Now within the last 4 weeks, I had immersed myself in learning as much as possible before my self surrender. I devoured any and all information from White Collar Advice on their Youtube Channel and Instagram accounts. I also joined their weekly support groups and watched as hundreds of people were going through the same horror as myself. I also came to know of Michael Santos, who met Justin Paperny while in prison. I learned so much from Michael. His Youtube videos and any and all resources on his PrisonProfessors.com website are invaluable. Phenomenal resource.
From the beginning of January, I told my family ‘when’ I get into Otisville, I will surrender on Wed, Jan 29th. I picked that day because my wife was off of work that day and at first, we thought having her drive me would be a good idea. I am immensely grateful for my friend Oscar who not only helped get me through many post sentencing family land mines, but also offered to drive me to Otisville. I thought about it and quickly accepted his offer. I knew saying “goodbye” would be painful enough, but why have Lori do all of that driving a second time coming home.
So, it’s the week prior to my surrender and my wife is treating me to all of my favorite foods. It was an awesome and tremendous show of support from all of the Core 7.
On my to do lists I had plenty to get done and time was running out.
One day my daughter suggested getting cards for everyone to help celebrate each of their birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and Anniversaries. It was a brilliant idea that I am forever grateful for. My daughter has my wife’s heart! So, off I went to the card store and bought cards for everyone, even Oscar. Now, the hardest part was getting to write in all of the cards. It truly was a labor of love!
Another labor of love was getting to record audio messages for my Core 7 and beyond. I loved doing it and hope they all appreciate it.
Now the biggest labor of love was to come. With daughter #2’s wedding coming on July 18th, 2025, I wanted to create a video montage, like I had done for daughter #1. To be honest, this had to be done. I knew they would watch this at their Rehearsal dinner 3 days before the wedding, so I just couldn’t imagine this not getting done. In record time, I created the masterpiece. Not only did I collect and gather all of the wonderful photos and video gems, I also got to edit and create the video with daughter #2 right beside me. It was an extremely special time making that video with her. We then got to watch the video with the Core 7 multiple times before my surrender which made it extra special.
Lastly, I thought what if I really can’t attend the wedding? This would be heartbreaking. I mean not being able to walk my baby down the aisle would be too much to bear, but not being able to speak or share a personal message to my daughter and son in law on their wedding day would be very hard to comprehend. So, I decided to record myself on video in my Hugo Boss suede sports jacket and light blue dress shirt, reading my script off a teleprompter software on my Iphone attached to a lavalier microphone. (for perfect audio). I mean, if I am going to do it, I might as well do it right.
After the last 5 weeks of prep work, I finally felt at peace with everything and could now record and edit this very personal message for my daughter and son in law. To give me a final feedback, I had daughter #1 and my wife watch the video and they both loved it, saying my daughter and son-in-law will love it.
Oh, one more thing I did was saving my family from approximately $2000 in monthly spending. I had gone through a ton of expenses and combined with tv subscriptions, returning my car, and adjusting car insurance and a whole host of other expenses, I was thrilled to have made such an impact for my wife going forward in my absence.
So, at this point I’m feeling real good about where I’m going and how I am leaving my wife and family. I feel they and I are as prepared as we’ll ever be!
To Be Continued…..
