Karen Erickson

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I was the youngest of four.  My childhood was full of adventure and family.  My late father was a miner in his younger years which in turn made me a rock hound.  I have fond memories of adventures with him exploring nature.  My father was a very quiet and gentle man.  My mother was a devout Catholic and was a very godly woman.  She taught me to be creative and discover my talents.  I learned how to crochet, knit, and cross-stitch.  I attended Catholic school until high school.  What a rude awakening that was.  High school changed my character to one that was wild and full of "I knew everything" and my parents knew nothing.

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I moved away from home when I was 20 years old to live with a girlfriend and to explore my options in California and warmer weather.  I met my first husband there and two years later we were married.  A year after that my son was born.  That was the happiest day of my life.  All I ever wanted to be was a good mom.  Two years later my beautiful daughter was born.  Such joy filled my heart.  I was humbled to find out that I really DIDN'T "know everything!"  My relationship with my parents changed with a new appreciation for them.  I grew up.

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My husband did not attend church nor had any desire to attend.  I left the Catholic Church to find a church with bible studies during the church services in which the kids could participate.  Something was missing, though, from the services I attended, but I didn't know what it was.  It wouldn't be for several years later that I would discover what that missing thing was.  My life revolved around my children as a soccer mom, baseball mom, girl scout mom, horseback riding mom, and football mom.  Just always mom.  Somewhere Lori was lost.  My marriage was rocky, abusive, and challenging.  Many times I would talk to God asking for help.  Eighteen years passed before I signed for divorce in 2000.  It was the hardest day of my life.  Although it was necessary if I was ever going to be a good mom, a good person, and a godly woman.

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A few years later I met my second husband, Randy.  We wrote thirteen children's books together designed for children with learning struggles.  This is where I discovered that I had a talent for drawing.  Randy and I were civilly married in 2010.  We were searching for a church.  I was not a practicing Catholic at the time and Randy was a non-Catholic believer.  A co-worker suggested we go to St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Lakewood, CO. 

Randy said, "Sure!  Why not!  Let's give it a try." 

I sat through Mass and felt as though I found a long lost friend.  I received the Eucharist and finally realized what had been missing all those years in the other churches.  It was a moment of sweet reunion, unity, and love with God.  I was totally blessed beyond words.  A year later Randy and I attended RCIA classes together.  This is where we met Lynn Reid who had a great love for Mary and the Catholic faith.  Attending RCIA for me was the most eye opening and enriching experience.  I learned so much more as an adult than as a child growing up in a Catholic school.  I continued to grow in the Catholic faith and deepen my love for the trinity.  I have become a spoiled child of God.  He has drenched me with more blessings and miracles than I am worthy of.  Randy and I were married in the Church in 2014.  I continue to look for God's hidden treasures in my life.  Mary's Homes of Hope is one of those hidden treasures.  I'm blessed to be a part of His ministry.  God's blessings to all who read this.

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In His everlasting love,

Lori Kipp (MHOH Board Member - 2020 to present)