It's always Mom who saves the day.

Here at DVI, I meet some of the most gifted artists, profilic linguists and compassionate people. If you remember I am serving some "time" for violating my parole. But can you imagine? Most people probably wouldn't readily think that prison is where you would meet very talented individulas and people with hearts. However, somewhere along the line, something went wrong, terribly wrong in our lives and we ended up as criminals.

As a child, I never expected to be in prison as an adult. And I so wish that I knew then what I know now, but at the same time, I would never go back. You know why? Because that would mean I wouldn't know some of the people I know and have known. The activities in my life have permitted me to be in the right place at the right time where I have met some very special people.

There's especially one in particular, Julie, my fiancee. I have put her through hell, but she loves me like a wife and a mother, all in one. I'm very fortunate to have such a devoted, intelligent and passionate person as part of my life. My two previous wives, Toni and Mae respectively, and my long-time friends, Cindy, Maria and Dee, and my sisters, Rissa and Angel Girl, have influenced me by their love and support, and made me a better person. Even whether it was all those years ago, or now, I know I am a better person today for having known them.

But most of all, it's been my mom and Boo-Boo (maternal grandmother), who have loved me tirelessly. I am so thankful for all of these women. Thank goodness for their presence in my life without them I don't know how bad it could have gotten. I did have a positive influence to draw on in a lot of things. However, not having a dad denied me of knowing how to be a father and how to treat a lady, but I am working on it. Please pray for me, and all other men like me, and especially, pray for the women who have to deal with men like me.

Before I end today's blog, I'll say it again: Mom, Boo-Boo, Rissa and Julie, I love you and thank you!!! I am so grateful you are standing by me through all of this.

Love, Bakari/Michael