We celebrated 11 years of Myra's life the past few days. It was beautiful to spend time with her, Amy and the rest of my family. As I reflect upon how the beginning for Myra's life came about and the turbulence she was born in the midst of, I lean into the Father and remember with gratitude how much He has done for me. Myra was born in November 2011 and in February of 2012, I was wrongly and unjustly imprisoned by the State of Illinois. Two weeks after my farce of a trial and me being put into the infamous Cook County jail, little Myra had open heart surgery to repair a condition called AV canal. Amy and Myra and my other children had to face this extremely frightening and challenging experience without me. As I reflect further on all that has transpired since then, I am overwhelmed with the presence of God's love and grace and mercy. Truly, His faithfulness endures forever. This morning, I sit here in a Panera Cafe blogging about my life, sipping on a dark roast coffee, and I remember where I was just 7 years ago. The smell of coffee is similar as I was fortunate to purchase instant coffee and a hot pot through the commissary. That taste and smell as I recollect, was a reminder, a hope for my freedom to be restored. And glory to God, it was!
Many friends have wanted to ask about my experiences in the Illinois Department of Corrections, yet have been too worried they will offend me, others have been kind to visit me and show me love and gently ask the questions they were so curious to have answered. To the few who came and lunched with me, even bought me birthday gifts, messaged me and help provide support, I cannot express how much that has meant to me. To this day, I am so grateful for your genuine and generous acts of love. You know who you are. Thanks to those who have helped me with offering me work, improving my job situation and life situations, to those who have desired a relationship with me and are not ashamed of me or what happened to me. I have said this to many people when sharing what occurred, that if they could do this to a guy like me, they really can do it to anyone. Today, I am looking for work again, and with a conviction on your record, it is extremely challenging to find gainful employment. It has really enlightened me to the challenges faced by many men and women who have dealt with incarceration. As someone who has higher education, a great deal of professional experience and various skills and talents, it breaks my heart to think how much more difficult it is for those who are not as educated, don't have the experience, have records and are therefore overlooked for jobs. I will persevere in faith. Thank you Lord God for another day in the life of Michael Cacini. God bless my friends, my family, and the USA.
