Karen Thickman – “She makes the world better”

Karen Thickman is an amazing mom who dedicated herself to caring for her children – Kurt, Jennifer, Spencer and Lindsay. 

Her children said she is the best mom anyone could ask for, and now that they are adults, they are happy to call her a friend.

“Our mom is always emotionally supportive, and she never lets anything come before her kids,” her son, Spencer, said. “We are always her first and last thought, and it shows. As we have gotten older, her motherhood has blossomed into a beautiful friendship that is built on trust, transparency, laughs and love.”

Karen always conveys a feeling of love, even in the most mundane moments. She beams with pride any time she is with her kids, not because of their individual accomplishments, but because she is proud to be their mom.

“My mom has played a significant role in shaping who I am, and she provides a sense of security and belonging,” her daughter, Lindsay, said. “She’s a source of comfort, wisdom and encouragement throughout my life.”

Besides being an incredible mom, Karen is a full-time companion to Sophie, her dog. She also works as a healthcare professional… when Sophie lets her, the kids joked.

When she isn’t working or doting on her children, Karen loves being on the water, whether it be on the beach, on a boat, or in a pool. She enjoys hosting and loves laughing with friends and family over a few drinks and a delicious dinner and traveling to new places and exploring the world with her loving husband, Mike.

Karen’s children would not be the people they are today without her guidance. She gives them love, but also holds them accountable for their mistakes and tells them to use their mistakes to be better people.

“When I was in second grade, I was sent to the principal’s office for saying a bad word,” Spencer said. “When I was forced to say the word to her over the phone, I could hear her trying to hold back laughter. When she talks about it now, she admits that I was wrong for saying the word, but praises me for being anatomically correct.”

Karen is a wonderful role model for the kids and has given them countless lessons to help them navigate life. Spencer said she taught him to “choose your battles,” advice that becomes more valuable as he gets older.

Both Spencer and Lindsay said they have learned from Karen’s incredible work ethic, and also from her work-life balance.

“She is always a reminder that the best things in life happen from 5 to 9, not 9 to 5,” Spencer said. “Through her actions, she has taught us about resilience, determination and thoughtfulness.”

He said that his mom never lets life get the best of her. She has always found a way to make things work, and never stays down for too long.

Lindsay said that watching her mom in her marriage with Mike has taught her what it takes to have a healthy, lasting relationship. Karen is a great wife because she so deftly balances the roles of partner and parent, while supporting her husband and having open and honest communication.

“My mom also taught me that self-care is crucial for being a good wife and mother,” Lindsay said. “I have learned it is important to prioritize personal well-being, set boundaries, and find a balance between caring for others and caring for yourself.”

Her kids said Karen is always supportive and is always there to give advice on any topic, or just to listen if someone needs to talk. Spencer said her support meant a lot to him when he was in eighth grade and he was sent to the principal’s office for poking a hole in a school bus seat. 

The next day, when the bus dropped him off, Karen was there and went on the bus and took a picture of the hole and about 15 other seats with holes and rips to show the principal. The principal apologized to Karen for the inconvenience and the bus driver was replaced shortly thereafter, Spencer said with a smile.

Karen holds her values in the closest regard and has taught her children to do the same. Lindsay said she is good to others by embodying the qualities of kindness, compassion, empathy and generosity, and offers support and assistance when needed.

“Ultimately, our mom is always making the world a better place for those around her,” Spencer said. “She will drop whatever she is doing to be there for her loved ones, never leaving a trace of a doubt that she loves her kids and her family. No matter how close or far I am from Mom in distance, I always feel that I am close to her in my heart. Without her, us kids would not be half of the people we are today. We are forever grateful to call her our mom. We will love her forever.”