Shelly Thieme:

It is courage, courage, courage that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity. Horace

Day 96 of 365: Libby Macomber

A couple of years ago, I was invited to celebrate a milestone birthday with my old neighbor and friend, Libby Macomber. I’ll be honest, as much as I enjoy people, I really didn’t want to go to this party. Libby’s lovely. She’s a gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous mom of two as well as a terrific human. It wasn’t her that was the problem. You see, Libby’s husband, Doug, had this idea that since Libby is the lead singer of a band (so is normally the performer), it might be fun for her to hear her friends humiliate themselves for an evening. So, her band members were to be in a studio, all set to play any song from their normal set list, but instead of Libby at the mic, those of us in attendance were REQUIRED to sing. UGH!!

Here’s what you need to understand about me. I love music. I’m not shy even a little. I know a lot of songs across a very wide swath of genres. In fact, at one time, I played the guitar. As mom says, I was strictly a “religious guitarist” because the I was “voluntold” by the nuns in grade school that I would be playing the guitar at school masses. I’m fairly certain it was their way of keeping me away from the microphone…? I mean, I’m not tone deaf or anything but let’s just say my voice leaves quite a bit to be desired. Also, I don’t love humiliation.

Tom, who does not lack courage but SERIOUSLY barely knows the words to the “Happy Birthday” song was to sing this duet with me. Oh Lord have mercy, I opined! Then, it hit me. Do you know what is brave? Libby Macomber singing on stage. It’s not like she grew up with a microphone in her hand. The woman was terrified when she began with her band, Circuit Thursday. When I learned she had decided to take that leap, I thought it was bold, courageous and completely AWESOME! What the heck is wrong with me, I thought? We went to Libby’s big party and we had A BALL. We were maybe last on the docket, and by the time it was our turn to sing, I am pretty sure I had been overserved? I’m going to blame Stan Crisci…? I remember laughing a lot and I am pretty sure Tom and I owe a HUGE apology to KT Tunstall.

So last night, Tom and I ran into Libby ON HER BIRTHDAY! Therefore, it behooves me today to point out to you, Libby, that while I have always admired you for your sense of humor and the loving and compassionate way you have raised your two kiddos, what I truly have been inspired by is your witness of courage. You stepped way outside your comfort zone to try something TOTALLY NEW….and now look at you!!? You’re my ROCKSTAR friend. How cool is that? Thanks for being someone who has reminded me by your example that sometimes the best things come from one courageous act! We’ll definitely catch one of your shows this summer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIBBY MAC!!

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

Today, I’d like to ask you all to raise a glass for my friend, Nancy Vanderkleed! Nancy is a long time family friend and a very close gal pal of my mom. She’s a bit of a world traveler, and the rumor is that on this day, her 70th birthday, she’s somewhere in France with her completely terrific husband, Stan!! Bon Anniversaire, Nan!!

Nancy is pictured above in Tramonti, Italy, which is a tiny town at the top of a mountain along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. I took this photo of her on one of my most favorite days ever! Nancy and her super smart daughter, Erin along with Mom and I traveled together to Italy this past fall. I for one will never forget the adventure, and I feel so fortunate that the moms let us daughters tag along! Nancy isn’t Catholic and yet she patiently handled a few days in Rome with yours truly, which I am sure required a great deal of restraint. I wanted to see it all so I was a tad oblivious to those who had seen enough of the big city! Ha! As always, Nancy, you were a trooper and I am thankful and grateful for that experience– my one and only adventure abroad.

Nancy is a wife to a phenomenal character named Stan and the mother of two terrific daughters– Jill and Erin– and the grandmother of 6! She’s strong, fierce and passionate. Also? Nancy is one of the WORLDS BEST STORY TELLERS!! She’s engaging but also she just cackles when she laughs. It’s absolutely infectious. Nancy doesn’t obey all the rule because she isn’t interested in missing any of the fun. All of this shows when she tells a story. Her stories are loved by anyone who enjoys laughter– which is literally everyone. I spent a fair amount of time during my childhood sledding down the big hill behind her country house and just taking in the smiles of all the Vanderkleed clan. This is an entire family for whom I have terrific affection.

Nancy is supportive, resourceful, thrifty and faithful. She’s so beautiful and with the best hair EVER! She’s active in her church and a complete blessing to her family and wide circle of friends. She lives life to the fullest, she loves with her whole heart, and she sparkles. She may not see this message today, but when you do see it, Nan, I hope you will know how much I love and respect you. I wish you a VERY HAPPY 70TH AND MANY YEARS OF LAUGHTER AHEAD!!

Our children are our garden. They absorb our stress, just as they absorb our peace. They absorb our negativity just as they absorb our joy. We have the power to control what they absorb, but first we must tend to ourselves. -Rachel Macy Stafford

Day 93 of 365: BETSY KINDER

It’s a gloriously sunny day in the photo I have chosen today to honor my friend, Betsy Kinder. She’s pictured here with her husband Pat donning her usual smile that lights up the area she inhabits. She’s got three terrific kids (2 daughters and a son) and she’s a fellow Boilermaker fan!

Betsy is celebrating her birthday on Friday, so in advance of this auspicious occasion, I have decided to tell you what I think makes her just a colossally terrific wife, mother and friend. First of all, Betsy is inordinately positive. She has an infectious laugh and a heart of gold. I chose the quote above to honor her because at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School where she works, as well as in her home life, Betsy exudes joyfulness. That is a contagious condition she passes along to all the young people she encounters. She’s remarkably magnetic and was gifted by the Lord with an oversized helping of kindness and compassion.

For those who know me well, I’ll share that Betsy is a “Shoebox Girl”. The Shoebox gals are a group of friends who began meeting about once a month (during the school year) to send care packages to our college-aged kiddos about 3 years ago. We drink wine, and toss a lot of sugar and good wishes in the mail to our kids. It’s a win-win little gig we’ve got going. It was this Shoebox adventure that introduced me further to the awesomeness that is Betsy. She’s fun and the owner of a terrific sense of humor. She can tell a story and because her eyes sparkle when she grins, I know I am going to be smiling with her almost instantly.

I’ve watched Betsy look out for the oldest son of a mutual friend who passed away a few years ago. The way she so selflessly loves him is a beautiful thing to witness, and it tugs at my heart strings. I know Shannon (and Jesus) are smiling down on Betsy for her pure goodness to Con and I’m pretty sure she knows it too. This is just one small example of the way she cares about others, and she’s filled to overflowing with integrity. She really does have a special knack for being the face of Christ to others– her faith shows in her attitude and her deeds each day!

Betsy, as you and your family celebrate your birthday this week, I hope that you will know just what an incredible woman those of us in your circle know you to be. You are honest, loyal, respectful and genuine. Whenever I run into you, my sense is that you are always authentically happy to see me. I have a warm spot in my heart for you because of the way you always make me feel accepted and welcomed. Thanks for all the smiles! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETSY!! BOILER UP!!

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Eph. 4: 2)

Receptive and faithful women receive us as if we were Christ presenting Himself in the midst of the day. Janice Kunkel is such a woman. She’s virtuous, gracious and kind. I spied the photo of her, above, on her Facebook page, and I swiped it for this post because I love the way her genuine smile just shines as she sits in this kayak with a glass of wine.

Janice is the mother of three, as well as a wife and soon-to-be grandmother. She’s an incredibly bright and gentle woman. She’s a pediatrician whose patients I feel certain are incredibly blessed by her presence in their lives. I met Janice a few years ago at church and what I instantly noticed was just how articulate she is. It’s hard not to admire that she is just incredibly smart and full of love for the Lord! She and I are on the Gospel of Life Committee together. Finally, in recent months, we have taken the time to get to know each other a bit better. Don’t you just love when the Lord presents you the opportunity to become better acquainted with a stunningly wonderful person?

It’s so refreshing when a new friend is transparent enough to eschew the whole vagueness of dancing around reality and then truly lets you learn who they are and what they are about. Janice clearly values openness, connection, compassion and love. These are the qualities that made me instantly wish to own them a bit more in my life when we had lunch a few weeks back. How blessed are her children to have such a mother!

Janice is a pious and devout Catholic woman. Although I consider myself a woman of faith, I am pretty sure there’s more “Catholic juice” in her pinkie finger than I’ve got coursing through this whole body of mine. She’s not messing around, and frankly, I find this particular strength utterly inspiring. To her, truth and integrity matter. She’s a woman of character who is filled with the sort of strength only the Lord can inspire.

Thank you, Janice, for your friendship and for inspiring me to aim a little higher in my own spiritual life. You are a uniquely gifted, righteous, and truly beautiful woman!

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. — St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

Where joylessness reigns, where humor dies, the spirit of Jesus Christ is assuredly absent. — Pope Benedict XVI

Day 91 of 365: Stan Crisci

Please forgive me in advance, Ragu, but I just cannot resist writing about you on April Fool’s Day. Somehow, it just feels right! Ha?! Meet my friend, Stan Crisci, pictured at left above with his gorgeous wife, Michelle. I don’t know how long I’ve been calling him “The Big Ragu” but it’s been a number of years.

Allow me to explain. Stan has among the largest personalities I have ever encountered. He’s a Ball State Cardinal with volume control issues similar to yours truly, and he’s just the ultimate Italian guy. He’s the youngest of 10 (I think) and all of that just shows in his every word and action. When one runs into Stan the man, there’s going to be a HUGE WELCOME and maybe a slightly inappropriate hug too. He has a knack for making everyone in his path feel noticed. He’s got the gift of gab and is perpetual captain of the party!

Stan is generous with others, and he’s got an enormous, soft heart. He’s a faithful Catholic guy who has never figured out exactly what foods are legal on Fridays in Lent, but he’s got people for every problem under the sun. Apparently, I am his resident expert on meatless Fridays! I know each spring I can count on a few clarification texts about things like eggs, cheese, etc. I’m not going to lie, I truly do love Stan because despite the hot air, he makes me laugh without fail, and laughing is my favorite!

Stan has three wonderful kiddos– Sam, Lauren and Kylie. He loves them fiercely. I know this because for a decade he was my backdoor neighbor, and you can’t watch a family raise their children without learning a few things about them. There isn’t a soul who knows him who isn’t aware of this fact, so I sure hope those three kiddos feel it too. Stan is a touch dangerous and just a wee bit outrageous, but he’s truly just a fine man who I consider a terrific friend. I’ve seen him go out of his way to help others find jobs, pay bills, and move forward in their lives with dignity. His generosity is undeniable.

Some really smart guy whose name I can’t remember at this moment said “Humor is a mysterious but unmistakable charism inseparable from faith.” I love that bit of philosophy and believe it holds true for my friend, The Big Ragu. Stan’s the real deal, a man of many talents, and a lovely human being– no April Fooling! Thank you, Stan, for the always warm and sunny smile! I’m grateful for the sunshine you always add to my week when I see you.

If then you remain constant in your faith in the face of trial, the Lord will give you peace and rest for a time in this world, and forever in the next. -St. Jerome

Today is the birthday of my brother-in-law, Jerome LaReau. Jerome comes from a big, joyful Catholic family. They love card playing, a good party, and laughter. It’s no surprise then, that today’s birthday boy is the kind of guy who keeps his face to the sunshine! We jokingly call him “The Godfatha” because he is, in reality, the Godfather to my two oldest sons.

Jerome is a fantastic husband and father to my amazing niece, Katie. He’s always got a warm genuine smile to share, and one never doubts his intentions. He’s just flat out a good guy. He makes everyone feel like someone. He’s self-sacrificing and has the heart of a servant. Although he’s named after one of the great saints of our Church, when I think of him, I really do think of St. Joseph. Allow me to explain. As a guardian and protector of the Church, St. Joseph is a model of humility, dedicating himself to the service of his family, silently doing the ordinary in an extraordinary way and trusting always in the Lord. So much of that speaks loudly to me of the life being led by Jerome LaReau.

Jerome is a cheerful, kind and prudent human. He sings in the choir on Sunday and has served his parish (St. Louis de Montfort in Fishers) in many capacities over the years. The number of times I have watched him make a beautiful breakfast and deliver it to his wife in bed would astound you. I don’t know anyone on the planet who can make a better omelet! He’s always willing to compromise and he is a true man of character.

In his life, I have witnessed as he continues to follow the Lord in all he does. When it looks to me like he’s too exhausted to carry on, he seems to know when to lean in and let Jesus to the heavy lifting. Faithfulness, even when life isn’t delivering a perfect week– God sees that. Also, so do others around him.

Jerome, I hope Jennie and Katie spend some energy to show you all the love you deserve today, because your life is certainly one worth celebrating! I am so blessed to have you in my life, and Nick and Drew couldn’t ask for a better guy to be their Godfather. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, JEROME!!

She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. (Prov. 31:25)

The beautiful Boilermaker in the middle of this gaggle of black and gold wearing fabulousness is Ann Fritton. Ann’s mom, Lynn and my mother-in-law, Jane were identical twins. Ann and my hubby, Tom, are cousins. Just like me, Ann has three boys. Each of her sons is within months of age of my one of my three guys. Our husbands even work at the same CPA firm. What I’m trying to say is, Ann and I have a few things in common.

Although we’ve always run in different social circles, we grew up in the same hometown and we both attended Lafayette Central Catholic High School. Ann has been a Boilermaker fan as long as I have, therefore. Two of her sons are current Purdue students. We were both in Louisville last night cheering on our Boilers in the South Regional of the NCAA Tourney. It’s really for this reason that I chose to write about Ann today! I’m in the midst of a little black and gold GLOW. So, who better to honor than a fellow member of Boilermaker nation!!?

Ann is incredibly bright and quick-witted. She’s a sunny woman with a fantastic sense of humor. She has raised three pretty stunning and integrity-filled young men, which is truly a tribute to her unconditional love as well as her willingness to do the sticky, messy, day-to-day unglamorous work of motherhood. The work of her hands over the years may not have always seemed that important to her or to a world to busy to take notice. However, somewhere interiorly, I am certain that Ann, who is a faith-filled woman (and a long-time parishioner at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Indy), knows the One who her hands were really serving these many years, and that there are few gifts she could give Him which were more precious.

Ann is a joyful person who greets others with warmth and a smile. She’s welcoming, owns an infectious laugh and she is unafraid of taking a stand for what is right and good. She feels deeply and loves fiercely. She is a unique combination of soft and powerful. She’s practical, pragmatic and spiritual. I have long admired so much about Ann, and I’m overdue to say so the clear way I am trying to do today.

Ann? You are a woman I have always admired and respected. I love the way you love the Lord with your cheerfulness and sunny disposition! Thanks for being the stunningly beautiful person that you are because the world is such a better place with you doing you! ALSO? WHAT DO YOU SAY WE BOILER THE HECK UP!!? Hugs and love to you, my friend.