May 13, 2004
Hi Everyone,
I arrived back on my home on Cape Cod Saturday and it's good to be back. I'm very fortunate that I have two lovely homes in two beautiful and very different locations. Yesterday (Wednesday) I went to the prison to visit Michael. It had been six months since I last saw him and it was so good to see him. Although we talk by phone weekly it's not the same as seeing him in person. We had a very nice visit. Michael is looking well and has lost some weight (he's exercising and dieting). His spirits are good. Michael was telling me the prison had eliminated a slice of pizza and French toast he looked forward to receiving once a week. This may not sound like a big deal but it made me realize just how much I have and how much I take for granted.
Michael's brief to the Massachusetts Appellate Court was filed on May 6, 2004. I've read the brief and found it excellent. I'm only a layman but I was very impressed with the job Michael's lawyer did on the brief. He is to be commended. Our prayers have been answered. The brief clearly shows that the case against Michael was circumstantial, that there was no evidence by the Commonwealth that linked Michael to the crime. The brief was sent to the Commonwealth and the Appellate Court. The Commonwealth has thirty (30) days to respond but it is almost certain they will ask for an extension and it will be most likely granted. So we are looking some where around early November to receive the Commonwealth's opposition brief. Once I receive the final brief I will deliver it to the New England Innocence Project (NEIP). I will touch base with them at that time to review with them the status of their taking on Michael's case.
There is still work to be done and yesterday Michael gave me my new marching orders. I am very grateful that God has put Michael in my life and am very thankful that I can be of service to this truly wonderful person. The wheels of justice turn slowly but justice will be done.
We are fast approaching some significant milestones on the Free Michael Now web site:
1. We now have 1783 visitors to the site, just 117 more visitors and we'll hit 2000. So I encourage you that haven't been to the site or those of you that have to come back for another visit and encourage your friends to visit the site. The site address is: http://www.freemichaelnow.com/
2. There are 78 entries in Michael's guest book, just 22 more entries and we'll hit 100. I encourage you and your friends to sign Michael's guest book. The entries mean so much to Michael. He receives each and every one and a reply in his name is sent to all those signing the guest book. To sign Michael's guest book go to: http://www.freemichaelnow.com/Guest_Book.html
I will touch base with you again in the near future.
God bless all of you.
Dick Blanchard
dickleb@aol.com
P.S. If these email messages and updates are not in harmony with your thinking at this time please let me know, and I'll remove your name from this list.
