He Never Misses

Shelly Thieme:

Always Editing

  • Mad for…Scott

    One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord. And He will repay him for his good deed. (Prov. 19:17)

    A West Point graduate, Scott Zigmond is the husband of a warm-hearted wife named Joanie and he’s the father to five girls! His military background is impossible to miss, because it really does permeate his personality in the same way that bright sunshine pours into my east facing bedroom windows each morning!

    Positive, hard-working and thoughtful, Scott is also a spiritual guy. His faith informs his choices. He’s a devout guy who I often see at mass. I chose the quote that I did for him today because in the time I’ve known him, I’ve watched him do pretty amazing work for others in his church family and the community at large– at St. Louis de Montfort, Guerin Catholic, and OLMC for example. Additionally, he and Joanie have both made extremely meaningful contributions of time, talent and treasure to Samaritan’s Feet, a charity that has put over 7 million pairs of shoes on the feet of impoverished children around the world. It’s meaningful and awesome work that I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand. If you’ve not heard of them, it’s worth taking the time to learn more at http://www.samaritansfeet.org.

    Here’s the thing about Scott and his glorious family full of beautiful and intelligent women…he makes integrity look cool. He’s this tall, sharp-looking guy who is quick-witted, intelligent and friendly. Life is all about making holy choices that will honor God and that’s what he’s all about. The unique combination of giftedness provides a powerful witness to those around him!

    As we have been raising our (very different) families, I’ve had the pleasure of watching the Zigmond clan from my nearby perch. The Zigmond house has far superior levels of estrogen, than the Thieme home, it’s true. However, what Scott does as a father is very impressive. His daughters share his strength of character and leadership skills. I have no doubt this happened in part because he supports, encourages and loves in very visible ways. Sometimes, it’s extremely inconvenient with all his work and other responsibilities, but Scott is ever present for his young ladies and their events and activities while also focusing on faith and community. He’s a hard worker who is joyful and self-sacrificing at the same time. He’s articulate and he’s funny. I have long felt great respect for him and am overdue to say so! Today, as we are ALMOST to Father’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU, SCOTT for being such a terrific witness to those around you about how important it is for men to lead their families in faith! You are an amazing dad and I wish you a VERY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!

  • Mad for…Linda

    Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. (Matthew 11:28-29)

    It might seem a tad peculiar that as we begin Father’s Day weekend I would want to introduce you to my faith-filled friend, Linda Ray. However, I promise you there is a method to the madness. As you can see from the photo above, she is the mom of two absolutely beautiful daughters, Lucinda (center) and Rose (right). They are both very bright and accomplished students as well as fine human beings.

    It’s not at all that I have run out of wonderful men to feature, it’s more like I wanted to properly honor a woman that has played the role of two parents to two little girls since her husband, Carson, passed away in 2007. Linda is a friend I know from church and from my oldest son’s grade school days. Linda’s oldest daughter, (who would now be 21 years old or so and about to enter her senior year at Purdue University this coming fall, I believe) was a classmate of my son, Nick. I believe they were in the 4th grade when Lucinda lost her Dad. I remember Carson as an artsy guy with a lovely smile who was talented behind a camera and who clearly loved his girls.

    Also, though, I remember that when it must have felt that her life was falling apart around her, Linda ran to the Lord. It seemed to me that she quietly handed her world-weary heart to Jesus and put one brave foot in front of the other and just kept on going. Yes, she worked hard and played the role of both mom and dad every single day. Yes, she must have had many moments where doubt overwhelmed her. However, the Ray girls have thrived, and Linda, by her quiet and graceful example, has shown me and many others how to trust our good and gracious God with our very lives. By watching her smile and hearing her always positive words for others (myself included) she has encouraged me to remember that God loves us more than just a little. If we simply call His name, He will swoop down into our lives and pour out overflowing grace.

    As I have been writing each day about the folks around me that I think make a positive difference in the world, it has occurred to me that often those who make truly lasting impacts aren’t the usual suspects. Often, they are folks passing by in the background, quietly and courageously living their lives and carrying their crosses– out of love. Linda is such a woman. Today, as we begin to celebrate the terrific fathers all around us over the next few days, I want to say THANK YOU LINDA, for being a beautiful example to me and others of what selfless love looks like! You are stunning and exceptional, and without a doubt I know Jesus smiles at the work you have done and continue to do, in His name!!

  • Mad for…Chuck

    The Lord is a Father, the most tender and best of fathers. He cannot fail to be moved when His children appeal to Him. (St. Padre Pio)

    So, my tribute to the fantastic dads among us continues as we head into Father’s Day weekend! Today, I’d like to introduce you to a tender-hearted, joyful lover of life named Chuck Stumpf. He’s the husband of Georgia and the TERRIFIC father of my “adopted” brother, Ted. As the photo above from last year on Father’s Day testifies, Chuck is also a dog lover!

    During my formative years, Chuck and all the Stumpf family were ever present. As a child, we spent every summer vacation with Chuck, Georgia and Ted. I consider them family for sure, and Chuckie is like a second father to me in both my mind and heart. With nearly utter disregard for self-respect and almost certain humiliation for several people I love, I offer the following photo as proof of our lengthy relationship. It was taken, I am fairly certain, at one of the Kentucky State Parks in perhaps 1979 or so? I’m on the far right in the striped shirt posing as if I have a hideous ear infection and Chuck is the hitman figure wearing sunglasses in the rear. It’s possible he was going for an Elvis vibe? He’s always loved “The King”. Also present are from left, Ted, my parents, my little sister, Robin, and Georgia. Good grief, we are a sight for sure!

    A native of Indy’s southside, Chuck is a Southport HS graduate and from there he went on to play football at Franklin College. Becoming a Franklin Grizzly is what led him to a lifelong friendship with my Dad, Jim Dykhuizen…and the rest is history.

    Chuck is honest, integrity-filled, and thoughtful. He’s faithful, bright, and supportive. Over the years, his presence at important events has truly been something I knew I could count on, and I have watched him support his own son and other family members too– always with love and respect. He’s not stingy when it comes to sharing his heart and he gives glorious bear hugs.

    After many years of attending mass, Chuck converted to the Catholic Church with my Dad as his sponsor. What a joyous occasion that was for all of us who were able to attend that Easter Vigil down at St. Barnabas! I’m not sure where any of us are on our faith journey at a given point in time, but I do know that Chuck is someone who doesn’t hesitate to pick up his cross and follow Jesus. That’s a beautiful example I benefitted from by watching him make many (sometimes difficult) sacrifices for his family and others over many, many years.

    Here’s the other thing about Chuck that is hard for me to properly articulate without it sounding trite. Let me try it this way. Are any of you old enough to remember Jiminy Cricket? He was the fictional character who counseled Pinocchio to “always let your conscience be your guide.” As well-formed consciences go, Chuck’s is at the top of the heap. His compass points north and his heart is as sincere as it is beautiful. It shines like the sun! He’s a man of character who is always going to try and do the right thing.

    Chuckie, you are a truly beautiful human being and I love you! At certain times in my life, your graciousness to me and my family has been jaw-dropping. I wish you a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY….! Enjoy your time in Hilton Head and we’ll catch you next summer for what I know will be a very special trip for all of us!!

  • Mad for…Steve

    People are made for happiness. Rightly, then, you thirst for happiness. Christ has the answer to this desire of yours. But he asks you to trust him. –St. (Pope) John Paul II

    With Father’s Day on the horizon this week, you may have noticed, if you’re following along, that I am sharing a little with all of you about some of the best men (and dads)around. This morning, I spotted one such guy with his arm around his girl, sort of like in the photo above. This time, though, the winsome and thoughtful husband, Steve Mattei, was consoling his wife, Julia, at the funeral of her mother, Pat Behan. It was beautiful.

    The chapel at St. Augustine’s on 86th St. in Indy was full to the brim with family, friends, and quite a few of the “Little Sisters” I have made mention of in this blog more than once. Julia Mattei’s mom, Pat, was a resident at St. A’s under their care for something like 16 years after she had a stroke in her late 60s until she passed away at age 82 last week. It was heartening to see such a big crowd there to support the entire Behan family, as they are a faith-filled and terrific group of humans.

    While I was mulling around before the funeral mass, I spoke to 3 of Steve’s 4 children. After mass, the fourth, Joey, came and gave me a beautiful hug. All of those young people were articulate, kind, and lovely. That doesn’t happen magically, folks. It takes amazing parenting, and Steve and Julia are definitely those people. Michael, Jack, Megan and Joey are a reflection of the character and integrity filled parents they were blessed to have as role models. Since I’ve already told you a little about Julia, I want to take a moment to thank Steve for the fine example he provides to so many of us in his path. Faith-filled, quick-witted and charming, Steve is the epitome of thoughtfulness and grace. When I see Steve Mattei, he’s always quick to smile and share a little happiness. It’s such a wonderful gift!

    Steve was my neighbor for many years. I watched him parent little ones, then much bigger young adults, and I heard a lot of stories about his growing up years in Louisville. He hasn’t managed to shake the totally delightful accent, despite many years living in central Indiana. In addition to be a doting LAX Dad, he also spent a lot of time being involved in all sorts of youth sports with his brood– including football, basketball and volleyball. He’s an expert speedboat driver, and he knows how to ice down a cooler full of beverages like an expert. He’s likable for many reasons, not the least of which is his ability to mix up one of the best margaritas on the planet.

    What makes Steve especially appealing to me is the down to earth, authentic way he lives his life. He’s not flashy, but he’s got an impressive work ethic and he’s very funny, but also is ever present for his family. By watching and emulating him, his children have had the opportunity to know something extremely important. As friendships and jobs come and go, as family members move near or far, love and the Lord are not transitory. What a beautiful gift to give to one’s children– to know without question that they are treasured by their family and loved by the Lord– no matter where they roam!

    Steve, I’m proud to call you friend. You’re an amazing Dad and terrific husband. I would like to take this moment to wish you (in advance) a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! You are a gem, a treasure…and the face of Christ to many!

  • Mad for…John

    Let us reflect gratitude for fathers. Father is ever willing to sacrifice his own comfort for that of his children. Daily he toils to provide the necessities of life, never complaining, ever concerned for the well-being of his family. This love for children, this desire to see them well and happy, is a constant in a time of change. –Thomas Monson

    If ever your car has broken down on the side of the road, the guy you need to be hoping will pass by soon is the man pictured above, John Zimmerman. I’m not kidding. He can’t help himself. He’s just a generous everyday hero to his core. This jovial and amiable jack-of-all trades and consummate “good Samaritan” is a father of six grown children (John Ryan, Katie, Michael, Mary, Sarah and Joseph) and the grandfather of an ever growing brood of cuties. He’s pictured here with another stunningly beautiful soul, his wife Tina.

    As we inch closer to Father’s Day this weekend, I find myself inspired to celebrate a few of the great men among us! That certainly includes my friend, JZ. I can’t really do him justice in a few paragraphs. He’s just flat out a lover of Christ. Next to the phrase “salt of the earth” is where I think his photo belongs. He’s a man who focuses on the positive and trust me when I tell you that if he is laughing, soon you will be doing the same! His authentic sense of humor as well as his big heart are impossible to miss. That laugh of his is infectious and his smile is like sunshine! I’m sure his life is not without plenty of stress, but you’d never know it from the warm greeting you get from John each time you see him!

    I read once that every father should remember one day his child will follow his example rather than his advice. If that’s true, then John’s kids are in excellent shape. Their lives will be filled with faith and fun! This man has served on countless mission trips, he’s coached many young people in youth sports, he’s served his parish, St. Louis de Montfort, in virtually every way conceivable. He’s prayerful, often encouraging others in his path to step up their faith life too. He’s hard-working, uncomplicated, non-judgmental– and filled with joy. He knows imperfections are merely an invitation for God’s grace to go to work in us all.

    John is as proud a parent as I know. He loves to watch his family shine! The truth is, he finds great happiness in the successes of everyone around him. He’s a “the more, the merrier” kind of guy. I think John lives a lot like Jesus, if I’m honest. He loves like the Lord wants us to love. He’s an inspiring witness of what fatherhood is meant to look like and a light to all in his path. THANK YOU, JOHN, for being the fact of Christ to so many of us! I hope you enjoy a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY this weekend!

  • Mad for…Doug

    A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society. –Billy Graham

    I’m gonna have to say I couldn’t agree more with Billy Graham’s thoughts about good dads. Pictured above with his pretty amazing wife and 5 children is a quiet hero, Doug Stine. As Father’s Day approaches this weekend, I find myself grateful for the courage and strength of many phenomenal men whose love and leadership make all the difference for others. Among those I most admire is this positive, reserved young dad with the quick smile and big heart.

    A Missouri native and rabid St. Louis Cardinals fan, Doug Stine married into the O’Malia clan from Carmel, Indiana. He and his new bride, Colleen (O’Malia) Stine settled into their new home in the St. Louis area shortly after their glorious wedding. Unfortunately, it wasn’t many years after that when tragedy struck. His sister-in-law, Shannon, was lost in a terrible act of domestic violence that left two nephews without either parent, as their dad was lost too on that brutal day. What Doug did next is remarkably beautiful to me. He looked at his broken-hearted wife and he left his job, his parents, and his hometown with his then two babies, Ryan and Maddie, and he moved with Colleen back to her hometown back in the Hoosier state. When the entire extended family seemed to agree that the best thing for the boys would be to be taken in and loved up by Doug and Colleen, he and his wife adopted those amazing boys, Connor and Danny, who continued in their familiar school, surrounded by glorious love from family and community. The Stines went on to have one more gorgeous baby, who they named Shannon.

    It doesn’t stop there, though. The soft-spoken Stine, who is a financial advisor at RBC Wealth Management, has embraced his big family with aplomb! With seemingly imperturbable self-possession, Doug confidently and kindly holds, lifts, and serves his family. He’s a rock in the middle of the whirlwind. Stine is faith-filled and his fingers are probably sticky from holding someone’s ring pop while they play in the dirt beside big brother’s baseball game as we speak. He wipes away tears of little ones like a boss, and he seems unflappable to the outsider looking in. He has helped coach the baseball teams of both Con, Danny and probably by now Ryan too? Our family has been the lucky recipient of some of Coach Stine’s time, as our Z-man has played on teams with both boys now.

    Doug Stine, you are a stunning example of selfless love and deep integrity. The work of your hands might not always seem important to you and the community around you might sometimes be oblivious to your goodness, but there are few gifts more precious than the ones you are offering. The Lord sees you, and so do I! THANK YOU, for your amazing example of what fatherhood should look like when it’s done right. You are so inspiring to me! HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (in advance), DOUG!!

    “The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.” (Dt. 16:15)

  • Mad for…Meagan

    Be friendly first. Service starts with a friendly person with a friendly smile, who offers friendly words first. How friendly are you? –Jeffrey Gitomer

    Last night, Tom and I met some of our very favorite people for dinner at a fairly new place in downtown Carmel called Fork + Ale House. It sits neatly just off the Monon Trail a little south of Main Street on Veteran’s Way in a cool little outdoor plaza, flanked by Sun King Brewery. When we arrived, the hostess told us the wait would be an hour and a half, but we were undeterred. The whole plaza was ripe for people watching and laughter, filled with families and friends playing ping-pong, cornhole, and billiards. Those waiting for seats inside at either Sun King or Fork + Ale were having a good time and nearly everyone had a drink in their hands. “No worries, we’ll wait! ” I smiled at the hostess.

    After only about 25 minutes, my phone rang and our seats were ready. Tom and I, along with Gerry and Ann were seated outside and were quickly greeted by a sunny waitress named Meagan, who is pictured between us above. She became a fast hit with the 4 of us because the beverages were arriving in quick succession. In fact, it got to be a little comical when she would arrive with a beer or glass of wine just after one had arrived from another member of the wait staff. “Well, you all can drink for me too, I guess! I have a 13 week old at home and I can’t drink yet!” So, some of us did just that! Below is a photo I took of Tom and Ann double-fisting it with Gerry laughing in the background.

    Our experience at Fork and Ale was a good one for many reasons, including good food and a solid, casual atmosphere, but the sunny and attentive Meagan put it over the top! She is attentive but also the type of person that doesn’t wait for the other guy to be friendly, she opens with a warm and genuine smile.

    As the evening wore on, we learned that Meagan is the mom of two boys, Adontae who is 2 1/2, and her 13 week old, Adonis. Considering the woman cannot be getting appropriate rest with a toddler and a newborn at home, one would never know it from the positive and good-natured attitude she displayed with her customers. She reminded me that open, social and approachable humans really do make all the difference. It’s just a lot more fun to spend an evening out with friends when you land in a great spot and are greeted with graciousness and kind service!

    So, THANK YOU, MEAGAN (and Fork and Ale) for a super experience last night. Affable, outgoing, and agreeable people are folks that really do make all the difference for others! You made our double date night out with great friends even more fantastic! We’ll definitely be back…and encouraging our friends to try your place as well.

  • Mad for…Jayne

    …And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

    Low hanging fruit is what one would call today’s choice for my little column. Ditto for the quote above from the 25th chapter of Matthew’s gospel. I mean, this is the insanely bright and hard working woman who literally spends herself running the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel, Indiana for goodness sakes! This piece of scriptural goodness is all over the building, out of which more than 20 ministries are operating providing remarkably generous and compassionate care to many thousands of needy folks each year.

    Jayne Slaton, who is pictured above with her grandson, is just flat out a stunning human being. She’s the integrity-filled wife, mom and grandmother whose smile lights up the area she inhabits. She’s sassy, outspoken, fierce, and full of the joy of the Lord.

    What makes Jayne truly remarkable to me is that every person who I know (that also knows her fairly well) essentially says the same thing when I ask them to tell me more about her. It’s always how she shines the brightest when she discovers a way to help someone else find the sunshine. She’s one of those glittering jewels we run into rarely in life. She’s an encourager who is often heard saying things like, “I know you can do it!” Jayne is a beautiful witness of faith because she knows how to laugh through tears and praise through pain. Her sense humor is phenomenal and her laugh is contagious. That’s only possible, of course, when we know that the Lord will never leave us to weather our storms all alone. The strength of her conviction is spoken loudly in her actions. Jayne absolutely wants the best for others. She’s made it her priority in all aspects of her life– sometimes at great personal cost.

    St. Augustine said this, “Love has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sights and sorrows of men. This is what love looks like.” Simply put, these words remind me of Jayne Slaton. She doesn’t wonder about the worthiness of anyone. She just loves the other guy and… does it better than nearly everyone I know.

    Today, I just wanted to take a moment to share a few affirming words with the birthday girl. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAYNE! Thank you for all you do each day for others. Yours is the face of Christ, lovely lady. YOU ARE SO INSPIRING THAT IT BLOWS MY MIND!! I sure hope that very blessed family of yours is loving you up, because yours is certainly a life worth celebrating in a BIG way!!

  • Mad for…Julie

    Faithfulness in little things is a big thing. (St. John Crysostom)

    Many years ago when our youngest children (my Zach and her Grace) were not yet in school, Julie Olovich and I got to know each other in the babysitting co-op at SLDM. We had older children enrolled at school and we wanted to help out in the lunchroom, so we were members of this little group of moms who took turns working in the lunchroom, or else being the babysitter for the younger siblings. Julie was soft-spoken, positive and filled with kindness every single time I encountered her.

    As our children began to grow, her son Matt played some CYO and then high school baseball with my older boys. I am pretty sure there’s actually a CYO Championship baseball banner hanging in the gym at SLDM because Matt Olovich was a one-man archdiocesan baseball wrecking crew. I think he pitched every game we played that undefeated season, if memory serves. There, always nearby was Julie. She could be heard cheering on the other kids just as loudly as she rooted for Matt.

    We were in a book club together too. These amazing ladies are still meeting, I think, though I haven’t seen them for some time. The books were always fantastic and faith related reads that opened our eyes up to the love of Christ. Julie was such a warm and gracious contributor at those events. What I most recall is that she seemed to somehow always land on the fact that we should be so grateful– because the Lord loves us no matter how life is coming along, and regardless of obstacles in our path, or how we might fail, say the wrong thing, or just plain stink it up.

    Julie is the wife to Ken and the mom to Matt, Ashley and Grace, with whom she is pictured above at Ashley’s recent college graduation. After all these years of running in similar circle, I don’t think I have ever taken the time to let her know how she always inspires me with her positivity, smile, and most importantly her focus on faithfulness. She’s one of those people that flavors the world with the love of Christ by her stunning example of simply treating others well. When you are speaking to Julie, she is uber gracious, paying attention like you are the only person in the room. It is a small thing that makes all the difference to others around her.

    Thank you, Julie, for being a person who has frequently served as a reminder to me that the One who loves us is right by our side always. Yours is the face of Christ to so many!! I am a little late to the festival, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope your birthday yesterday was a terrific one filled with laughter and lots of smiling!

  • Mad for…Kim

    If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1Cor 13:3)

    Love is what life is really about. This beautiful woman, pictured above left with her husband, Joe, and daughters, Carly and Kristen, is a phenomenal example of someone who gets it. If you don’t already know her, then it’s my great honor to introduce you to Kim Santucci! Over the years, our paths have crossed now and then as we have several mutual friends. That said, I don’t mean to seem like a creeper, but in Kim’s case that’s probably more accurate than not. Her personality is magnetic, so I’ve kept tabs on her over time, watching from a distance mostly.

    She’s the perfect combination of saucy, sassy and smart-alecky! It’s not that she’s at all insolent, Kim is simply a wise woman who seems to instinctively understand what is important. She’s articulate, bold and a lover of the Lord. You know, Jesus never said we needed to be bff’s with everyone, what He calls us to do is LOVE everyone. Kim does an exceptional job of genuinely desiring the best for others. She reminds me by her example that it’s doable to love the way God asks.

    Difficult situations or trying people truly are challenges that we can choose to see as opportunities. I’ve witnessed a lot of compassion from Kim in the face of such circumstances over the years. For instance, Kim’s (amazing) godson, Will, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes several years ago. She dug in with Will and his mom, Lisa Oberndorfer to help others facing that same challenge but who have less resources. She serves as COO of Diabetes Will’s Way, which they’ve grown from the ground up…and along the way they have been able to provide grants to well over 100 diabetic young people in need! This is just one small example of how she uses her giftedness to benefit others. (If you’d like to know more about this phenomenal organization, I encourage you to visit http://www.diabeteswillsway.com.)

    Her daughters, not surprisingly, are remarkable young women– confident, articulate and shiny. You see, they were raised by a sunny, sparkly mama who didn’t allow life and it’s dreary moments to hijack her thoughts or actions. One learns by example. Just as I watched from nearby as she ministered to friends who were ill or in crisis…or who just needed a smile…so did the girls. Kim smiles, she’s funny, and she’s a merciful and loving woman. Because I think the Lord has an irreplaceable role for us to play with our families and in the world, I am certain that the faithful heart and big, warm heart of Kim Santucci opens up others to His amazing love.

    Thank you, Kim, for sprinkling blessings to all in your wake! Like you, I sometimes have volume control issues…ha? Here’s the thing. Your heart is loud too!! You are someone whose example of embracing the gifts God gave you to love up the world around you has always inspired me. I’m long overdue to say so! Much love, Santucci!!