[mondk]

Okay, everyone, here is the latest:

The guy grabbed her arm and left a bruise...he called her a fat whore and a b*tch and told her he was going to buy a padlock for the basement and keep her there locked in.

I called my boss at our local womens' shelter to see what to do. She ended up calling Mommy Claire and talking to her for quite a while. I gave M.C. some phone numbers to shelters there in Columbus...but she is balking, so we are flying her here, not to stay with us, but to stay at the womens' shelter. My boss thought this would be best...they will help her get a job, save some money, and long term goal to get back to Jax.

My parents are against this decision because they are afraid that M.C. will start telling me how to raise Joshie etc...M.C. and I have already started setting some boundaries. I just want to get her away from that guy before she winds up being a statistic.

I don't plan to take Joshie to the shelter. Our agreement was that she would see him at his first b-day party in July. We are sticking to that; I can still go see her as much as I want and talk to her on the phone without paying long distance.

I'll keep you all posted...

Blessings, Michelle

[RavenSong]

Michelle, I tried to reply to your PM, but your inbox is full.

[Oceans]

The guy grabbed her arm and left a bruise...he called her a fat whore and a b*tch and told her he was going to buy a padlock for the basement and keep her there locked in.

OK - This is my worst fear...

Michelle - You are doing this right IMHO (keep in mind I have no experience). Oh Boy....I will praying like crazy for all of you....

[RavenSong]

Michelle, this is truly an answer to prayer, IMO. I am so glad that the shelter's director talked with Mommy Claire and that she will be staying there. I really think this will give her a "foot up" in life. And I think it will give you some peace of mind, too. At least you won't have to be worrying whether the whacko in Ohio has locked her in the basement yet or not.

[mondk]

Raven: Sorry about that; I never look at that thingie...some major space has been freed up now!

Thanks everyone for your support...I really need it now...as well as Mommy Claire!

Blessings, Michelle

[SuddenlySusan]

Michelle,

Where will she be until her plane leaves? This is the stuff that nightmares are made of. You all will be in my heart. You are a wonderful woman, Michelle.

Peace,
Susan

[mondk]

SuddenlySusan: Thank you for your kind words...

Brandy (my womens' shelter boss) and I are going to try to find another shelter there in Columbus that can house her temporarily and then take her to the airport Monday...or I will try to send her a moneygram for cab fare. M.C. told the wife she is leaving but hasn't told the guy yet.

I told her if the guy threatens her in any way she is to call the police immediately and tell them what is going on and they may take her to a shelter or to a motel that I could pay for with my debit card over the phone. Plus money for cab/bus fare. She only has $7 right now. She said the airport is about half an hour away, so Brandy and I are going to work on this tomorrow and if everything works out, Claire will take a Monday flight from Columbus to Kansas City and Brandy will pick her up in the shelter's minivan and take her right to the shelter.

I'm really glad I contacted Brandy; she has been a victim's advocate for years and usually what she says goes. Since I'm still listed as a volunteer there I can pretty much visit Claire whenever I want.

My only worry now is what this guy will do or try when Claire tells him she is leaving. We have already developed a communication plan. If I can't reach her on either cell phone she has, I will call the Columbus police and have them to do a checkup/well visit..I do thankfully, have these people's address.

Well, I will keep you all posted...

Blessings, Michelle

[quantum]

I really hope she gets out and FAST.
If I were her, I wouldn't tell the guy I was leaving, I would just GO GO GO.

This is a nightmare situation and thank goodness for you Michelle.

[RavenSong]

Michelle, I agree with Quantum about not telling the guy she's leaving. I think it might be safest for her to just leave. I am SO glad you have a contingency plan in place in case you cannot get ahold of Claire. I hope everything goes smoothly. And I think Brandy is wonderful for making this all happen! Good thoughts coming your way!!

[bromanchik]

I wish I were close so I could help. I am glad things are in motion.

[thanksgivingmom]

I'm so glad to hear the update that MC is getting out of there. What a heart wrenching experience!

You are really very amazing for putting this all in place, and possibly saving your sons birthmoms life. Thank you so much for sticking to your guns and not backing down in the face of criticism from others. Truly. Thank you.

((((hugs and prayers to you and MC))))

[josh1788smom]

Michelle -

I will keep Mommy Claire in my prayers for her safe trip to Kansas City. Southwest Airlines flies into Columbus Airport. Can she hop a flight sooner? They are usually pretty cheap and would go right to KC.

I think your situation can work just fine, when you both are in the same city for the time being, especially with pre-set limits.

Good luck!!!!

[mondk]

I booked her flight already...Columbus to K.C. with 1 stop on Continental. I'm sending her a money gram for cab fare and have already booked her a cab.

She told the guy this morning and she said he was "so-so" about it...he was in the room when I asked her so she couldn't really go into detail about it.

Brandy called several shelters in the Columbus area and none of them provided transportation. She said since Columbus has like 9 or more shelters that they have to split up their funding which is why they don't have money or means to transport. That made complete sense to me so that is why I went ahead and called her a cab.

Brandy will pick her up at the airport in K.C. I'm just anxious for all this to be over; it is nerve-wracking. I'm also blessed with just enough money to be able to do all this...thank God he listens to prayers.

Thanks everyone for your support and prayers and well wishes...will keep you updated!

Blessings, Michelle

The Kirkland family totsite (for anyone wanting to see more pics of us)

[Oceans]

Michelle - Love the site!!

I'm on pins & needles for you (((HUGS)))

[rainmon]

I Am So Relieved She Is Getting Out Of There And Getting Connected With A Womens Shelter, They Are So Very Helpful And Can Help Her To Get Connected To All The Programs She Will Need For Getting Her Life On Track.
Keep Us Posted !!