Michael's Monthly Message - December 2007
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:
Welcome to my monthly message for December 2007!
Wow, I can't believe Christmas is almost here. I have some wonderful memories of Christmas, and I'm sure everyone else does too. It seems Christmas, children and giving seem to go together. And how great is it when children open their gifts on Christmas; yeah it's pretty special.
The simple fact that I am not with my daughters for another Christmas breaks my heart. However, I hope they are enjoying wonderful experiences with their new family and can truly feel the spirit of Christmas.
This year, I saved all year to buy my daughters two very nice sweatshirts from the Patriots Pro Shop. I really hope they like them. Also if for some reason some of you do not receive a Christmas card from me please forgive me. I tried to remember everyone but if I did miss someone I wish you a nice holiday and a Happy New Year.
In addition I want to express my gratitude to all of you who were able to donate to my defense fund; thank you for your thoughtfulness and sacrifice. We are still away from our goal of $20,000.00 (I have been told be Dick we have collected $6,200.00 to date) so, if there is anyone who could contribute or anyone who has any helpful suggestions for reaching the goal please contact Dick or me.
As far as my federal habeas petition goes, it seems the court has requested a hearing with my appellate lawyer and the assistant attorney general on December 11th. So once again, it seems like the court wants to do the right thing. Although it will still take a miracle so please keep this matter in your prayers.
My transfer to OCCC has finally happened which most of you are probably aware of. And yes, having a cellmate is quite difficult but being able to go out to the yard and walk everyday makes up for it. The food is a little better and the visits are great. To think I was able to have ice cream for the first time in seven years! My mom, bless her heart was patient and kind enough to buy me three ice creams during our visit. But back to my going outside, for those of you who know me probably remember how crazy I was when it came to being out in the snow. I can't help it, I love it when it snows. Whether it was skiing or sliding with my daughters or shoveling driveways and sidewalks or walking by myself in knee deep snow while visiting in Alaska---I love snow! Have you ever taken a moment to realize how peaceful it becomes when it snows? Well it's beautiful.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" but my favorite song is "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. It's the most beautiful song I've ever heard, and I promise you will be blessed if you listen to it.
This brings me to one last thing and that's "Time." Please take a moment this Christmas to give some extra quality time to someone special or someone who is alone. There is no need to spend money to share the gift of love and there's no better gift to a young child or the elderly.
The Department of Corrections in (Mass) decided back in 2005 that we could no longer watch "R" rated movies. Here at OCCC they even restrict some PG-13 movies so my movie recommendations are going to become very limited. However, this month is easy, my movie recommendation is: "Its a Wonderful Life" most of you have seen this movie but what a classic. If I were to describe it in two words it would be "true love." Plus, I love the fact it's snowing through most of the movie. If society in general could stay in touch with the message delivered in this movie boy, this would be a better world. I guess we all have to do our part.
My profound movie quote is: "Its not who you are underneath; its what you do that defines you." (Batman Begins)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Until next year --- take care and remember; "the answers to the mysteries of life hide in the pain of our most difficult experiences."
Love and light to all,
Michael
