"Life is  not about waiting for the storm to pass...it is about learning to dance in the  rain."

Where does the time go?  Not very far.  I sit here a week from sentencing still in awe of what this case has done to change my life. I have spent the last 11 months on an emotional roller-coaster that has tried my patience and stressed my relationship with everyone in my life.  I have had one hurdle after another to jump over and I am exhausted by the entire process.

It is out of my control at this point.  Next week I will understand more clearly my fate and what that will mean for my family.  Will we be able to overcome the odds?  Can we find a way to stay strong?  Of course.  There is nothing we cannot do if we put our minds to it.

I look forward to putting this past me and looking towards the future.  I need to move on.  This situation has consumed me.  It has left my family unsure and in fear of being left to fend for themselves.  It has given me more grey hairs than I would like to admit.  I cannot wait for it to be over.  

My future is at stake and I take that very seriously.  I must look past this mess and see the potential for a future free from the stress and frustrations this case has brought to my life.  I just want to spend time watching my boys grow into men and return to a simpler life out of the spotlight.  I want my wife to be more confident of the future and understand that this is just a passing moment in our history.

In one week this situation will come to a head.  I will either go to jail or not.  That is not up to me.  But at least I will know where I stand and be able to start building for the future at that point.  I really cannot wait.  I believed what I was doing was right and just.  I hope the court sees that and is lenient, given my personal circumstances.  

Please come out in a show of support next Wednesday, September 3rd at 1301 Clay St. in Oakland in the Honorable Judge Claudia Wilken's chambers @ 2:30 p.m.  Your encouragement and support is greatly appreciated.

"I can complain because rosebushes have thorns, or I can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

-- Source Unknown

"Insane people are always sure that they are fine. It is only the sane people who are willing to admit they are crazy. " (Norah Ephron)