To the Editor:

I guess it’s a little unusual for a letter like this to be sent to a newspaper but then again, with all the publicity I have recently received, I would like the words you read to be mine and as you have read; the newspapers have wanted a comment.

I do not solicit any pity, compassion or undeserved forgiveness for my actions. I made the biggest mistake of my life and will spend the rest of it trying to prove that I am not the type of person I have portrayed.

I offer no excuses for my recent stupidity. I had a wonderful and meaningful marriage with the greatest woman in the world and children that anyone would be proud to call their own. Through the years they have been everything I could have ever asked for and then some. The embarrassment I have brought them and to my extended family have made me feel more shame than I ever knew one could feel.

 I had two great jobs that allowed me to serve others which have always been my passion when it came to employment. Those facts alone further my confusion over why I made a phone call and an appearance that would forever cast doubt on my character and image. Even though no activity occurred as a result of that phone call, it doesn’t excuse my behavior.

I have failed my Lord, destroyed my Christian witness and hurt the most important people in my life. My wife, children, mother-in-law and other members of my family deserve so much more from me. I am so sorry to all of them and while I don’t expect or deserve forgiveness, I also would like to extend my apology to my former employers and all of the people who know me who I have let down.

This sin is not who I am and I know that I will have to find ways to prove that in the days and years ahead. That may be an impossible task but I know it’s the only thing left to do.  

Again, I wrote this letter because I felt with all of the stories you have read, you deserved to hear from me personally. I would respectfully ask for one thing and one thing only: please pray for me and my family.

Thank you.

Vince Urbin

Avon Lake