Farewell
by MikeGeneMy father died when I was a boy. He was a good man, but I simply can’t remember too many things about him. This is because he was a very hardworking man – a workaholic. That is why I do not have many memories of him.
Thanks to Dad, I too am a workaholic. But long ago, I made a promise to myself that I would make time, lots of time, for my own children. I would give them the advice, memories and experiences that I do not have. But for some time now, that promise has been stretched beyond the breaking point and I can no longer ignore it or rationalize ignoring it. I can’t continue with my selfishness.
Over the years, I have informed readers that my involvement with these issues of teleology and life have been a hobby, practiced on the internet. It’s fun, intellectually stimulating, and very interesting. But since time and energy are limited, what this has meant is I have had to choose between my involvement with these issues and my involvement with my family. I used to get around that choice by sacrificing sleep, but the body has taken that choice away.
What this all means is that since my involvement with this blog has been the major ingredient in my involvement with these issues, this is my last posting to Telic Thoughts, as I am retiring from this blog. I have promised my family to spend much less time on the internet and, for me, ‘internet’ essentially means this blog. I’ll still post substantive material once or twice a month over at the book blog, but this is the place that has obviously consumed most of my time. Too much time.
I have truly enjoyed my experiences with the people here, so there is a real sense of sadness when leaving. You are a unique set of individuals, with interesting perspectives and, more often than not, thought provoking positions and questions. I’ve enjoyed the humor, the links, the arguments, the passion, the challenges, and yes, even the fights. I don’t know of any other place that can substitute for this corner and the folks who are here, my fellow contributors and those who regularly comment. I will miss it. And you.
Some of you may be disappointed with my decision, others may not care, while yet others may be gleeful. Some may try to read between the lines, thinking there are other forces at work. Yet the only force at work here is my father, my promise, and my family. I’d like to believe that my father would smile at this decision, saying, “Good job, son.”
But I can't say for sure.
And I want my children to be able to say for sure.
So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and wish you only the best. Farewell.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Mike,
It has been extremely nice to know you.
I too have had to back off.
It sounds like you are making the right decision.
Good Luck
Comment by Thought Provoker — July 13, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
It's a sad, sad day in the Matrix.
I know why you're here, [Mike]. I know what you've been doing… why you hardly sleep, why you live alone, and why night after night, you sit by your computer. You're looking for him. I know because I was once looking for the same thing. And when he found me, he told me I wasn't really looking for him. I was looking for an answer. It's the question that drives us, [Mike]. It's the question that brought you here. You know the question, just as I did.
… What is the Matrix
Thanks for all your hard work, time and effort. Though, if I were a betting man, I'd put my money on ya being back soon. Like another Mike once said: "Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in."
I can see why you'd want to/need to take a break. This stuff is a bit addicting. You'll be missed.
Thanks again and best of luck to you and yours.
Comment by Rob R. — July 13, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Mike, I'm stunned–but not surprised. It's hard for me to believe that you're actually leaving the blog, but your reasons are entirely consistent with the bright, emotionally balanced MikeGene I've come to know here. You will be missed…but not by your children.
I've often wondered how the frequent posters find the time they do to post here. I think it's a worthwhile project, but not as worthwhile as the real, live relationships we have in our lives. I'm glad you've made the decision you've made.
Farewell yourself, Mike. I've learned a lot from you. I suppose now I'll be checking in on your book blog from time to time!
Comment by Lutepisc — July 13, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Dear Mike,
We will miss you. God be with you and your family, my dear friend.
Salvador
Comment by Salvador T. Cordova — July 13, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Mike –
We'll all definitely miss you. Thanks for your great contributions over the years both at this blog and other places.
Jon
Comment by johnnyb — July 13, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I'm really going to miss you, Mike.
I remember being a confused kid trying to make sense of alot of stuff.
Somehow I stumbled across ARN in 2004 and was really impressed with your knowledge, patience and understanding. You (along with many others) had a big impact on me.
Going to miss reading your postings, debates and bunny topics.
Hope you have an amazing time with your family.
God bless.
Comment by Doug — July 13, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
What rational person could choose otherwise? I hope you set a trend, Mike. I will be joining you in spending more time with my family.
Comment by Alan Fox — July 13, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Farewell, Mike, and I hope you pop in sometime when you can reasonably afford the time.
The Matrix's line of thought has only just begun, and thank you for helping bring such thought into the greater community!
Comment by nullasalus — July 13, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
What? You'd rather spend time with your kids than play stump the ID'er with olegt and keiths? Where the hell are your priorities?
But seriously, well done Mike. You won't regret the decision for a minute. You have a great mind. I do hope you continue to publish the Matrix series. Best of luck with the family.
-Chuck
Comment by chunkdz — July 13, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
July 13th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Wow. Very similar experience here, Mike. Sorry to see you go. Very bizarre reading this. You are a very special person. All the best to you, man. God bless, and thank you.
Comment by kornbelt888 — July 13, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
July 14th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Mike, I thank you for the contributions you have made to this blog. Your book, The Design Matrix has helped me greatly in trying to make sense of the many issues surrounding ID.
I hope that you will have time to work on The Design Matrix II….
All the best
- A frequent lurker at TT, undergrad student and bunny hunter on whom the DM was a huge influence.
Comment by samsen — July 14, 2008 @ 8:27 am
July 14th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Mike,
God bless.
Comment by David Heddle — July 14, 2008 @ 8:55 am
July 14th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Rest assured that's exactly what he is saying.
We will miss your irreplaceable wealth of knowledge, your clarity of thought, your unique insights, your imaginative perspectives.
My guess is that you will miss us, too. But stick to your decision. Good bye, dear friend, good bye.
In fact, to help you keep your resolve, I'm willing to promise to delete any comments you make here, if you want me to.
Comment by Bilbo — July 14, 2008 @ 10:35 am
July 14th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I guess no chance of pulling a Brett Favre, right?
Comment by Doug — July 14, 2008 @ 10:50 am
July 14th, 2008 at 11:07 am
He better not. At least, not until his kids grow up. Otherwise, I'll kick his butt outa' here.
Comment by Bilbo — July 14, 2008 @ 11:07 am
July 14th, 2008 at 11:39 am
"He better not. At least, not until his kids grow up"
Actually, he just needs to quit his job and blog here full-time
Comment by johnnyb — July 14, 2008 @ 11:39 am
July 14th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
A toast to Mike!
Comment by JJS P.Eng. — July 14, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
July 14th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Should we offer to support him and his family?
Comment by Bilbo — July 14, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
July 14th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Cheers Mike! All the best!
Looking forward to your posts at the book blog. Who is going to post dem bunnies here now:sad:.
Comment by Telicmeme — July 14, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
July 14th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Thanks, Mike, for being a unique and reasoned voice on these issues. I'm confident your contributions will still be felt from time to time, if not on this blog, then perhaps elsewhere. We'll watch for you . . .
All the best,
Eric
Comment by Eric Anderson — July 14, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
July 15th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Mike
You are officially my hero
I have a friend who is a very talented musician and singer when he was a boy a very old woman came up to him out of the blue and told him that God had revealed to her that he would accomplish great things in his life. He naturally thought that she had meant that he would be famous perhaps by writing a beautiful piece of music.
He went to college to study music and spent countless hours perfecting his craft often neglecting the other parts of his life but never forgetting what the old woman had said. Then several years later when his son was born it suddenly dawned on him that a good husband and father can accomplish great things and change the world through his children.
Now he is a common laborer who sings for fun and is razing a house full of well adjusted fundamentalist crumb crunchers.
I for one think he (and you) made the right choice
Peace
Comment by fifth monarchy man — July 15, 2008 @ 7:22 am
July 17th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Farewell, MikeGene,
I'd been out of town until last night and just saw this announcement.
I completely understand and sympathize with the pull away from blogging.
Thank you for your reasoned voice, expertise, patience and humour.
Comment by Pez — July 17, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
July 17th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Farwell Mike,
As far as I am concerned your contribution has been enormous. You will definitely be missed.
Comment by William Brookfield — July 17, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
July 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Hi Mike,
Even though I'm sad to see you hang up the TT gloves, I agree that your family must come first. The internet can become an addictive place, especially when you have passion for your topic and a thirst for knowledge. I've had to take short breaks myself, from time to time.
I believe the important thing to strive for is balance. Too much internet is a bad thing. But, done in moderation, it can be a very good thing. I hope you drop in here once in a while. In fact, at some point in the future, I hope to see posts from some curious little Mike Genes running around the internet!
Thank you for all your time and energy and rational thought and knowledge and humor. It's been a great pleasure and an excellent learning experience.
Comment by nobody — July 21, 2008 @ 2:57 pm