Sorry I haven't posted earlier as well! Spent an absolutely wonderful two weeks with my precious daughter and delighful granddaughter. Colin is so on target (as always!) when he talked about the little things that we all take for granted. Sharing jokes, walks, fixing coffee for each other. Watching tv and holding hands. Let this be a true lesson for all you dear friends. Give your child an extra hug, your spouse and extra kiss. Stop and enjoy each of the "little things" that are so often taken for granted. You truly don't miss them until they are taken away from you. Mechele is doing great! She is not wasting precious and energy with bitterness and hate. Instead she has turned her energies into a positive direction and your support has shown her that we are not alone in our mission to bring her home for good. Things have been crazy here since my return. For those who do not know this, I am a Realtor in south Mississippi. We have finally recovered from Katrina and now are having to deal with this horrible oil spill. If that isn't enough we are at the start of hurricane season and actually have one already in the Gulf. This has been devasting to so many people, espcially our friends in south Louisiana. Please keep these resiliant people in your prayers. Hope to go back to Anchorage beginning of August. I love and value each and every one of you!!
Sandy
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thoughts to share
Hello to all,
I must apologize for the delay in posting to the blog. I have had very limited access to the internet (dang router). I check my email daily, and try to respond quickly. It’s been a crazy time.
There is much confusion about this. The public evidence about my case is abundant. However, the only available evidence is what has been given by the State. There are some items that have been individually posted by the ADN that are independent of the prosecution’s discretion. There are also some items that my husband has posted that are not directly at the State’s discretion. However, we have been very reluctant to post anything and to let the legal issues stay in the court. Throughout the appeal and the bail hearing, we have kept our arguments in the court. We are also very aware that there is a ‘court of public opinion’. It is a shame that this ‘court’ has influence beyond legal arguments.
We will never try this case through the media. However, it is also not productive to not make available evidence that reveals the true irresponsibility of the State’s allegations. This is easier said than done. It requires legal counsel and emotional energy. It has been a non issue during the appeal and the bail hearing (which is still ongoing). But now, it is time to start putting some information out there.
There is confusion about this posted by some internet surfers. They argue that everything that pertains to the case is online. If it isn’t online, then it simply doesn’t exist. This is naive at best. Let me explain for those visitors who are not exactly sure how to obtain these records or do proper research. The evidence, records, or transcripts that have been generated through the internet come from a large pool. This pool of information is available to every person, however they have to request it and pay for it from the state. There has been only a small volume of documentation from that pool that has been posted.
I have decided that it is best to post various documents that are public record but aren’t available online. It will take some time and will be a detailed process. I am working on a website that will be able to contain this volume of data securely. We are now at a point that this is possible. Anything posted has to be vetted and approved by our attorneys. Up until now, our legal counsel has advised us not to post documents related to the trial. The postings will be from previous trial, and ongoing motions. These documents will be posted once they are filed with the court and approved by our counsel. Again… this will be a slow process, so please bear with me. It, of course, will be free. I’ll let you know, via this blog, when this new website is up.
I appreciate all the support you have given me. I appreciate those of you who have taken time and energy out of your life to write me and those who have offered and given help.
There are truly angels here and I would be a lesser being without you,
Mechele
I must apologize for the delay in posting to the blog. I have had very limited access to the internet (dang router). I check my email daily, and try to respond quickly. It’s been a crazy time.
There is much confusion about this. The public evidence about my case is abundant. However, the only available evidence is what has been given by the State. There are some items that have been individually posted by the ADN that are independent of the prosecution’s discretion. There are also some items that my husband has posted that are not directly at the State’s discretion. However, we have been very reluctant to post anything and to let the legal issues stay in the court. Throughout the appeal and the bail hearing, we have kept our arguments in the court. We are also very aware that there is a ‘court of public opinion’. It is a shame that this ‘court’ has influence beyond legal arguments.
We will never try this case through the media. However, it is also not productive to not make available evidence that reveals the true irresponsibility of the State’s allegations. This is easier said than done. It requires legal counsel and emotional energy. It has been a non issue during the appeal and the bail hearing (which is still ongoing). But now, it is time to start putting some information out there.
There is confusion about this posted by some internet surfers. They argue that everything that pertains to the case is online. If it isn’t online, then it simply doesn’t exist. This is naive at best. Let me explain for those visitors who are not exactly sure how to obtain these records or do proper research. The evidence, records, or transcripts that have been generated through the internet come from a large pool. This pool of information is available to every person, however they have to request it and pay for it from the state. There has been only a small volume of documentation from that pool that has been posted.
I have decided that it is best to post various documents that are public record but aren’t available online. It will take some time and will be a detailed process. I am working on a website that will be able to contain this volume of data securely. We are now at a point that this is possible. Anything posted has to be vetted and approved by our attorneys. Up until now, our legal counsel has advised us not to post documents related to the trial. The postings will be from previous trial, and ongoing motions. These documents will be posted once they are filed with the court and approved by our counsel. Again… this will be a slow process, so please bear with me. It, of course, will be free. I’ll let you know, via this blog, when this new website is up.
I appreciate all the support you have given me. I appreciate those of you who have taken time and energy out of your life to write me and those who have offered and given help.
There are truly angels here and I would be a lesser being without you,
Mechele
Heya friends,
I have been super busy with life. I have been very blessed to have all your support. It means the world to me. The blessings and hope you send keep me going.
It has been great to spend time with my wife and daughter together. We have been having so much fun. It has been unbelievable to be able to cuddle with my wife again. Simple things are so precious. To joke, play games, argue and discuss, walk, eat. These are things we all take for granted to some degree with our spouse. It is wonderful.
I haven’t been able to post anything about the case because of legal constraints. Right now we aren’t even done with our bail. As of this moment we have bail conditions that aren’t feasible and are legally dubious. So, we fight on.
I will be going back to Washington for awhile. We have three combat brigades coming back to Fort Lewis and my position at the Department of Defense directly involves returning soldiers.
Thank you all again for your love,
Colin
Saturday, May 29, 2010
from mechele
Today was a fantastic day. I was in such heaven. I spent a wonderful four hours in bliss, aster assistance from a wonderful post office employee, who should receive postal worker of the year. Found myself choked up by her kindness and words of concern. I met the most remarkable hair expert, who I turned complete trust over to, and don’t regret it for a second. I loved it. He understood exactly what I needed and I ultimately I deferred all direction to him. He was confident, compassionate and professional. Once I told him that he really could do anything, he didn’t hesitate, took a handful of hair and chop. It was most liberating.
Audrey got her hair cut too. When I first went to HMCC, we were on the phone talking about how we both wanted to cut our hair but were waffling. We decided that when I got out we would go cut it together. Neither of us went as short as we had initially thought, although I think its best. Baby steps.
It’s still sunny outside and I feel like its 6pm, its almost 11. I tried to look at the stop signs differently today and be thankful for them. Today I am thankful to men who do hair and stop signs. Tomorrow I will try to find something new to appreciate, no matter how small. Have a good night- it’s almost over have a good day. Smile
p.s. im sending this to my mom so she can post a bit of it.
Audrey got her hair cut too. When I first went to HMCC, we were on the phone talking about how we both wanted to cut our hair but were waffling. We decided that when I got out we would go cut it together. Neither of us went as short as we had initially thought, although I think its best. Baby steps.
It’s still sunny outside and I feel like its 6pm, its almost 11. I tried to look at the stop signs differently today and be thankful for them. Today I am thankful to men who do hair and stop signs. Tomorrow I will try to find something new to appreciate, no matter how small. Have a good night- it’s almost over have a good day. Smile
p.s. im sending this to my mom so she can post a bit of it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
happy, happy mom
Hi to all!!! Arrived in Anchorage last night and I cannot tell you the joy I felt in seeing my child free!! There are no words to describe how wonderful it was to hug her and know she did not have to be put back in a cell! Audrey is drinking in her mother's love and trying to make up for lost moments. Thanks to all of you for helping in making this come about. You support got us here. Mechele and I will both post later...just wanted to share the excitement of FINALLY getting here and being with Mechele and Audrey.
A very excited mom!!
A very excited mom!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
from mechele
miss my family, friends and my home. It’s difficult to not be in Oly with everyone. However so many here have made me feel so welcome and it feels like home too.
I love Anchorage. I love the people. I never thought I would say that. Strangers have been so kind to me. Everywhere I run into locals who wish good for us, from the GCI employees, staff at restaurants, baristas, cashiers, and shoppers. The recognition is bazaar to me and feels unreal. When people are so kind, I just want to hug them and cry, but just like picking up strange babies, I know this is not socially acceptable as well. So I graciously thank them the best I can, typically I’m tongue tied.
I am hoping to have a little more freedom as time passes. It’s difficult at times for my third party, she is essentially on house arrest too. Strange, since no other case (we have found) has placed a third party on house arrest with the defendant. It’s punishing a citizen who watched the system fail, and stepped forward to help. Now, she is punished for getting involved in government affairs. She is a strong, smart woman who sees it clearly. She is not intimidated. I love that about her.
My daughter and I want to ride our bikes, venture out and explore the parks and downtown. After my Judge said I was even less of a flight risk than before, I am hoping that they will be more lenient, and lift some of the restrictive conditions; and not treat me as sentenced to house arrest, rather let me live as “innocent until proven guilty” while on bail. Goodnight to all of my angels
I love Anchorage. I love the people. I never thought I would say that. Strangers have been so kind to me. Everywhere I run into locals who wish good for us, from the GCI employees, staff at restaurants, baristas, cashiers, and shoppers. The recognition is bazaar to me and feels unreal. When people are so kind, I just want to hug them and cry, but just like picking up strange babies, I know this is not socially acceptable as well. So I graciously thank them the best I can, typically I’m tongue tied.
I am hoping to have a little more freedom as time passes. It’s difficult at times for my third party, she is essentially on house arrest too. Strange, since no other case (we have found) has placed a third party on house arrest with the defendant. It’s punishing a citizen who watched the system fail, and stepped forward to help. Now, she is punished for getting involved in government affairs. She is a strong, smart woman who sees it clearly. She is not intimidated. I love that about her.
My daughter and I want to ride our bikes, venture out and explore the parks and downtown. After my Judge said I was even less of a flight risk than before, I am hoping that they will be more lenient, and lift some of the restrictive conditions; and not treat me as sentenced to house arrest, rather let me live as “innocent until proven guilty” while on bail. Goodnight to all of my angels
from mechele
2 of 3 Funny Bits
I used a public restroom and cracked myself up as I reached for the protective toilet seat cover with tissue covered fingers; after all I had just left a highly charged bacteria-viral fiesta. After all what was I afraid of catching?
I did a load of heavily bleached whites, checking over my shoulder as I poured the contraband into the modern washer (with way too many selections of pre-wash, pre-soak, agitation speed, soak length).
Went to buy a toothbrush and was excited and amazed. I miss my commissary choosing for me and delivering it to me. I order a toothbrush and nine days later it arrives. After standing in awe of every adjective used, I figure I must need all of them, why else would they sell them. However I couldn’t find one that offered everything. In the end, I simply shrugged and walked away, thinking the one I had would be fine till the next time, when I am more prepared for the big decision. Obviously I haven’t done enough research. I think the commissary people must really know what they’re doing. I appreciate them, and thought of them fondly as I walked away. Perhaps I will send them a note. First time I missed something from HMCC.
I used a public restroom and cracked myself up as I reached for the protective toilet seat cover with tissue covered fingers; after all I had just left a highly charged bacteria-viral fiesta. After all what was I afraid of catching?
I did a load of heavily bleached whites, checking over my shoulder as I poured the contraband into the modern washer (with way too many selections of pre-wash, pre-soak, agitation speed, soak length).
Went to buy a toothbrush and was excited and amazed. I miss my commissary choosing for me and delivering it to me. I order a toothbrush and nine days later it arrives. After standing in awe of every adjective used, I figure I must need all of them, why else would they sell them. However I couldn’t find one that offered everything. In the end, I simply shrugged and walked away, thinking the one I had would be fine till the next time, when I am more prepared for the big decision. Obviously I haven’t done enough research. I think the commissary people must really know what they’re doing. I appreciate them, and thought of them fondly as I walked away. Perhaps I will send them a note. First time I missed something from HMCC.
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