Greg MD Blog

Parole Board 2009

Alan Greg Ray

536 Webster Street

Mishawaka, IN. 46545

574-254-0881

July 16^th, 2009

Ohio Parole Board

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

770 West Broad Street

Columbus, OH  43222

Re: Budd William Miller A-166311 PCI

I represented my thoughts and feelings about my Dad’s A-166311 PCI. This was before the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction members. It happened on July 22nd, 2009, at 1:30 p.m.

It is crucial for me to articulate my thoughts so that you can understand the complexity of this situation. It goes beyond just this particular period in my family’s life. There are a multitude of emotions involved. These include joy, happiness, tears, sadness, lies, sorrow, and forgiveness. We also desperately need closure. I am speaking on behalf of my sisters, mother, and myself as of April 19th, 1981.

Over the past 38 years, I have learned much from my parents! I realize that both of my parents were not perfect, and they had their issues, as any other relationship does. In my parent’s hearts, I know they wanted the very best for us. We did not see that as kids! We all played some part in this by lying and pitting our parents against each other. The hardest part of my life was losing both parents at a young age. I did not know what would happen to my future. I had to testify against my dad. It was so hard knowing that he did his best to care for his family. He even worked very long hours! I have kept many secrets from coming to light. I am ashamed and hurt because I know it was wrong. This is given what I was going through. They asked if Larry was living at the house in court, and my reply was ‘no,’ but he was. I know that my mother and Larry did have sex on Easter Eve. I know this because I saw it myself. This has been a significant burden because I did not tell the truth in court. This has changed the outcome of the court, perhaps, but not the situation. I am not saying taking a life is correct. But, I need you to understand that all parties played a part in this. This was not the first time for my mother. After her death, I found court papers that shed light on my mother’s life.

I vividly remember the first time I saw Dad on a cold winter night. He came to the truck, picked me up as I was asleep, and placed me in bed. Dad had prepared our rooms and opened his arms and heart to welcome us. I have always loved and admired Dad. It’s a memory I will cherish forever. Dad was always there for me, whether I had problems at school or needed his support. He always encouraged me to do my best and make the right decisions. His words have stayed with me always. I want to clarify that I deeply love my mother and father, even with the current situation.

Over the past six years, my health has been declining. This has led me to think about my life to better understand the situation. My father never judged us based on the concept of good or bad. He never judged us based on likes and dislikes. He simply encouraged us. When faced with the potential loss of our family, our thinking can become clouded. We sometimes fail to think clearly. I can attest from personal experience. When a partner cheats or lies, it can significantly affect a person’s ability to think clearly. It is well-established that extreme stress can lead to changes in a person’s behavior. I believe that this is what happened in this situation.

Today, I am here to ask the parole board to consider my dad’s release. Do I think he’s done wrong? Yes. Is he a danger to others? No. Deep down, I believe he is a decent person who made a terrible mistake. Although the past can’t be undone, I hope he will find peace.                     

Sincerely,

Alan Greg Ray

Written by: Greg MD