalism. She needs them a lot in her line of work with squirrely teenagers.

When my oldest son was a either a junior or senior, he struggled that particular fall to get his schedule sorted out. He called me several times, looking for my advice about should I take the honors class or should I not…. and I was at the hospital in Lafayette where my Dad was quite ill. Frankly, I didn’t care. I wanted him to have the classes he needed to graduate but I was much more concerned about the attentiveness of the doctor in charge of Dad than Nick’s history class. “Talk to Mrs. Pratt and just FIGURE IT OUT, Nick Fred!” I’m pretty sure he changed his mind twice that first week of classes, and Grace probably wanted to throw her arms up. I needed him to navigate without me, and I knew full well that Grace Pratt would make sure it was solved. She did. Nick acknowledged he was “super annoying” to deal with, but he also said that Mrs. Pratt was helpful and accommodating. I was relieved and grateful to know a terrific human was there for us during that crazy time. She was equally helpful throughout the college search and application process for both Nick and Drew. Therefore, I was incredibly pleased that we lucked out and she’s still there at GC to take care of the Z-man.

Thank you for all you do each day, Grace. The quote I chose above? That’s what I think you inspire the students in your care to do each day! I am long overdue to let you know how much we at the Thieme house respect and appreciate you!!

Be the living of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

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Today is the feast day of Mother Teresa. To me, she is a great model of selflessness and humility. People of all faiths came to see her as an example of goodness and service to others. As I was thinking about her today, I decided I wanted to share with you a bit about a pretty terrific and remarkable woman who shares many of these qualities. Her name is Irene Beck.

Irene is the much beloved grandmother of my two nieces, Maddie and Ellie. She’s the mother-in-law of my only sibling, Robin, who married into the Beck family. My first real extended exposure to Irene was when my two oldest boys were very young. They invited us to visit with the entire Beck clan in Galena, Illinois for a couple of nights. We were so gotten by the welcome Irene showered on our boys that I don’t think I’m quite over it even now. She had all sorts of toys and fun little boy activities to entertain Nick and Drew, who were quite young at the time. Let’s keep in mind, she didn’t then and still doesn’t have any grandsons! Her focus was on making sure that our little family felt welcomed with open arms, and in that she succeeded! Every single interaction I’ve had with her since then has been equally notable. She’s a gifted communicator, authentic and genuinely caring woman who never fails to shine light on others with her compassionate and inclusive personality.

As I’ve shared previously in this column, Bill and Irene Beck are phenomenal humans in copious ways. For instance, they run a charitable trust that is committed to helping those in need. Depaul University (Irene’s alma mater), multiple community food pantries, schools serving low-income youth, and many other worthy charities have been recipients of their generosity. I could write a plethora of articles about the way they contribute positively and make a difference for others by the way they live their lives.

However, today I want to share something more personal. My only sister lives a few hours away. It’s a bummer of the highest order!! I don’t get to see Robin, Chris and their girls as often as I’d like. When Robin started struggling with her health some time back, I worried. When she needed to move out of her home to a more allergy-free environment for a while, Irene didn’t hesitate. Bill and “I” took her in– which meant having the whole family in the city with them. It’s hard for me to be far away sometimes, but it was such a relief to know that the great Robino was safe and breathing easier in Chicago under their watchful eye, being loved up.

Irene is a proud New York native and a very involved grandmother. She is stunningly present for my nieces. Thoughtful, sunny, and always wearing the brightest smile, this is a woman who knows how important it is to be plugged in to the lives of those around her. She never tries to attract attention to herself, but in much the same way as Mother Teresa did, she shines so brightly that one simply cannot fail to spot her awesomeness. Today, I wanted to take a moment to thank Irene, and point out to my little corner of the world what a brilliant example she is of what the face of kindness looks like. I am grateful to know you, Irene!!

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