October 2009 Monthly Message

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:

Welcome to my Monthly Message for October 2009!

Well – I have been out of prison for a little more than a month now, and I must say being free is awesome. Although I am still under “house arrest” which kind of sucks; it is definitely better than being in prison. Plus, I don’t think I could have it much better than what I have at the present moment. My mother and step father have been treating me like royalty. Their German shepherd puppy - which is a year old - has more energy and love than one person can absorb. So, I have definitely been blessed. In addition, I have been working around the house and in the yard staining their picket fence and trying to keep busy. Also, it has been really nice receiving visits from Dick, Barbara, Phil, Pam, and Liz.

Hopefully, the judge will allow my request to modify my release conditions to a curfew. Then, I can start to live my life like a person who is actually free. I should know by the end of this month.

I want to thank everyone for being so kind and thoughtful with sending clothes, cards, and letters. There have been some really generous people helping me start over and some who have always been there with love and support through prayer. Thank you so much! I can’t forget to give a special “shout-out” to Ralph in Oregon. You have been truly a thoughtful and kind “long distance” friend. Thank you and Happy Belated Birthday!

Okay, it is important I remind everyone this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So please try and be conscientious about this issue. If there is anything extra you can do – please try and make the effort. Remember – think PINK even though orange is the traditional color for October.

It is hard to believe it has been nine years since I got to carve a pumpkin for Halloween. I used to carve them with my daughters, but I look forward to carving a pumpkin with my mom this year. I’m going to try and stay away from eating too much candy, and it will be fun seeing all the “trick or treaters”.

Sorry this month’s message is short. In closing, I know it is easy to take for granted looking at nature each and every day. However, I hope everyone will take an extra moment to appreciate the beauty of the foliage this month. It is supposed to be spectacular due to the sunny days and cold nights. It is just another one of God’s miracles.

Also before I end, I want to wish my Dad a Happy Birthday, and I hope to see you soon. Last but not least, to my good friend, Diane B., I miss you so much and I am sorry we haven’t been able to talk or see one another. Our time will come. I will always remember your love and support, and know we will see each other soon.

My movie recommendations will get better now that I don’t have any restrictions, and my cousin, Pam was kind enough to give me a gift for free rentals from Netflix. However, this month’s recommendation is “Disturbia” which is an action thriller that is not that great. However, I thought it would be appropriate for those of you who want to know what it is like to be under “house arrest”, and have to wear an electronic bracelet. The main star is Shia LaBeouf (Transformers), and he definitely played the role perfectly. Most of you will enjoy this movie.

My profound quote is: “The present moment is the field on which the game of life happens”. (Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth).

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