Okay, now I admit I'm getting worried too!!!<P>Someone out there must know!!!

I clicked on his profile to take a peak and it mostly has been deleted as well. All info about him is gone?<P>I am in IL as well as him. I am going to see what I can find in the phone book. If I have to drive to his home to find him I may!!! If anyone finds an address, please let me know.<P>What do you think?<P>Michelle<p>[This message has been edited by eyes_wide_shut (edited August 01, 2001).]

Eyes_wide_shut, I understand that intution thing. That is why I started this thread to begin with. Since Thursday I have frequently had to stop and pray for Mike. It is not often that I have to stop what I am doing because of God pushing me to pray specifically for one person. However, I just can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. <P>Again, I am so happy to see Mike has so many friends here. I was hesitate to start this post because I didn't want it to look like I was dependent on him for help. I know he has enough to deal with in his own life without thinking he is somehow responsible for how I deal with mine. <P>If any one can think of anything I can do to help him, please let me know. I haven't been around long but I would like to help if I can. L.

If you are insulted by prayer, don't read this (I think convention has gone out the window)... please agree in prayer with me:<P><I>Heavenly Father,<P>Please hold Mike and his children in the palm of your hand... keep them safe... and Lord, if possible, please find a way to let us know he's okay.<P>IJN, <P>Amen</I><p>[This message has been edited by Nyneve (edited August 01, 2001).]

I found 34 Mike Blakes in Illinois. Anyone remember what town he lived in?<P>I did a map from me to Port Byron. Almost 3 hours! Yikes, not an easy drive.<p>[This message has been edited by eyes_wide_shut (edited August 01, 2001).]

Friends...<P>I called the Rock Island Sheriff's Department and gave information about not hearing from him since the 28th of July. She spoke with her supervisor and said they couldn't drive out to his home because they don't have an address or phone number (his phone is unlisted). I said, could you look in the police records and let me know if there's been an accident or incident involving Michael T. or Teresa Blake of Port Byron, IL? They said nothing is in the records. Whew.<P>So, the phone company says they'll give the police the phone number information but since we're not family... there is nothing we can do. There are numbers one for him and Teri and another just for Teri both are unlisted...<P>Okay, I might call back and let them know he's a newly single Dad with four children.<P>What else would you suggest we do?<P>Call the hospitals? Geeszh! <P>Nicole<P>------------------<BR><I>The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable</I> ~ Henri Nouwen

And so,...<P>I did call back and they gave me the number of the local deputy who knows where Mike lives. He stated that his wife has not come in to alert him to anything that could be wrong. I gave him my phone number and he is going out to see if all is well. I told him my concern is not only for Mike but for his children. He promised to get back to me.<P>So, here's hoping... I'm feeling a lot better now that nothing has been reported to the police.<P>I'll write again after the deputy calls me back...<P>Warmly,<BR>Nicole<P>ps - Mike when you DO finally read this, I sincerely hope you don't feel we've (I've) invaded your privacy... we just were genuinely concerned given all you've been facing these past couple of weeks! Please accept my apologies if I've offended you in anyway...<P>------------------<BR><I>The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable</I> ~ Henri Nouwen

Any news? I am at home now, but can't think about anything till I know Mike is okay. <P>Michelle

Hi all...<P>Great news! I've spoken by phone to Mike. He's okay. As we somewhat suspected, his service was discontinued... he'll try to get in touch in a few days.<P>Whew... yes, the local deputy did come out. He wasn't upset... probably a little embarrassed and will likely make for some interesting small town gossip that this woman from Wheaton, IL is calling and worried about Mike. Oh well. <P>So, he'll let you know I'm sure what's happening and wanted to say 'hi' and 'sorry' for worrying anyone.<P>I think he could still use our prayers as the financial crisis he's in is not looking good.<P>Whew...<P>Cheers all!<BR>Nicole<P>ps - I told him all about everyone's concerned and that he will be touched by all the well-wishers and concerned posts on this thread...<P>------------------<BR><I>The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable</I> ~ Henri Nouwen

Thanks for letting me(us) know that Mike is ok.<P>I'm glad he knows we care and that even though he is unable to post temporarily, he knows he is still in our thoughts and prayers.<P>It's a good thing that you let us know tonight. Sam might have been a bit baffled to see his Dad's face on a milk carton my next week. Two more days and somebody would have contacted that "unsolved mysteries guy" <P>Mike, you might have set MB history with 28 responses without even having to post a problem. <P>I'm sure we will all sleep better tonight knowing our friend is ok.<P>L

Great news, I hope he's on-line again soon.<P>Jacky

<BR>I am most embarassed at having put everone through the wringer this past week, but I was in there, too.<BR> <BR>On the bright side, aren't you all very capable net-sleuths! I mean, my number is unlisted, and all of that, and I've 'found' 34 Mike Blakes in Illinois too, and I honestly don't think any of them are me! The shame of a common name, I suppose.<BR><B>Thank you all so much for your concerns, and genuine caring...I have not forgotten that I am blessed, and I do thank God that you all are here, too...even though I wouldn't even wish it on the OM.</B><BR>Which brings me to where I am at, and how I got here. I am actually using the thought to be defunct account that I was using before. I had gotten very burned out on everything. Nothing is doing much good, I'm still struggling, begging off the electric company, phone company, mortgage company, second mortgage company...and a host of others, including the Rock Island Sheriff's Department, I think. My analogy is that it it 'all circling the drain' right now. That's pretty heavy...I know where those type of openers usually lead. I'm not contemplating taking my own life by any means. I'm not sure if I am too chicken, or stubborn. I'm just that way, I guess.<BR> My three younger sons are camping in Michigan with my ex-wife, the OM, his sisters, and their families to various degrees. It makes me feel physically sick. Today, Aaron showed up, and started in on me with the most vicious attacks I have ever been party to, and he basically told me to die on the spot...well, no...he actually told me that. I had some good conversations with the other three...it really is a black and white thing, my family. It hurts me. Teri and Aaron are just beating me down mercilessly, and the other three are not.<BR> I have taken in a boarder, but I doubt that it will help much. I am trying to get a job at the convenience store and at a nearby country club...I'm down to the work for food portion of this program, and I still can't find work that I can do...without transportation. It seems like such a huge mountain, and it isn't moving the way I need it to right now.<BR> Now, I could go on, but I won't...this is why I haven't posted...I having a really hard time with all of this...Found out that Teri already applied for Public Aid for the children...which apparently precludes me doing the same...that should affect the child support at the very least, but the bureaucracy is tough to deal with...which is why I wrote my Congressman...My life story is actually a pretty honorable one, I won't bore anyone with the details, but my basic position is that I have invested half a million dollars of my time and talent in this family, and country, and I am losing it all because two people who did not contribute substantially, and who did benefit from me directly in many tangible ways have chosen to campaign against me as a person...they are basically running me out, and that's not right...on a whole lot of counts.<p>[This message has been edited by waiting_for_her (edited August 07, 2001).]

...here is an interesting thing...as I went to post this, a knock came at my door...it is a friend of mine who just got 'kicked out' of his house...WAS again...another one in the chain...a friend of Teri's. We had a very long talk about things...a good talk...someone who understands where I am at, and is there, too. He tells me about a fight that they had on Wednesday...his wife is at a bar with my ex-wife...he is not too pleased with my ex-wife at this point...says she is not Christian...I tried to tell him about plan B...he called her 15 minutes later...claims its all okay...I dunno...they are a good couple...I know their children well...coached their son in soccer...good kid...Garrett's good friend...its all way too messy...there is no good in any of it...this must be the answer to my prayer...I asked for a man...a godly man... to help me find my way back to good in my life...and here is a friend that I would not have expected...ast my doorstep on the tail of that garbage with my son....very interesting to me indeed...anyway, <B>I am back, my friends</B>, and I am going to [play my instrument the only way I know how (loud, and off key)...I am sorry if it offends, but its all I know! -<B>God bless us all!</B>

...new keyboard...not going to edit...oh, well....<BR>P.S. I got the damned job at the convenience store down the hill...praise God...I start orin\entation tonight...how to make underdone pizza...should be a cakewalk...I actually know how to make decent pizza...like I said, my Grandmother told me I'd make someone an excellent wife someday!<BR>Now, I am also trying to get some late season mowing at the local 'I've got more money than I know what to do with' country club, so I should be in good shape with my plan...if I can get my 'other' (spelled living, and tight) Grandmother to do what I feel is a simple thing. I do not want her to lend me her money. What I want is for her to take 1 CD, and use is as collateral, along with her signature, to fund a loan from a bank to me. I think that this is adequate given the circumstances...my Mother is the Senior Loan Officer at a bank, and she is not forthcoming with a financial solution, which scares me...but I believe that one of you...let me check who...is an expert in this area....anyway, I can't find it now...I feel a little pressed getting caught up with my e-mail, and this board...I've left a lot of you hanging, and that is not good...I am truly sorry for having let you down...Kim, Michele, 'Thinker', Lisa, Lynn, Nicole, Sheryl, Bill, Darinka...in no particular order, and I have left out a few, too...my bad. At any rate, I need to get some money answers, and like I said, I could try to get my G-Ma to bankroll this...I am trying to get money based on the fact that I have shown a committment to make my family work in whatever shape it takes...I am capable, and dedicated...I need to believe it, and make others believe it, too....-Mike

OH MIke,<P>YOU AREN'T DEAD - YEA! <P>I hardly come on this board lately, but I'm so glad I did this morning. You're here!! <P>Okay, congrats on the job at the store, even though I know it isn't the be-all that ends-all... but it is a "food on the table" job. Praise God!!<P>Also, woohoo about getting on here with the not-defunct software... hey, whatever works!!<P>I worked in banking in CA for 10 years (yeah, the loan dept.) and I filed BK, as I told you before, so I might be able to help you with your $$ ?'s. Let me know.<P>Hugs, and glad to read you!!!!<P>Sheryl<P>

Hi Mike...<P>Soooo glad you're back. Nice to chat with ya the other day. I'm sorry for the rut you're in... but you're so logical that it seems you'll work it out. I'm hoping something BIG comes through for you with all the irons in the fire you've got...<P>Anyway, as I was drivin' down the street the other day, I saw a sign for fresh sweet corn... thought of you! I'm just gonna have to try this Illinois sweet corn as you've suggested!<P>Cheers!<BR>Nicole<P>ps - glad you're back.<P>------------------<BR><I>The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable</I> ~ Henri Nouwen

Mike,<P>Glad to see that you are physically ok. Everyone, it seems, really worried about you. Tons of prayers went up. See, God does answer prayers!! I know I have not posted much, but I read everyone elses and yours always and Bill's always seem to stand out with encouragement and understanding of everyone's situations. God is going to use you somehow, someway. I will pray for your son Aaron - my son's name too!! He will one day see the light. Don't give up on him. He may say terrible things to you, but there is love there and he knows it. As you already know, the ones you love the most can cause the most pain. Keep your chin up. We love you!!<BR>Tina

Mike,<P>Did you bring any pizza home??? I'm starving, haven't eaten all day. Son has strep throat so I'll probably get it soon too. Good thing I had the ol' tonsils cut out last October. <P>Anyway, I've read and re-read your response to my post on the other thread and I'm not real clear. I value your opinion. It's just a bit wierd because your response doesn't seem like it matches up to my post. For instance, what question are you talking about. Please help, this ol' brain is so tired and confused. <P>I'm going home to find that d**ned corkscrew. Came back to work tonight but cannot get anything done. I thought it was my H that was supposed to be in the fog, not me.....<BR>Lynn<P>Lynn

Lynn... I'm worried that you're in the *eye of the storm*... please take care of yourself these next days. It's not going to be pretty... as someone stated on your other thread... it could be either guilt or anger. You have to be ready for him to strut around with her now... imagine the worst and hope for the best.<P>Cheers!<P>Mike... hope you had an okay day. How'd it go at the shi shi country club?<P>Cheers!<P>------------------<BR><I>The new country is where you are called to go, and the only way to go there is naked and vulnerable</I> ~ Henri Nouwen

Eye of the storm is so appropriate. God has truly blessed me with peace for the past 36 hours. However, I feel the storm raging on all sides of me. I went to counselling today and Doc thinks I should avoid "family" situations because it is harmful to the kids. I understand this thinking in a way, but how will my H ever realize what he is missing unless he spends time with his family, including me. I know absence is supposed to make the heart grown fonder but we really have a good time when we do family things so how can this be wrong? <P>Am I so desparately afraid of being alone that I am denying how much his infidelity hurts. I keep finding myself making excuses for him. You know, she has threatened to tell me or his parents if he visits too often.... or whatever. My H has always been concerned about what people think of him. He would not want people to know he was having an affair. At least the guy I knew wouldn't have. I suppose exposing the affair would give him freedom to come out of hiding. However, divorcing him will do that too. I know I will be physically ill when I see them together.<P>I may be mental but I seem to be hearing from God, Don't give up. He loves you. Beleive in your marriage and in your husband. Is this from God or from just my denial and pain? I've prayed for strength and God has provided. I've prayed for self-control and God has provided, I've prayed for peace and comfort and God has provided. <P>How can I believe in a marriage built around lies and infidelity and how can I love a man who is so self-centered and dishonest? I don't know but somehow I am. <P>I know I have to let him go. It is his decision and nothing I can do will "make" him love me. I gave him 17 years of my life and 2 beautiful children. He can't even give me the truth. I know he thinks he is protecting me but it is extremely belittling for the man you love to think you are so stupid you can't see the truth when it is staring you in the face. <P>I want to make a big sign that says "I'm not stupid" Then again, maybe I am stupid for putting up with all these and how it has emotionally destroyed me. <P>Gotta go walk the dog. I'll check in again before bedtime.<P>Go Braves!