Family & Friends Search for Missing Teen - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

A week ago, he left a note that said he needed to clear his head, a week ago.

"Today's seven days, tomorrow is eight and every night that passes, it just gets that much scarier for me," said his mother Sonya Lange.

She says Eli was affected by the deaths of some friends recently.

"Those struck home to him, they bothered him, he was talking to us about the families," she said.

Despite the fact that he chose to leave, Sonya does not see this as a runaway, given the strong relationship he has with his family.

"It's not a runaway, it's just not," she said.

Concerned that he may be in trouble, dozens gathered at Jenks high school to pick up maps of the area to go look for his car.

"We want you to come home without any unneeded , unnecessary trouble," said step-dad Bobby Bobby Lange, looking for a 2011 silver Honda Civic 4-door, as he goes down the list of Eli's worries.

"He's wanting good grades, he's worried about the insurance on the car, he's worried about his relationship with his girlfriend, he's worried about keeping his momma happy, keep everybody happy, and my personal opinion is he just need a little time," he said.

But a little time has elapsed, and now the stress is weighing heavy.

"I was so mad, and then I've been so sad, and now, I'm just so numb," said his mom.

A jumble of emotions, with a singular goal, Eli come home. The understanding will outweigh the upset.

"Well, go kick his a**, and then I'll hug him," she said.