He Never Misses

Shelly Thieme:

Always Editing

  • Mad for…Matt

    What all good teachers have in common, however, is that they set high standards for their students and do not settle for anything less. -Marva Collins

    Day 66 of 365.

    A number of years ago when my oldest son started high school, a list was sent home to parents containing the names of suggested peer tutors for those struggling with their studies in Spanish. Among the names on the list was my son, Nick, which is, I assume, why I received the note. I glanced at it quickly at first and then noticed something striking. About 95% of the peer tutors listed were graduates of St. Louis de Montfort, the grade school my sons all attended. I quizzed Nick about it and he said immediately, “Oh, yeah, Mom….we are all WAY AHEAD of everyone else in Spanish. Turns out, Senor Ward is a beast!”

    What makes Matt Ward stand out to me is the obvious satisfaction he gets in rousing interest in the Spanish language in his students, and his remarkable ability to convey to them the value of improving their skills. He’s empathetic with his students, he respects them, and he teaches with the belief that each one of the faces in his classroom has something special upon which he can build. He explains, he demonstrates and he inspires. His class is never easy, but he is always fair and encouraging. Also? He’s got a great sense of humor. He has the students call him “Don” Ward, (apparently “Don” means lord in Spanish). This is what I’m told. What do I know? I took French in high school. Mostly, I remember saying “Ca va bien” quite a bit. My teacher was definitely no Matt Ward. Anyway, I love the nickname Don Ward! It makes me giggle.

    Several months ago, my middle son, a recent Guerin Catholic graduate, discovered that he was taking with him to Purdue fourteen (14) credits in Spanish. That’s a lot of college credit and Drew gave a great deal of the credit for his proficiency in this subject area to the years he spent with Matt Ward at SLDM. In fact, I am fairly certain Drew even sent him a note to say thanks. That’s an impressive display of appreciation from an 18 year old, German, and very stoic kid like Drew Thieme. It spoke volumes to me as a parent too!

    Matt is a teacher for whom I have mad respect. He works very hard and his efforts have paid significant dividends in the long term for the Thieme boys. I’m sure the daily grind of teaching Spanish to grade school children must be in some ways exhausting and monotonous, but Matt? You are a GEM! You are an integrity-filled and high quality human being. You are kind and funny, never taking yourself too seriously. We feel very fortunate that our children have had the chance to learn from you!!

    This evening in your honor, I am even going to try and overlook the annoying questions Zach will inevitably ask me about dinner IN SPANISH (because he knows I have no clue what he’s talking about) and therefore he feels superior. For one day only, I am going to be less bugged and more pleased that he’s interested in what you’re doing with the kiddos in your classroom. Tomorrow? Well, I’ll probably be back to rolling my eyes and asking him to translate to English!!

    THANK YOU, MATT WARD for being exceptional! I am grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Bill

    SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS, BE A CARRIER.

    Bill Grace, left, with his grandson Cooper!

    Day 65 of 365.

    If there was ever a man I should have honored YESTERDAY, on Fat Tuesday, it’s Bill Grace. But, we’re still close enough, so I’m going for it anyway! You see Bill is a Louisiana native, RABID LSU FAN, and Mardi Gras is more than just near and dear to this joyful man. Just like New Orleans itself is such a unique city with its multi-lingual heritage and striking creole cuisine, so is “Mayor Bill” an unforgettable and unrepeatable character!

    A decade or more ago when I met him, I believe he had already proclaimed himself “Mayor Bill” and he remains to this day the Mayor of the Lakes of Hazel Dell subdivision on the east side of Carmel. We lived several years a few door down from the Mayor and the man knows a thing or two he could share with the rest of the politicians out there. He’s a man of both compassion and integrity.

    If smiles are contagious, then Bill Grace is a carrier. He’s funny, genuine, and knows how to enjoy life! He loves to run and he takes an extreme amount of pride in his yard, which is always spectacular. When the snow begins to fall, one can count on Bill to be making his way up and down the streets clearing sidewalks and driveways for others. His thoughtfulness is an impressive gift to the community.

    Bill is a husband to Leslie, as well as a doting father and grandfather. His family has known it’s share of suffering, but Bill always plows ahead with a positive, can-do attitude during any kind of storm. He’s the kind of guy who somehow seems to be able to stand in its midst and remain steadfast. His family is truly blessed by him, and so are all who have spent any time near him. He’s one of the good guys, and those are folks worth celebrating!

    Thank you, Bill, for your simple gift of joy and goodness to those around you. We could all stand to be inspired and share a little more of the same in our own little corner of the world! I think you make such a positive difference in the world and I wanted to say so…even if I am a day late! You, sir, are THE REAL DEAL! Here’s hoping your Mardi Gras 2019 was spectacular! #GeauxTigers

  • Mad for…Michelle

    Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action. –St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta

    PIctured above is my friend, Michelle Crisci, with her beautiful daughter, Lauren

    Day 64 of 365.

    My favorite saint, St. Therese of Lisieux, is famous for saying “the loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the love of a mother.” How very true! Today, I am aiming to spread some of the love back to one of the truly terrific moms out there– Michelle Crisci.

    As you can see from the photo, Michelle has a magnetic and very genuine smile that begins in her eyes. She’s funny, adventurous and big-hearted. She goes out of her way for others, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty in the process. She’s not looking for a reward, and it’s not important to her that she’s seen doing the act of kindness. Michelle just does the right thing for others because it is the right thing. If we know anything about goodness, it’s that it’s a gift from the Lord. He’s been using this particular gal as His hands and feet for some time.

    Michelle is the mother of three pretty terrific young people– Sam, Lauren and Kylie. I’ve known these kids and their parents since they were very small. These are some very blessed kiddos to have such a mom. The Crisci clan spent a decade as our back door neighbors. We hauled our kids to and from school as a team, and we’ve shared lots of laughter, endless juice boxes, a few more than a few adult beverages… and some heartache too with them over the years. Here’s what shines in Michelle through it all– her compassion. Michelle authentically owns one of the most genuine and kind hearts around. The Lord knew she’d need it because, well, she’s married to Stan. If you know him, you’ll understand that I am now heartily laughing as I type! Let’s just say Stan is a BIG PERSONALITY and as awesome is he is….if I outlive Michelle I’ll be opening her cause for canonization when she’s gone! Hahaha!!

    In all seriousness, my dear friend, today’s BIRTHDAY GIRL, is joy-filled, patient, and lovely in every way. Michelle, I’m grateful for your faithful and loving example as a mother and as a friend to many. When you could have chosen to be selfish or indulgent, I have watched instead as you have chosen self-sacrifice. What you are is an absolutely beautiful and beloved daughter of the Lord, and I am so proud to call you my friend.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHELLE!!

  • Mad for…Teri

    She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)

    One of my regrets in this life of mine is that years ago I did not offer up a hearty and well-deserved THANK YOU to a great woman named Teri Feller. She remains to this day a gal to whom I feel genuine indebtedness for the exceptional work she did with my oldest son, his classmates and scores of others. I’ve decided it’s never too late for gratefulness, and why not rectify the oversight today?

    Teri is the mother of 3 grown children and the wife to Jay, a CPA who happens to work with my husband. That’s not how I know Teri, though. She spent many years as a teacher at St. Louis de Montfort School and she was, in my opinion, one of the finest educators to ever inhabit a classroom in that building. While she taught many things well, the Lord used her as His instrument as she taught the students religion. It warmed my heart so very much as a mother to send my son to her classroom each day.

    The secret sauce for Teri is that she shared with the children her passion for her faith. She knew how much God loves each of us, and her sunshine showed. Much of what so many young adults know now about the beauty of the mass, for example, was gleaned in her classroom. They felt her love of the Lord and it was life-giving. Teri had command of a group of kids by the genuine and holy way she worked.

    I remember laughing as her teaching partner (my dear friend Janet Andriole) spoke to the Lord with the entire combined group of kiddos one afternoon by opening, “Lord, it’s clear to us all that I am not as smooth at this leading a prayer thing as Mrs. Feller, but I am sure you understand my heart is in the right place as I stumble a little here…” It made me giggle as I stood nearby as a classroom helper that day because I had been thinking the entire time, PLEASE do not ask me to lead this group in prayer, Jesus. These children had already gotten used to Mrs. Holiness, you see, and the rest of us pretty much felt like freshmen on the first day of school standing next to her. It was a relief to hear the very articulate Janet express what I had been thinking!

    Teri was and is a beautiful person. She’s funny, bright, and soft-spoken. She exudes graciousness and kindness in every interaction I have ever had with her. Teri, THANK YOU for the stunning witness of faithfulness you shared all those years ago with the kids, and for always reminding me each time I see you what goodness looks like. The world sure would be a lot better off with a whole slew of women half as fantastic as you!


  • Mad for…Mike

    Sports contribute to the love of life and teach sacrifice, respect and responsibility, leading to the full development of the human person. (St. John Paul II)

    • Pam and Mike Fremion
    • Coach Fremion and the Prospects

    Day 62 of 365.

    Mike Fremion is a man I first met several years ago when his son, Grant, was playing baseball at GC alongside my oldest son, Nick. He’s a fiery guy who loves country music, a nice cold beer…and for some reason unknown to me…the Minnesota Vikings? He’s the husband of a very sweet woman named Pam, who is going straight to heaven, and proud dad of 4. He’s got a great smile and funny and self-deprecating sense of humor.

    Today, I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to Mike for the many, many hours he has dedicated these last few years to coaching our youngest son, Zach…and many, many other young guys over the years. It’s easy to be a critic of youth coaches, but honestly the number of hours and the energy this guy has put in really does make him a hero. Do you know how NOT FUN it is to endlessly rake baseball fields and scrounge around for gym space like a beggar? It’s not a glamor gig.

    Playing on a sports team coached by Mike Fremion is not for the faint of heart, that we can all agree on who know him. However, I believe it was St. Augustine who said that we should not be content with what we are, that we should each push ourselves to become what we are not. I’m going to assume Coach Fremion is a big St. Augustine fan, ha?

    In all seriousness, Mike Fremion loves the kids and I’m incredibly grateful for him. In the kids he instills a strong work ethic, strength, and fortitude. He’s intense, enthusiastic, passionate, but also truly encouraging. To say that Mike has gone out of his way for the sake of others in the time I have known him would be a tremendous understatement. Need help with transportation or anything else he might assist with? No worries. He’s on it. When we joined his little sports circle, we were coming in later than most the other families. He was incredibly welcoming, he drew us in to his circle of friendship, and that warmth always remained. He’s a character and integrity-filled guy whose efforts make a difference for others.

    Thank you, Mike, for the hospitality, the many hours of toil, and the kindness you have shown to the entire Thieme family, but especially Zach. We are grateful for you.

  • Mad for…Deacon Paul

    The joy promised by the Beatitudes is the very joy of Jesus himself: a joy sought and found in obedience to the Father, and in the gift of self to others. (St. John Paul II)

    • Denise and Paul Lunsford

    Day 61 of 365.

    When I first laid eyes on Paul Lunsford, he was speaking to a group of junior high parents, and my children were all still in grade school. He was not yet an ordained Deacon at that time, but he was a man whose joy for the Lord was manifest in the passion with which he spoke of his mission at Guerin Catholic High School. He was both driven and funny, and his booming voice filled the room. His obvious enthusiasm for Catholic education and our shared faith was contagious.

    Deacon Paul is a devoted and loving husband to his faith-filled and terrific wife, Denise, as well as a doting father and grandfather. He’s a quick-witted guy with a self-deprecating sense of humor. If a scoop of vanilla ice cream is good, then Deacon Paul is a chocolate sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles on top. There’s nothing bland about him. He’s courageous, confident and kind. He has a contagious laugh, and when he preaches he uses his smile and warmth to draw folks in with his accessible, articulate style.

    True beauty in a human, to me, is about watching someone talk about something they really love with passion in their eyes. Those are the kinds of people who make impossible things happen. Jesus has used this man over and over to be his face and his hands, because what Deacon Paul is passionate about is our Lord and Savior. Isn’t that absolutely awesome?

    Deacon Paul? Thank you for the passion and enthusiasm with which you live your life. You are a terrific witness about the fact that while we all struggle and make great sacrifices to accomplish meaningful things in this life, our tireless exertion and passionate concern on behalf of our good and gracious God should be joy-filled tasks that leave us perhaps a little sweaty, but smiling broadly. I am grateful to you for your service to our beloved Church.

  • Mad for…Chris

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23)

    Awaken to the B.E.S.T. is a women’s ministry held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel. Awaken offers spiritual and scripture based opportunities for women who desire to deepen and share their Catholic faith in God. As I have previously stated, I might be the last woman in the Carmel deanery to not have attended this enormously successful program. One of it’s presenters is my friend, Chris Moss.

    • Chris, Nick, Bill and Lexi Moss

    Day 60 of 365.

    Chris is the mother of two. Her son, Nick, is a sophomore at Purdue University and her daughter, Lexi, is finishing up her senior year in high school at Guerin Catholic. They are fantastic and character filled kiddos, undoubtedly, because in part, they were loved by a selfless and faith-filled mother. Husband, Bill, is a peach of a human himself who once bought my sons dinner at the famous Triple XXX Restaurant (because he saw their GC clothing) on Purdue’s campus…and absolutely made their day! Nick and Lexi are two blessed young people to be raised in such a loving family.

    I saw the scripture passage above today as I was doing some reading and it made me think to myself about how I am a little short-handed on some of those fruits of the Spirit in my own life. When I contemplated who I knew that most embodied them all, I came up with Chris.

    Chris is a bona-fide Jesus girl, and also just incredibly authentic, kind, and good. She’s funny and self-deprecating, and just the definition of a lovely woman of God. She’s one of those people I know who I’ve always wished I knew a bit better. Her breath-taking smile, and her genuine laughter provide warmth that lights any room she’s in. The Lord knocked, and Chris answered and then He moved right on in. That’s what I see when I look at Chris.

    Thank you, Chris, for inspiring in me a desire to love the Lord by the friendly, welcoming and sunny way you always greet me– and everyone in your path! You, my dear, are the beautiful face and hands of Jesus to so many and you DEFINITELY make your corner of the world a more godly place to inhabit. I’m grateful to call you friend. BOILER UP!!

  • Mad for…Chase

    A sense of humor…is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. — Hugh Sidey

    • Chase Barrett

    Day 59 of 365.

    As I sit here watching the Xavier vs. St. John’s basketball game, I find it impossible not to think of my sports loving oldest son and his Muskie friends down in Cincy. That led me to the decision to write about Chase Barrett today.

    The consummate extrovert, Chase is a clown who’s never met a stranger. He’s gregarious, approachable and unrestrained. He’s a fanatical sports fan with a sense of humor that I simply can’t do justice to here. Knowing he’s down there in Cincy with Nick means I never worry things are dull and I am certain smiling is always going to be part of the situation.

    Everyone needs a friend like Chase, but not because of the reasons I’ve shared above. As fantastic as they are, the thing that stands out to me the most about Chase is his kindness and the quality of his character. Allow me to share with you how I know this.

    Not long after Nick began his studies at Xavier, and long before they became close friends, Nick found himself in no small amount of pain. He ended up in the ER at nearby Good Samaritan Hospital. This young Muskie, Chase Barrett, began texting me from the hospital. What we thought would be a very short visit ended up lasting most the night– it was kidney stones. I was a few hours away, too late to get myself there in time to help. This kid (and another friend, Ben) stayed up all night and reported in often to this very worried mom until I could get to Nick. The compassion and integrity that demonstrated speaks much more loudly than I could about what kind of caring young man he is.

    I could share more about the quality young adult that is Chase Barrett, but I believe it’s clear enough now. Chase? THANK YOU for looking out for my silly son and for being a light, providing sunshine to everyone around you. There’s always a hot meal and a warm bed for you whenever you visit Indy, kiddo. For you, I am grateful! LET’S GO X!!!

  • Mad for…Joey

    “I wish to sow courage, hope and enthusiasm…” -St. Pope John Paul II

    Day 58 of 365.

    Meet Joey Cobb. She’s the mother of Jensen and the wife to Cam. She’s a small town girl at heart who now lives in Carmel. She’s been teaching PE at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School for as long as I can remember. I have been observing her since my 21 year old college junior was a little guy in his navy blue school uniform pants, and also prior to the arrival of her athletic and boisterous son you see pictured above. I swear to you, she’s not aged one ounce in this time. It’s truly unfair.

    The world has this idea of what beauty is, and as you can see from her smile which lights up the page, Joey is certainly that. However, the reason I think she is breath-taking and altogether beautiful has much more to do with the content of her heart and her character. Can you imagine trying to know the names of nearly 500 students? Well, like most elementary schools, SLDM has only one PE teacher. This one is creative, joyful, enthusiastic and fun! Also, she knows her students. All of them. They matter to her and the children know that. She’s genuine and impressive.

    Joey loves country music, cheering for her little athlete, and she loves weekends at the lake. She’s into boating and tennis and laughing. Joey is a joyful person, and a shining light with a lovely disposition. One needs that when attempting to “herd cats”, which is what it looks to me like one must do when teaching physical education to pre-schoolers. Also, she’s got to design meaningful curriculum IN A GYM for hormonal 14-year old 8th graders that leave them in one piece at the end of class. That’s a skill set that crosses a wide swath, folks. It gives me hives thinking about it, if I’m honest.

    Mrs. Cobb has long been a favorite of SLDM kiddos, and it’s not simply because PE is widely considered to be the greatest subject school ever invented (this according to my extremely unscientific survey). It’s because Joey loves the children. You can’t fake that.

    Joey, I’m LOOOONG overdue to say THANK YOU for the kindness you have shown the Thieme boys and many hundreds of families over many years. You, my dear woman, are an altogether beautiful human being! We are grateful for you!

  • Mad for…Kim

    Put yourself in God’s hands; He abandons no one. -St. Andre Bessette

    This is such a sweet photo of Kim Murray with her husband, Pat. Truth be told, I don’t know either one of them very well. Our kids were high school friends who went to a few dances together, though, so we are mildly acquainted. However, I am an observer of people and what I can see from a distance about Kim is crystal clear. We can all see that she is a stunningly beautiful woman with a truly genuine smile. More than that, though, she is a woman of God…a fellow Jesus girl.

    Kim’s the mother of 6 children who very obviously love and serve the Lord, an animal lover, a sweet thoughtful woman, and TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY! Allow me to share with you a little peek at her quiet compassion and faithfulness as I aim to honor her on her special day!

    Some weeks back, I was diagnosed with cancer. Just a few weeks later, we learned this was in fact the wrong diagnosis, however during this time word spread. I ran into Kim at a daily mass we both happened to be attending at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I went to say hello and assured her of my prayers for her family, and she inquired about the rumor she had heard about me. It was a brief but lovely chat.

    A few days later on my way down the driveway to grab my mail, I noticed Kim in her big pickup truck dropping something off. She explained that she wanted to share some of this “Oil of St. Joseph” that her husband had brought home from a trip to Canada. She explained a bit about the family having a devotion to St. Andre Bessette and that Pat had made a pilgrimage to the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, and that offering prayers through the intercession of St. Andre and St. Joseph might be a powerful aid to me. The gesture was incredibly humbling and utterly filled with faith and compassion. I was truly moved.

    A lover of saints, this surprise delivery also caused me to explore the life of St. Andre, who I now consider a friend. As often happens when I meet new saints, I was captivated by his humility and holiness while I read about his life. His physical weakness or meager background did not deter him from becoming a truly amazing man of God. His story inspired me, and I have Kim to thank for the introduction.

    Your little kindness was not small to me, Kim Murray, and I suspect similar acts of love leave others in your wake feeling like you are also the face of Christ to them as you “do your day”. I am grateful to you for reminding me that when we stoop down to lift up, reach out, pray, drive out of your way for the sake of another, we really are doing the Lord’s work. Your kindness left me feeling that Jesus was walking alongside and I am grateful.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM!!

    Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)