December Monthly Message

Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters:

Welcome to my Monthly Message for December 2008!

It’s my second Christmas here at OCCC, and I’m finally getting settled in. I just finished taking another program “Speaking Without Fear”. I was approached by the President of the program, and he asked if I would be interested in teaching the class. It’s for Toastmasters International so I told him if he needs my help, I would be more than happy to teach the class. I guess my “gift of gab” has finally paid off. Then, almost on the same day, I received more good news. No, I didn’t receive news that my case was reversed in the Federal Court yet. And No, I didn’t receive news from the Guardian-ad-litem that my daughters want to see me. That would be great news. However, I was finally given a job after eight years of trying to get one. I make a dollar a day, and I get 2 ½ good days a month off my sentence. Basically, all I do is sweep and mop a hallway at night so I really can’t complain.

All right, enough about me – let’s get to the reason everyone loves December – Christmas! Okay, I know it’s just another Christmas with buying more gifts and probably going deeper in debt when our country isn’t too financially sound at the moment. But remember, this is a time to be with children and as I have said before - watching children open their presents is priceless. Although, if you really want to make children happy, spend some quality time with them. Also, if you have a chance, try to spend some time with the elderly, because they’re really just children at heart too.

Speaking of the elderly, this reminds me of one of my favorite commercials. As crazy as it sounds, I believe this commercial expresses what true love would look like if you could actually see it without saying a word. The commercial starts with a couple in their thirties walking on a path through the park when they quickly approach an elderly couple from behind. As the younger couple goes around them and passes them, the younger woman looks back over her right shoulder and notices how content and peaceful the older couple is and sees that they are holding hands to show that they are still very much in love. At that moment while never breaking stride in their walk, the younger woman looks at her husband or boyfriend and reaches down and grabs his hand as to signify she wants that too. The camera pans down to the younger couple’s hands and you see the diamond on her finger. Then the voice over says something like “only two things last forever”. I understand they are trying to sell diamonds, but they also portrayed in a simple commercial with no words the power and beauty of love. I don’t know, maybe it’s just the hopeless romantic in me, but I enjoyed the commercial very much. Regardless of the fact I was betrayed, I still believe in true love and will always show love to another when given the chance. Maybe this Christmas we could all try to give a little extra love and attention to a special someone. Please don’t make the same mistake I did and take them for granted.

Before I end this message, I want to express my gratitude for everyone’s thoughtfulness and kindness concerning my situation. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for your love, prayers, and support. Also, thank you for all the nice Christmas cards. If you don’t receive a card from me this year, I apologize because I try to send everyone I know a Christmas card. It is my way of sending a small gift of love by showing my appreciation for remembering me. In addition, I want to thank everyone who visited me this year. A special thanks to my Mom, Pam, Barbara, and Phil for your true dedication in visiting me so often. I hope you enjoy your visits as much as I do. To Dick “the angel in disguise” – without all of your hard work, none of this would be possible. From the bottom of my heart – Thank You! To Diane Blaszka, my great friend who is like a second mother, I’m sorry we were not able to meet this year, but my heart goes out to you, and I can’t wait to see you next year. To my Mom, Dad, and Aunt, I want to say “thank you” for always loving me no matter how many mistakes I made in life. I wish you the best and I love you very much. To all of my good friends and best friend, Dave, thank you for sharing part of your life with me. I will never forget all the great times we had together. Ralph, you’re the best story teller ever – thank you!

Now for the hard part – sending a short message to my daughters who might never read this. Nonetheless, I have to say this just in case. To my daughters, I’m sorry I can’t mention you by name, but I’m not allowed to. However, I hope some day you both find it in your hearts to talk with me. For now, I want you to know that I love you from the core of my soul and even if you are mad at me or even hate me, I will always love you. I believe as you get older and understand love from a parent’s perspective you might then realize how much I have missed you and how much I love you.

This leads me into my movie recommendation which is the same as it was last year “It’s a Wonderful Life”. To anyone who has seen this movie, you would have to agree it is quite remarkable. To my daughters, I hope you take the time to watch this movie some day, because it depicts the true gift of hope and love like no other. Also, one last thing, when you watch the movie, please think of me because that’s how much I love you guys.

My profound statement is: “The ones that love us - never really leave us” (unknown).

I know this message has been long, but I want to share one last thing with everyone, and that is my favorite Christmas song. It is called “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant. My former best friend shared this song with me, and I promise it will be one of the most beautiful songs you will ever hear. It literally brings tears to my eyes. Please check it out (Amy Grant – “Breath of Heaven”).

Well everyone, may the Lord bless you all this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

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

Merry Christmas Michael

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that Christmas can be a very lonely time for people in prison. This will be Michael's 9th Christmas in prison, away from his family and friends. It is bad enough for prisoners that are guilty but just try to imagine how tragic it is for people like Michael that are in prison having been wrongfully convicted.

During this holiday season when we are fortunate enough to be with family and friends let us remember Michael with a card, an entry in his Guest Book (http://www.freemichaelnow.com/), and/or a gift. If you choose to send money please remember it has to be in the form of a money order. If you plan on sending a book Michael first needs to get permission and approval of the book... If a book comes and he has not received prior approval, HE has to pay to return to sender.. Books should be ordered through http://www.amazon.com/.

Let's wish Michael a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and pray that 2009 may bring him the freedom he so justly deserves.

God Bless You,

Dick