[mondk]

The guy threatened to kick her out so she is having his wife take her to a motel on her way to work. And so far her flight is still a go even with all the snow Columbus has gotten.

I'm going to the shelter Wednesday and told her I'd take her out to eat...but no Joshie until his first b-day as was part of the original agreement. I'm still going to send her pics and DVD's though, just like before.

Will keep you all posted...

Blessings, Michelle

[Oceans]

Good grief, I am kinda of feeling sorry for this guys wife... She must be blind or in a bad situation herself... I'm just glad Mommy Claire is outta there!! Thanks for the update!

[sarah16]

Michelle, I'm praying for you. It sounds like you have a great plan. I hope that things go smoothly.

[keds]

Michelle, I am so pleased that M.C. has you to help her out. Too often that isn't the case. I'll keep you both in my prayers and you must let us now when she's safe.

[mondk]

She is at the motel now. She was preparing to walk to a Waffle House to get herself something to eat. She called the cab company for me to change where she needed to be picked up at tomorrow.

My parents think this is a mistake...her coming here but like I told them...she's not coming here to our house; she will be in shelter. My dad wrote me this long email about how he thinks I'm making a mistake but that at least I'm doing it for the right reasons.

My main concern right now is her safety.

Will update you all...

Blessings, Michelle

[Oceans]

You have never indicated that MC has any dangerous behaviors meaning drugs or criminally so I am assuming that's the case. I am sorry your parents are worried - you obviously did too good of a job explaining why she shouldn't live with them a while back! LOL

This may not be popular but I believe you are doing the right thing. I hope she decides to stay in your town awhile. It sounds like you are the closest thing to family she has right now and that support is so important when you are trying to work yourself into a better life. Having her close will certainly give you more peace of mind.

One day at a time but she probably realizes she is no position to be giving you parenting "tips" right now. Hopefully she can get some services and job and/or education counseling. She deserves a chance and you are giving it to her. Let's just hope she can get past this and start to move forward - on the right track...

You are wonderful for doing this!

[mondk]

Thanks everyone for your kind words...I went to visit the shelter the other day (the shelter had moved from when I volunteered there). The last place they had the shelter was a teensy tiny house with only 2 bedrooms...the one they have now has 4-5 bedrooms and about 4 bathrooms...oh and 2 kitchens. Right now there are some women and kids staying there, but M.C. will have her own bedroom.

Brandy thinks the best thing to do right now is to take her up to Trenton, MO where there is a 2 year college and get her hooked up with Pell grants etc. The Trenton shelter is run by the same people that run ours...and not too far from the college. She can only get a 2 year degree there but maybe she could still sub teach or be a teacher's aid or even maybe work in a preschool. She wants to do something in teaching.

So I'm focused now on her...I know since she knows no one here (I plan to introduce her to some people though, more her age too that I know) that she will want me to visit as much as possible.

I also thought about her coming here, to these boards for birthparent support. Oh yes, and Brandy said something about she will be getting counseling while there at the shelter.

Well I'm groggy so I'll type more later...

Blessings, Michelle

[rainmon]

what a relief to have her away from that man !!!
I commend you for all that you have done for her.
now take a well deserved break and relax and enjoy your family...and know in your heart that you have done an amazing thing. she is in good hands now (thanks to you) so give her some space for a while ( and yourself) and let her gain her own control of her life now. this is the time for her to make some good choices on her own. (with their guidance)
I'm sooo happy for you all. :~D makes my heart glad to know there are people in the world like you.

[mondk]

Hey everyone! M.C. is at the shelter now and with the exception of an upset stomach, she is fine and more importantly, safe.

I'm going to go see her on Wednesday, take her out to eat, show her around the town a bit and take her to WalMart to get some personal items (the shelter provides most things, except soda pop but I can get it for her and take it to the shelter). They provide clothing too but what M.C. needs is a couple of new bras...I've never seen anyone donate bras to a shelter, LOL.

Anyway, will keep you all posted...

Blessings, Michelle

[quantum]

Thank goodness.
I must say I got really frightened for her with what you'd been telling us about this internet predator out there.
I hope she can get her life in order now! Thank goodness for people like you in the world.

[RavenSong]

Michelle, I am so thankful that Mommy Claire arrived safely. You are such a blessing in her life! This is such a fantastic opportunity for her to get a foot up in life. I hope she avails herself of all the resources she's being given at the shelter. I think the 2-year college program will be fantastic for her. And if she enjoys it, she can then transfer to a 4-year university. (As you can probably tell, I am very pro-education, lol!)

Be sure to take some time for yourself now. You've spent so much time and emotions on MC's crisis...now is the time to relax! Thank you for being such an amazing and courageous woman...

[keds]

Michelle, I am so happy to hear she's arrived safe and sound. Thank you for being such a great person and showing such concern for her. I am hopeful that this is the start of something good for her. You both have to now find balance in your relationship. As Raven says, you need to take a break for you and she needs to take time to decide what she's going to do and try and figure out how to stand on her own two feet. Best wishes to you both.

[bromanchik]

This is really, really great. I am so glad things are working out.

[thanksgivingmom]

So glad to read this update!

Be sure to give her lots of hugs from all of us!! And big hugs to you!!!!

[SuddenlySusan]

Wow! This is really a good news day! Michelle, you are a saint... I don't know many women who would have put such an effort into helping their baby's first mom. You are truly amazing!

PS -- I loved the pictures on your web site... just beautiful!

Peace,
Susan