October's Monthly Message

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:

Welcome to my monthly message for October 2008!

So far I'm enjoying the cool weather of October and it looks like it might be a very good year for a beautiful foliage.

This month is also Breast Cancer Awareness month so let's be mindful of what women all across the country have to go through when they are diagnosed with breast cancer and definitely keep them in our prayers.You know, I never realized that over 40 thousand women a year die of breast cancer. For some reason I use to think that it was curable or worst case scenario, a woman may loose a breast. But I never realized that so many women die. For all you men out there reading this; if you enjoy or appreciate the beauty of women's breasts remember the significance of raising your awareness concerning breast cancer. As men, we need to understand the severity of this situation and be more compassionate to the cause. Hopefully, someday soon there will be a cure.

On a different note, They still won't give me a job. But after eleven months I did manage to squeak loud enough to get into a program called "Alternative to Violence" although the program doesn't give any good-time. Regardless, I enjoyed the program and the people in it which was mostly Hispanic. It got very emotional near the end. One individual shared about his Mother dying a few days before the program started and another shared about losing his two year old nephew who fell out of a window three stories high in Boston about a month ago. I too shared about my building experiences and building homes for my children but explained that they don't live in these homes anymore. I try to hold on to the memories of the children playing around the house but sometimes it's just to painful. It is now five years since I have seen, heard or talked to them and even though my heart is broken it was nice to hear people share about their hardships and misfortunes. There were many in the group who have not seen their family members either. Once again it reminded me how cruel we can be to one another especially when it comes to locking people up in prison and never giving them a second chance. I really hope things change someday. There was one thing that did happen during the program that I did find interesting. It was during an exercise where we had to role play as a celebrity. As we started to think what celebrity we would be, several people told me I was John Travolta. I can't tell you how many times over the course of my life people have said I look like John Travolta, but I never thought it would be in prison. I still don't think I look like him, but I sure wish I had his life.

In financial news, my heart goes out to all of you who are really being affected by the latest stock market crash. It seems our country is in a serious mess. Just make sure everyone takes the time to vote on November 4th.

I received my oral argument transcripts from the Federal Court of Appeals and it seems the judges were actually on my side. It was kind of nice reading something where a judge is questioning my guilt. However, their decision is what matters so we will see what happens. I guess O.J. Simpson wasn't very lucky this time. It will be interesting to see how much time they give him.

I want to wish my dad a Happy Birthday this month, and I hope my daughters remembered their Mother's birthday too.

By any chance did anyone watch David Blaine hang upside down for days? Yeah, he does some crazy stuff, but I have to admit, he pushes the physical limitations of the body to the limit. He really is quite entertaining, and I'm curious what he going to do next.

Okay everyone, Don't forget Sarah McLachlan's new CD "Closer: the Best of Sarah McLachlan" is now available. I can't emphasize enough how good her music is but there's a saying that says music is the bridge between earth and heaven and believe me her music is unbelievable. I promise you will fall in love with her music.

Well everyone, try not to eat too much candy on Halloween, and I will leave you with my profound quote: "Let not your words exceed your deeds." (Abdul--Baha)

Until next month, take care and remember; The key to the mysteries of life hide in the pain of our most difficult experiences.

Love and light to all,

Michael