December 21, 2007
Hi Everyone,
I just want to give you an update on how Michael is doing in his new location at OCCC in Bridgewater, MA. I feel the best way to do this is through two emails I received regarding recent visits with Michael at OCCC. The first email is from my sister Barbara who visited Michael with her husband Phil on Thursday, December 20, 2007. This email was sent to Michael's Mother Gera and me. Here is Barbara's email:
"Good Morning Gera,
I just want to report that Phil, and I had a delightful visit with Michael yesterday. We arrived and were processed through (thanks for all of your helpful tips) and seated in the visitors room by 2:30 PM. I think we got stuck in the changing of the guards as Michael didn't appear until 3:15 PM. He looks great.
He just never ceases to amaze me. I have come to the conclusion that God has some bigger plans for Michael that we may all have trouble understanding, including Michael. All of these setbacks in his case may all be God's fault. What I mean by that is that he has transformed Michael into this positive thinker, and he is able to have such a wonderful and loving affect on the other prisoners. For the time being, this may be his "mission" in life. Somehow, it appears that other prisoners feel his positive energy and it helps them to better deal with their circumstances.
We stayed until 5:45 PM with "non-stop" talking - a lot on Michael's part. We also treated him to two ice creams, a chicken, mushroom, and cheese sandwich, and a diet coke. It was wonderful to see how much he enjoyed these ordinary foods that we just take for granted.
I am kicking myself for not getting to see Michael sooner. He has a very positive affect on me too. It was also nice for Phil to finally meet him after listening to Dick, and me talking about this "Michael" person. Now he knows who the man really is.
Gera, I am so happy that your trip to see Michael is so much easier going to the Bridgewater facility. We had no problem finding it. He said how very much he enjoys his visits with you.
Enjoy your holidays. I know when I return this coming spring from Arizona, I will definitely be going up to visit Michael.
Barbara
PS: Michael also mentioned that he was so pleased to receive a card from our daughter, Jennifer. He said her cards have been coming for several years and hers is just about the very first one he receives. He is very grateful for them."
The second email is from Michael's dear friend and spiritual advisor Diane after her visit to Michael on Saturday, December, 15, 2007. Here is the email Diane sent to me:
"Hi Dick,
My friend, Nick Sforza, and I visited with Michael on Saturday. Michael was in good spirits. I'm so glad that he is taking the denial of the Habeas so well. Michael has lost some weight and he looked wonderful. The fresh air is doing him much good. He is out of his cell most of the day and consequently he spends his time out doors and exercises. Michael is much happier now that he has so much more freedom. In was nice to be able to have lunch together, and for the visitors to be able to move around.
Michael and Nick connected very well and they liked each other. I knew they would because both are spiritual, and Nick is an expert on the "Course In Miracles." He has been teaching it for years. Nick gave him the numbers for the chapters in the Course that he suggested Michael read. Michael listened very carefully and said that he is going to read them. Nick will send messages to Michael through the "sign in" on the web site. Nick wants to visit Michael again which makes me happy.
It made me happy to see the wonderful changes in Michael. He is more like the Michael I used to know before prison.
He is grateful for so much in his life - especially the people who have stood by him. He spoke of you in a very fond way and said nice things about you and how grateful he is to have you in his life and for all that you do. Michael also has gone way overboard in taking responsibility for all the mistakes he made in his life and for not realizing how good he had it. He is downing himself. I remember a time when you and I wanted him to take responsibility and now he has, but too much so. Now that he realizes his mistakes he needs to forgive himself and not blame himself. Nick also explained that to him. I hope Michael can balance things out and realize that we all have made mistakes in our lives that we are not proud of, however that is how we learn and grow and now for Michael it is time to let it go and concentrate on the "now". As I said, Michael has come a long way.
The OCCC is so different from SBCC, in that it is an old building and the lobby is smaller, and the metal detector, etc. is out in the open where everyone waiting can see. I didn't like that very much, however it is no big deal I guess. The grounds were confusing because there are several prisons on the grounds and really no signs as to which way to turn. We had to stop and ask where OCCC was to get directions. I found that when you travel onto Administration Road, you have to make the first right hand turn to get to OCCC. The next time will be easier. It took 2-1/2 hours to get there. I was so glad that Nick was there to help with the driving. Nick is 50 years old, so his night time vision is good.
Have wonderful holidays. I look forward to your e-mails. I will have my computer with me in Florida so I will still receive them.
Love,
Diane"
I was so moved by these two emails that I wanted to hop on a plane to visit Michael. I know he continues to make amazing progress in his life by his letters and the contact I have with his Mother. I want to provide updates like this to you so you can see the type of person you are supporting, praying for, and donating to his defense fund. He is a wonderful human being who is helping so many people, including me (maybe most of all) that I can't begin to thank him enough for coming into and being a big influence in my life. I think my sister Barbara best said it in her email "I have come to the conclusion that God has some bigger plans for Michael that we may all have trouble understanding, including Michael. All of these setbacks in his case may all be God's fault. What I mean by that is that he has transformed Michael into this positive thinker, and he is able to have such a wonderful and loving affect on the other prisoners. For the time being, this may be his "mission" in life. Somehow, it appears that other prisoners feel his positive energy and it helps them to better deal with their circumstances."
I to have noticed the positive energy Michael has on other prisoners lives. He is always helping them whether it be working with them on their appeals briefs or just being there for them to listen. I pray for Michael's exoneration but for now Michael is doing a wonderful job fulfilling the mission God has chosen for him.
Happy Holidays and God bless all of you.
Love,
Dick
