Michael’s Monthly Message for September 2009

Dear Family, Friends & Supporters:

If you don’t believe in miracles, I can now attest that they do happen. In case you have not heard----I am a free man! Yes, I was released on September 1, 2009, and I must say words cannot express my gratitude to everyone who believed in my innocence. It’s been a long road and although there are some unnecessary conditions I must abide to; it’s absolutely unbelievable to be free again.

Normally, I would talk about current events or other trivial things that have happened in prison. But this month, I want to share two very different experiences that affected me so greatly, that I can honestly say I will never forget the month of August and September 1, 2009.

My first experience starting in early August was one of betrayal. I have heard about it, and even talked to people who have personally experienced it, but the old saying that you can’t truly understand what someone has gone through until you yourself have experienced it seems to be quite accurate. I was actually betrayed by someone I loved for and spent fourteen years of my life with. The pain was so great that I thru my back out like never before, I thought for a moment someone had stabbed me in the back, and I guess on a spiritual level someone did. Anyways, I learned that betrayal definitely hurts, especially when it’s from a loved one. I also learned that the only thing you can do for those individuals is forgive them. I now understand when you forgive someone it’s not so much for them as it is for you. That’s why it’s important to pray for them after you forgive them. So, for all of you who have been as unfortunate as me to feel the full force of betrayal all the way to the center of your heart, remember you have to forgive them otherwise your memories and trying to understand their actions will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Okay, my second experience was feeling what it’s like to be truly loved. Yes it was experiencing both sides of the spectrum, and I know “love” is almost the complete opposite of betrayal but what a wonderful experience to be truly loved. I felt so much love from family; friends and supporters that it made me realize that people are inherently good by nature.

I want to start by giving a big shout-out of gratitude to Dick for starting, running and maintaining that incredible website. In addition I want to thank Dick, Barbara and Phil for being at the U.S. Court House in Boston. It was so nice to see you guys sitting there supporting my release. Also big thanks to my lawyers Mr. Seiger, Ms Douglass and Ms. Trainor. Yeah, who would have thought my case from little Berkshire County would make it to the United States Supreme Court. I definitely have to give a big thanks to Justice Stephen Breyer who ordered my bail even while he was in the middle of Senator Ted Kennedy’s funeral. Also, a special thanks to the justices of the First Circuit Court of Appeals who wrote my decision which ultimately led to my freedom. And, to my special friends Diane B., her brother and Liz B. who helped my Mother and her husband raise my bail. Also, thanks to Barbara and my second cousin Pam for buying clothes. That was really nice because I walked out of prison with only the clothes on my back and nothing else.

But most importantly, I want to thank my Mother. I’m sure you have all heard the saying, “There’s nothing like a Mother’s love.” Well, I was blessed with witnessing it first hand during my nine years of incarceration. I was so proud of her when the judge asked my Mother to come forward and sit with my lawyer and me as he read the conditions of my release. I know she was happy when I was born and happy during some of the other accomplishments in my life. But rest assured nothing will ever compare to the true feeling of joy she felt when the judge explained to her that he was releasing me into her custody. The long hard battle had finally come to an end. We finally crossed the finish line! Although there is still one more hurdle (The U.S. Supreme Court’s final decision) for the high court of our land to reverse the First Circuit’s decision after what Justice Breyer in his final opinion on August 26th indicated, it would be like taking the trophy away from someone after they won an event. Who knows maybe the Attorney General won’t file a petition for certiorari? Yeah, I know wishful thinking. For now I’m just going to pray that this chapter of my life is over. I look forward to what God has in store for my future, and I will never forget this miracle. For it was truly “Divine Intervention.”

In closing, I want to say this experience has given me a different perspective on life. I hope to show my growth and what I’ve learned from the pain of this experience. Also, to those of you who don’t believe in my innocence or outright betrayed me, whether you want it or not---I forgive you.

Alright, what good would this message be without my famous movie recommendation and profound statement? Most movies don’t make me cry and maybe it just happens to be where I am in my life at the moment. But my movie recommendation is: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. All I can say is whoever wrote the script for this movie understands the gift of life. This is a must see!

My profound statement brings me almost full circle to when I started writing these messages. “Some lessons cannot be taught they must be lived to be learned: (ELEKTRA)

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

Love & Light to All
Michael

Michael released on bail by order of U.S. Supreme Court

September 1, 2009: After nearly 9 long years spent in prison for a crime he did not commit Michael O'Laughlin was released today on bail. Michael was due to be released August 24th by mandate of the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals but the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed any emergency motion with the US Supreme Court to stay the mandate and keep Michael in prison. Associate Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court denied the Attorney General's motion and ordered Michael to be released with bail (see court order: http://www.freemichaelnow.com/JUstice_Breyer_amended_order.pdf). Although this doesn't mean Michael is freed it does mean he can get out of prison and spend time with family and friends. The Commonwealth can and most likely will file a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court to overturn the not guilty verdict of an 8-1 decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. There is a very strong possibility the Supreme Court will deny the Commonwealth's petition; at that time Michael will be released from bail and freed from the remaining 41 years of his sentence for wrongful conviction. We are so thankful and most grateful for Michael's legal team who have worked so diligently on Michael's behalf. Overturning a wrongful conviction is next to impossible; sadly it happens so infrequently, but with your prayers and never ending support this day has become a reality, and I can't begin to thank you enough.

Michael will be staying with his Mother on Cape Cod. If you wish to send Michael cards and letters please email me (dickleb@aol.cm) for his address, and I will gladly send it to you.

Once again thank you so very, very much for your prayers, your support and your belief in Michael's innocence; it helped kept Michael spirits up during his time in prison.

God bless you,
Dick