Karen Erickson
Sue Levine
Mary Delgado
Lori Kipp
With Archbishop Samuel Aquila
Tales of Mr. Boo
Acrylic
October 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
In His everlasting love,
Lori Kipp (MHOH Board Member - 2020 to present)