Karen

The ClubHouse: Big Brother 2000: FANmail (not hatemail): Karen

Admin

Saturday, August 05, 2000 - 09:35 am Click here to edit this post

FANmail from the Old Discussion Board

Big Brother Fan Club

Barbara
User ID: 0854544
Jul 20th 4:48 PM
Karen,

Even though people of less than normal intelligence cannot see it, you definitely provided the MOST COMPELLING and HONEST moments in Television history !!! Who among us can't relate to the failings within our most intimate relationships ???

I applaud you for having the courage to speak the truth... you should be proud...no matter what the strong do...the weak will never know why...

God Bless You

John
User ID: 0240854
Jul 22nd 1:18 PM
Karen, I'm sor sorry about how things have been for you, as I know from experience seeing my parents having the same problems, but because they are close to 70, there isn't alot they can do now. I think you should leave your husband and by all means, use your new found celebrity status that I'm sure you'll have and make a new life for yourself. So many times watching I wish I could go in the tv set and give you a hug when you were sad. By the way, you should really quit smoking.
Rachael
User ID: 6981353
Jul 24th 2:59 PM
Dear Karen,
Running from your problems won't solve them. And I'm sure your kids are embarassed by your discussions of what is their life too. It also isn't fair to speak about your husband when he isn't there to defend himself even if he is a creep. Maybe the things you say behind his back should have been said to face when you first noticed you were unhappy. He can't fix what he doesn't know is broken and if he won't listen get out. Staying is the worst thing you can you do for kids because it teaches your daughters it's ok to be treated that way and that you put up with anything if love someone and it teaches your sons that a "good" woman will endure anything. Are those really the words you want your kids to live by? -Rachael
RedX
User ID: 1898874
Jul 29th 8:20 PM
Karen,

I just want you to know that I think that you are a very beautiful woman and you deserve to find happiness. Go and get it!

Yvonne
User ID: 3215874
Jul 30th 0:56 AM
Karen,,,I truly can understand why you went into the BB house. Sometimes you just need a break from the Real World. From everyone. Im sure you love and adore your children,however there are times you to just get away. I dont blame you for wanting Jordan to leave. I feel the same here. However, i wanted Will to leave first. Take this time to take full advantage of this situation and enjoy other people and a chance to take to really think about what you want to do with your life. Good luck to you,,,
David
User ID: 0534004
Jul 30th 5:01 PM
Hi Karen
Your lucky to have Brittany invite you to move into her duplex in Minnapolis, say Hi to Gov Jessie when you get their. most thought that Brit and Jordon would be friends because of being from the same town. but I noticed the Midwestern people connecting you from Indiana, George from illinois and Brit from Minn.
David
Mrs. Reh
User ID: 9502963
Aug 2nd 5:50 PM
Hi Karen, I know you're glad to be out of the BB house and so am I. You should have left a lot earlier than you did, since everyone was getting on your nerves and you couldn't control everybody, even yourself. Please forget the psychiatrist and go see an MD to get harmone shots, it will help you a lot with menapause and people can stand you then. LOTS OF LUCK TO YOU.
Camala
User ID: 1084044
Aug 6th 6:19 AM
Karen-
I applaude you for going on the show. You were one of my favorites from the beginning. When you were sad and crying I wanted to reach in and give you a hug. I pray that everything works out for you when you get out. I'll be routing for you!
God Bless

Justme

Thursday, August 10, 2000 - 09:58 am Click here to edit this post

Karen,
I think you are doing a great job in the big brother house. I know it isnt hard but I like your honesty about your feelings on life. Take Care.

Max

Monday, August 14, 2000 - 06:48 pm Click here to edit this post

Karen,
You can only be controlled by another person when you allow yourself to be.

In one sense, I identify with you, Karen. I was married for 7 years to someone who was very much like you describe Tom. I never knew if I was coming home to loving arms or a cold shoulder. I was often, literally shunned in my own home. Get too close physically, even passing in the hall, and my s/o would literally pull away as though I had cooties or something. Kissing stopped after the first 2 years -- I was accused of "slobbering" too much. It was very emotionally abusive and I allowed it to continue in order to avoid conflict. That last bit is what you can't seem to see.

I never believed in divorce, but when I couldn't get my s/o to go to counseling, I went myself. After a couple of months of counseling, I finally realized I wasn't a bad person for wanting to leave. So, I got a lawyer, drew up the papers (including a proposed property settlement), and told my s/o I was leaving.

I found that my friends and family overwhelmingly supported my decision. This had been a major concern because, to the outside world, we had always appeared to be a very happy couple.

Despite all the faults my s/o had, I took responsibility for playing my part in the little drama that was our marriage. Fortunately, we didn't have kids, so that made leaving a lot easier. All that was almost 8 years ago and it seems like a different lifetime.

Your mistake, Karen, isn't in feeling bad about your marriage or angry at Tom. It's in blaming Tom for all the problems and not taking any responsibility. It's in making 4 kids with a man you say you couldn't stand living with. It's in coming on national TV and bashing him repeatedly without any thought to his or your kids feelings.

Sorry for the long message. It's just that when you first talked about your bad marriage, I was so hopeful that you would use this time to grow and think about how you contributed to the situation. Instead, all you did was make things worse by continually laying blame on Tom as though you weren't a contributing player in the game.

I know there are two sides to every story. All we've heard is your side and a very small piece from Tom. I hope the two of you work out your differences--whether that means staying together or separating. I hope you both learn from the experience about communication in relationships and the importance of taking responsbility for your actions, even when it's painful.

Angieb5

Wednesday, August 16, 2000 - 11:56 am Click here to edit this post

Karen,

I wish you the best. I hope things work out for you and your kids.

Things won't be as interesting in the house anymore.

Take care of you,
angieb5

Ike

Wednesday, August 16, 2000 - 09:53 pm Click here to edit this post

Karen, I must admit I choked up a little when I watched you make your exit tonight. I think getting out was best for you in the long run and it was wonderful to see your family waiting for you :)

Good luck from a fellow hoosier (even if I root for the OTHER Indiana big ten team!!!).

ike

Tobebrown

Thursday, August 17, 2000 - 09:15 pm Click here to edit this post

Karen, I wanted to tell you that there are some of us out here that know you are a good person inside and anything negative that you hear or read is probably written by very young and bored people. I know that when I went to a chat room it seemed like they were all so young and mean. That they might say anything hateful at all is projection -all things that people fear about themselves. That's the problem with doing a show like this, Society loves a martyr to torment. So keep your chin up! You're a great Mom and you were REAL.

Littlesoprano

Wednesday, August 23, 2000 - 01:21 am Click here to edit this post

Dear Karen,

I was at first very hestitant to post this letter for you here, namely because of the not-so-pleasant messages to be found elsewhere, but here it is. On that note, I know that you've discovered by now that people have been very keen on judging you(and the other HGs) very harshly. I will be "blatantly honest" (your term!) and say that I agree that some of your actions were wrong, and that you'll have to work through them now--rightfully so--but I also believe that you realize this. What grieves me are the hateful comments I've read on message boards like these-- as a Christian, I'm taught that "he who is without sin" can "cast the first stone." Frankly, there isn't a person who has the right to go looking for a stone to throw.

I was sorry to see you go on Wednesday (though I am not what you would call a fan of the show) but I agree with you that it was for the best. I can't imagine what that environment would be, and I also can't imagine adding the stress of not being able to check up on things at home. I asked my mother today how she felt when my sister and I were away for a month in Europe, and she promptly informed me that she was worried for us, and spent a good amount of time praying for our safety! She added that I would not understand this until I became a mother myself!

Karen, in closing, you have my prayers and support. Things may be very difficult for you right now, but I believe that this just may be the springboard for a new life for you. Please don't forget how very much God loves you. Oh, and to end this very long letter, feel free to e-mail me if you like-- it'd be great to "talk" with you!

God bless,

Charlene

Canadajoann

Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 06:48 am Click here to edit this post

Hello Karen,
I was a fan of yours since the day you entered the house. I think being the same age and being a Mom, had me identifying with you immediately. I was so sad the day you got bannished. YOU are the type of person I would bond with, as a friend.
I would love to email you personally and I am trying to get your email address.
I hope and pray only the best for you in the future. Take Care of Karen!
your fan,
JoAnne

Cindisu

Sunday, September 17, 2000 - 10:39 am Click here to edit this post

Dear Karen,
Thank you for being YOU!! I admire you for your decisions, actions, and love. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. I applaud you for taking a stand and sticking to it. At some point, I would love to talk to you, however I realize that time is tight with the move, etc. You are a SUPERB mother and individual. Please take care of YOURSELF. There are many people who love you!
Thank you for being an inspiration for me!!!!
Love,
Cindy S. Pruitt

Motoole

Tuesday, September 19, 2000 - 10:38 am Click here to edit this post

Karen,
We enjoyed all your humor, even though it didn't seem to come through on the edited show. Those of us who kept up with you on the internet, know how wonderful you are. You appeared to be a warm, loving woman to us.
Hope all goes well with you and your kids! Enjoy California, it is what you make it. Life begins now!

Biggrandmother

Wednesday, September 20, 2000 - 07:04 pm Click here to edit this post

Dear Karen,

Hi. I just wanted to do some apologizing. I joined in some of the Karen-bashing when you were on the show, (as well as Mega bashing, etc., etc.). I think that in some ways, the American public has been a part of this "experiment" with you. Just like living in the house might have brought out negative characteristics in everyone living there, just watching the show seems to have brought out negative characteristics in many viewers...including myself.

First of all, let me say that I think you're an incredibly brave woman. To jump at a challenge like this, to leave the world (as unhappy as it might be) that is secure to you behind and enter into the unknown. That shows a type of courage that's not frequently seen.

I enjoyed your humor, and your sincere feelings for the other houseguests. I admire your fortitude in opening up your life so unabashedly to the cameras. Thanks for letting us in, to become a part of your life. I sincerely hope your move to LA brings you happiness and independence, and that your entire BB experience will start to pay off for you in many ways. I personally think you'd be a great host of some show for Lifetime (the cable channel).

Best of luck to you and your children. I know you must make an excellent mom. You're an amazing person.

hugs-

Biggrandmother

Hjcole1

Sunday, September 24, 2000 - 02:56 pm Click here to edit this post

Hi Karen,
It was great watching BB and meeting all of you HG's. I will really miss BB.I know that it took you a lot of courage to go into the BB house. As well as to leave your life behind you in Indiana and move to another state. I admire you for taking the courage and doing something for yourself. I think that it is great and wish you the best of luck with your new life,(by the way I am a huge fan of Passions) It is so cool that you and Brittany are together. There for each other!!I live here in Indiana and bet you will love California Winters LOL! You go girl!!!! best wishes to you and take care! Heather Hjcole1@webtv.net