Dear family, friends & supporters:
Welcome to my monthly message for February 2010.
It’s been a long time but boy is it nice to feel true freedom again. I have to admit, I definitely took my freedom for granted. It’s probably the closest in comparability to taking your health for granted. Sometimes we don’t realize how good we have it until it’s gone. I know I will never take anything for granted again. And now when good things do happen in my life I will look at it as a bonus instead of an expectation.
After reading the latest article in the Berkshire Eagle I wasn’t surprised by the District Attorney’s comments; that’s who he is and he needs lots of prayer. However I was surprised by some of the comments on the Berkshire Eagle’s website in reference to the article. I was sad to learn how strong some people still feel. For anyone to think I was guilty based on the information they received from past papers and gossip and not the actual facts of what happened is sad. The level of ignorance for some to make such a strong decision and carry so much resentment was shocking. Then to go as far as saying my new girlfriend Kelley better look out because she will end up the next victim is just down right pathetic. Yeah, I'm convinced some people have some deep rooted issues that will hopefully be resolved later in their life. Bottom line is people who know me know that I'm innocent. For those of you who don’t-- remember GOD see’s all!
Personally, I believe peoples lives are too complicated with the things of the world and definitely to fast which partially explains why a lot of their frustration is guided in the wrong direction. Heck, now that I'm free I don’t even have enough time to get the things done that I need to get done in a day. How crazy is that? Time is extremely precious and that’s why kids always express wanting to spend time with their parents. I really believe you can equate "time" with "love". It seems the more time you spend with someone the stronger the bond and eventually the feeling of love evolves. It’s kind of cool when you think about it.
This brings me to the point I wanted to share with all of you about feeling blessed. Besides the overwhelming support & prayers from everyone which by the way is tremendous. I have been invited by Kelley and her daughters to go with them to Disney World. That is an unbelievable gift and act of kindness. So yes, after nine years of being in prison if someone says, "Michael you just received your freedom what are you going to do?" I can now say, "I'm going to Disney World!" I wish I could go with my daughters too but unfortunately that’s not an option. I have to work on reconnecting with them first and then the joy will follow. For now, I have to be thankful for the wonderful gift I have been given and be extremely grateful for Kelley and her daughters coming into my life. It will be nice to share next month about my journey to Disney World because I've never been. But I'm still a kid at heart like so many of us so I’m looking forward to having lots of fun.
To those of you who sent gift cards for tools---thank you so much! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness and it definitely helped. It’s going to take a while to get back on my feet but this time I am going to enjoy every minute of it and not take one breath for granted. Plus the tools have already helped with some small jobs and a big "thank you" to Belinda & Emory for getting me started with my first project. Also, if there is anyone who needs work done please let me know.
My movie recommendation is: "Avatar". I saw the movie with my mom who is doing much better and getting a little stronger by the day. I liked the movie so much that I took Kelley and her daughters the following week. The movie is a great film and based on a very simple principle---love. Love of the earth, love of the trees, love of the plants, love of the animals, love of the people, love of everything. It’s timely that James Cameron decided to show us what the Native Americans have been trying to show us for hundreds of years. Hopefully, we will get this simple but powerful message and start to change.
My profound quote is: "to your enemy give, forgiveness, to an opponent, tolerance, to a friend, your heart, to a customer, service, to all, charity, to a child, a good example, to yourself, respect." (Oren Arnold)
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 O'Laughlin
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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