November 2008 - Monthly Message

Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,

Welcome to my monthly message for November 2008!

Finally we have a new President with Barak Obama, and boy is he going to have his hands full. I really hope he can solve some of the serious concerns our country is facing. Besides history being made with our first African American as President, I think as a country we got it right this time. For now, let’s keep him and his family in our prayers so they may receive the strength that will be needed to endure the challenges ahead.

On a different note, I want to thank everyone who remembered me on my birthday, and an extra “thank you” to those who were able to send a gift. As some of you may remember, November and December used to be my favorite time of the year. Unfortunately, it has now become the most painful. However, I am grateful for the memories, and I continue to pray that some day I will receive my freedom so I can share with my children the beauty of this time of the year.

No, they still have not given me a job yet. But, I was fortunate enough to have been placed on the list for the “advanced” Alternative to Violence Program. I am so glad I was chosen, because I met some very beautiful people. If Donna, Dave, Amy or Wayne read this message, thank you so much for being a part of my life even if it was only for a weekend. What special people you all are to take time out of your busy lives to come and volunteer with prisoners. May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams for your inspiration, dedication, and sacrifice!

On a sad note, we had another suicide this month. It is weird talking with certain individuals one minute and the next thing you know, they are no longer with us. This will make the third person I have known who committed suicide while in prison. I can’t express how many times I’ve thought of doing the same thing; but thanks to all of you and the support and love I feel from everyone, I was able to suppress those thoughts. I really do sympathize with the families who get that phone call with the news that someone they love took their own life. I guess all we can do is keep the family in our prayers and hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive him.

For those of you who know someone who has lost a family member or friend in Afghanistan or Iraq, there is a website called www.heropaintings.com. This website will instruct you on how you can have a beautiful oil base painting of the individual who lost their life. The unbelievable thing is – it is absolutely FREE! So far, they have painted over two thousand fallen service members. This is a great opportunity to show your love to someone who is suffering a tragic loss. Please check out the website. Who knows, you may help a family member to heal and then it will have been worth your time.

Also, don’t forget November is the time for thanksgiving and forgiveness. I hope everyone will try to exercise both of these to the fullest this month. If you think about it, this is the first step in making the world a better place. Oh yeah, and please try to remember it is also Native American Month.

Before I forget, I want to thank everyone for keeping me in their prayers concerning my injuries. Slowly but surely, they are healing.

Well, like I’ve said in my previous Monthly Message, because we can’t watch “R” Rated films anymore, my movie recommendations have become very limited. However, I did see a very entertaining movie this month. It was “Ironman” with Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges. Overall, it was pretty good, and if you are a Marvel Comic fan, you should really enjoy it.

My profound quote is from someone who lately seems to be extremely blessed in his life. Yet, his statement still hit home in my heart. Please take a moment to read the statement more than once so you can feel the true impact. Okay, here it is: “If you’re not living your life to make someone else’s better, then you’re wasting your time” (from Will Smith on Oprah).

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I thank everyone once again for your loving support. 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 O’Laughlin

Michael's Birthday

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that Michael has a birthday coming up this Wednesday, November 5th. I know how much he enjoys receiving your cards and letters. You can also send him a birthday message by signing his Guest Book located on the home page of his web site at http://www.freemichaelnow.com/. If you choose to send money please remember it has to be in the form of a money order. Books have to be ordered through http://www.amazon.com/.

Let's all wish Michael a very, very Happy Birthday

God Bless You,
Dick