Michael's Monthly Message - May 2008
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:
Welcome to my monthly message for May 2008!
I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we're having in New England so far. Someday, I hope I will be able to express what the feeling of the sun shining on your face or the wind blowing through your hair or even the smell of freshly cut grass truly means. But, until everyone experiences what it's like to be caged-up inside it probably won't make any sense. But boy, what an exhilarating feeling. It really is amazing the simple things we sometimes take for granted and although this may not deal directly with missing nature, I would like to share what you can observe first hand in a couple of reality shows that deal with taking everyday things for granted.
Most likely, everyone has watched Survivor or Big Brother at one time or another, and you might even be a fan like myself. The individuals that are on Survivor play for one million dollars. Yet, some can't take being away from loved ones or not having regular food and clothes, or the simple amenities we take for granted everyday, and they quit. On Survivor, you wouldn't believe what some of the contestants will do for a bowl of candy or a piece of pizza or a doughnut with a glass of milk, and that's only after 30 days in the jungle. On Big Brother, when they go on "slop" for food (which is the equivalent of prison food) they complain every minute and they try real hard to avoid that situation. Sometimes, contestants go nuts being segregated from the outside world and not being able to watch TV or listen to the radio or (and this is a big one) correspond with people on the outside. If they win head-of-household, they get special treats with one of them being letters from family and friends. In eight years of watching, I don't believe I have ever seen one individual not cry when reading those letters. If that doesn't show the complexity of the heart, nothing does.
Okay, I'm not sure if I got my point across about taking the simple things in life for granted, but I do want to make sure no one takes May 11th for granted this year. If you somehow forgot; it's Mother's Day! It might have taken prison for me to fully awaken to how precious my Mother is, but there's no question that I love her with every part of my being. Heck, how could I not when my Mom is so full of so much love, compassion and loyalty that if you are anywhere near her, your essence will feel her vibration and then you will know you're in the presence of love. It's too bad I ignored or took for granted those feelings for so many years, but I was just too immature at the time. Now, I realize how truly blessed I am to have her as my Mother. So, with that said, Happy Mother's Day Mom---I love you and, and I am proud to be your son!
In addition I want to wish all Mother's a Happy Mother's Day including my ex-wife who is raising my daughters. Someday, it would be really nice if my daughters could bond with their Grandmother and feel her love. I ask everyone to please keep them in prayer. And finally, last but not least, I want to send much love and wish my special friend in Connecticut a Happy Mother's Day! Diane, in the last eight years you have become a second Mother to me, and I want you to know I am forever grateful for your love and inspiration.
To everyone who has sacrificed your hard earned money and sent another donation to my defense fund for the second phase, Thank you so much!
To everyone who has read Eckhart Tolle's , "A New Earth", this thought came to me upon completion of the book: Memories of our past---worth thousands. New visions of our future---worth millions. Living in the present moment---priceless! At 1:00 AM in the morning it seemed quite funny, I hope it made someone smile. Also I wish My Aunt Diane a Happy Birthday this month---I love you.
My movie recommendation is: "Memoirs of a Geisha" this is a must see movie. Although it takes place in a different culture then we are use to, it explains honoring true love. Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh and Ziyi are absolutely outstanding.
My profound quote is for all the Mother's out there: Today if a smile comes to you perhaps you can't explain, its because in that moment, I am thinking of you and smiling too!" (unknown)
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
