Michael's Monthly Message - January 2008
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:
Welcome to my monthly message for January 2008!
Well a new year has begun, and I will be hoping for a miracle. As many of you have already heard my federal habeas petition was denied. It seems that even when the judges feel I shouldn't have been convicted they still deny any chance for relief. Let's hope that the Private Investigator (PI) has some luck and uncovers the truth about who committed the crime or at least helps me receive a new trial.
On a different note, I want to give special thanks to my Mother, Pam, Diane, Nick, Barbara and Phil for taking time out of their busy lives to come and visit with me. I enjoyed all the visits and I appreciate everyone letting me ramble on during the visits. Besides loving to speak with people from the outside, I really enjoy eating the food and ice cream. Lately, I have felt like a little kid again eating the ice cream. And during my visit with Barbara and Phil, I think I had more chocolate on me than I had in my mouth. Of course isn't that half the fun?
Since 1993, January has had a very special place in my heart and no, not because of the snow (though I do love snow) but because my oldest daughter was born in January, I send her much love and miss her more than she will ever know. I hope she receives my birthday gift because it has been brought to my attention that my ex-wife has refused the Christmas package I sent to my two daughters. So, those beautiful Patriot sweatshirts never made it to them. Once again, it looks like I will have to get the courts involved. Maybe my ex-wife will remember there is a court order allowing me to send gifts and letters. Regardless, all I know is, I will never stop loving my daughters and in the long run my ex-wife's actions are only hurting the children.
A big "Thank You" to everyone who has given to my defense fund. I can't express how good it makes me feel to know so many of you care enough to give. We are still far from the goal, so if it's possible to sacrifice a little more, I would be extremely grateful; remember I'm still open for ideas concerning fund raising.
Getting adjusted here at OCCC hasn't been easy, especially living with someone in a space smaller then a walk-in closet. But at least I can go out more and some of the food is better. Plus I can open a window in my cell! Still no job yet, but I've got to give them some time before I start complaining.
On the world front lets keep the people in Nairoba and Kenya in our prayers. What a crises they have had since the New Year. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if President Pervez Musharraf was behind the killing of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Boy, if Pakistan didn't have enough to worry about. Well---lets just pray God gives them strength to endure all the present calamities.
My movie recommendation is: "The Notebook" and if you're a sensitive person, have a box of tissue ready because you will need it. It's unbelievable how close the younger part of the story is to my life because it was exactly like my relationship. I don't believe there will ever be a movie that depicts what "true love" is better than this film. It's remarkable!
My profound quote is from a famous person but couldn't be anymore apropos for my situation; maybe yours too? ----- "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
Until next month, 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
