Karen thompson

Big Boys should Cry…Mental Health Matters

Wednesday 15th May 2024

When I graduated college (the first time) I had a point to make with my dad. I took a job working on an intensive care mental health unit. Wow, it was a lot for a 21 year old, but what I learned there followed me everywhere and I say shaped me into the woman I am, today.

When my 9 year old dad found his dad hanging in the garage on Christmas Eve he was simply told "you have to be a man now and men don't cry." 1940s and nothing existed to help a small boy grieve. 

Family of origin issue. Became family of creation issue. Lifelong battle for my dad with alcohol. Alcoholism led to dysfunction and soon other family members were attempting suicide. Intervention in the 1970-80s really not much advanced from 1940.

See, I was an oops baby. A tiny set of eyes watching and watching closely. I saw enough that kept me relatively determined not to go there. My first big girl job taught me no one really "wants" to go there they just want to not be where they are.

Mental Health concerns are everyone's...for men it is still extra hard and the resources on the DGR page are hopefully just a start, but thankfully leaps and bounds.

i ride this ride to raise money so that others don't have to "get this close."

Stay Dapper all...see you Sunday. Side by Side we go WORLDWIDE!

Heading toward 10K...

Saturday 27th Apr 2024

Hi all,

I've posted before about my dad and his health/life journey and that he is part of the reason I ride this ride. If you know me, you know I hate cemeteries. I never "visit" my parents there. I don't feel them there. Dad, I talk to when I hear trains, as he spent his life on them. Last year I had this picture taken downtown as a moment in time. Riding for him. 

Everything about this ride is him:

His dad committed suicide when he was 9 years old.

He tried frequently, not overtly, but at the bottom of a bottle. The demon escaped him every time.

He had prostate and testicular cancer. By the time he had enough courage to seek help, it was too late.

His journey, was rough, but it was his and he DID HIS BEST.

Don't wait...PLEASE 

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Tuesday 26th Mar 2024 On Sunday the 19th of May 2024, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.