Pleasant Thoughts From Federal Prison

Pleasant Thoughts From Federal Prison

I could not sleep the other night. Instead of laying there worrying about everything, I thought about something nice-the first time I saw my wife! It was a sunny summer morning at the Chrystal Mountain Golf resort in Northern Michigan. I was sitting on the porch of my rental condo and saw her run by in a black running suit. I was awestruck. I asked a friend who she was. It turned out she was a bridesmaid in the wedding that I was attending later in the day. She was from Boston. At the wedding reception I was formally introduced to her. Ironically, someone snapped a photograph of the very moment we were introduced. I loved that picture because you could see how enthralled I was when we first met.

By chance, I met her several weeks later at a social gathering. She was back in town with the bride to attend events surrounding the sailing race to Mackinac Island. I recognized an opportunity. She was going to play the winner of a bocce ball match I was participating in. I got the guys to throw the match so I could win and play her. It was the best game of bocce that I ever played.

I saw her several days later after the sailing race on Mackinac Island. I was hooked. I kissed her for the first time on a Monday night in July of 1985 at the Inns of Mackinac conference center. Our long distance Detroit/Boston romance bloomed after that and we were married in 1986.

Over the years, I have failed to show her the love and respect she deserved. I did not tell her "I love you" quite enough.

I started to take her for granted.

One of the silver linings to this incredible mess that I have created is the renewal of my love and my respect for my bride.

She has stood by Me and suffered shame, embarrassment and numerous other hardships as a result of my actions. I do not know how I will ever make up for all of the pain I have caused her. However, I am going to start by showing her the love and respect that she deserves. If I do that, I hope the less important things in my life will eventually fall into place!

I am a very lucky Man despite my current circumstances.

Ken Flaska