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Ryan Helms's avatar

Not sure what's more chilling--what happened or that Hallie had that premonition. Also, this resonates very strongly with me on a certain level. I am a survivor of suicide, and so I too am living a "bonus life" and I also think of it in those terms. Glad you are here to tell the tale, mahalo and happy birthday. And a moment of quiet reflection for Ash 🙏🏼

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Hal Walker's avatar

Enjoy your bonus life, friend.

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Dennis W Morgan's avatar

And how !

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Camille Pavlicek Fauser's avatar

Thank you for sharing this story, which serves as a reminder to treasure each day and one another. Happy birthday!

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Hal Walker's avatar

Yes. I need those reminders. Thanks!

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Karla Parra's avatar

Thank you for sharing this story, Hal. Wow, I'm speechless. So glad that you're here to tell it (and I'm glad to have crossed paths with you in our weekly Substack writing hour!). Happy birthday!

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Hal Walker's avatar

Karla. I'm so glad you found me over here. I look forward to checking out your publication

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Karyn's avatar

Happy 9th bonus birthday—may the current struggle also bring unexpected wisdom & rewards.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you Karen, It already has. ❤️

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Howard Hobbs's avatar

I couldn't post a comment from my phone, so I had to go to the computer. What a gripping story, Hal! Even though I knew you had survived, I was on the edge of my seat. I like the concept of "bonus life." It helps you judge what is really important and what is not. I tend to forget that I am living a bonus life, because my near-death experiences were so long ago (and not nearly as dramatic as yours.) Hallie's premonition is a reminder that premonitions are real; the problem is telling the difference between a premonition and a baseless anxiety.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you so much for your thoughts, Howard.

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Sue Reed's avatar

Happy bonus life birthday Hal! I am so glad that you survived and our musical paths were able to cross. Please take care .

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you Sue. I'll never forget my time in your classroom. Wasn't yours the classroom where I wrote "I will be fair, honest kind and helpful. I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. I will solve problems with loving words and I will respect the feelings of all others even if they are different from my own. Oh what a gift is a new day. So I will make this a good day. Soon as the good morning bell rings, I will return for the learning hear Tussing Schoooooooooooooooool". Not sure, but I think that was there.

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Janet's avatar

I recall the evening you called Dad and me……from the hospital……to tell us of your near-death experience. Even after hearing about the event, we were both trembling with disbelief, but feeling grateful that you had survived. ❤️

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Hal Walker's avatar

We'll never forget it, Ma

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Michele Peters (she/her)'s avatar

What an incredible story, Hal. Thank you for seeing it as a bonus life and sharing it with us. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you for reading and reposting, Michele. I’m heading over to breathe some Cilantro now. :)

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Marc Mannheimer's avatar

Oh, what an incredible story/life/miracles. Struck by the seals showing up for Ash's service. You are a miracle, brother, for more reasons than one. I thought of Ram Dass, leaving his body in Hawaii, and all of his touching accounts, writings, films/docs about that dragon, death, we fear so much. Be well.

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Elle Bradley-Cox's avatar

What a story, Hal. Epic writing, I was gripped throughout.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Hi Elle. Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad to have met you today. I'll check out your newsletter. H

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Dennis W Morgan's avatar

I’m getting slowly more pieces to the puzzle of that sad but valued event between You, Jp & Hallie: I met You Hal thru Jp. What’s JP’s status today? I briefly heard & witnessed a compromised JP health wise. Is he healthy & whole ?

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Hal Walker's avatar

Hi Dennis. I spoke with JP today and he seems to be doing quite well. He's been through hell in the last few years, but seems to have landed fairly well. H

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Dennis W Morgan's avatar

Hal, did JP get injured within Your same sad incident ? Would he welcome an ole harmonica student of his if I reached out, (I would understand if either one of You said no - I cherish the capacity for a Jonathan David friendship which I sense You have. Thank You )

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Hal Walker's avatar

No. He was not injured that day but it weighed very heavy on him. I’ll ask JP.

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Emma rose's avatar

What a cool looking grp of people in the last photo ....

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Hal Walker's avatar

yes, indeed. :)

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Dielle / DL Hamilton's avatar

What a story. What a life. And to get a bonus life. You are charmed.

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Hal Walker's avatar

I suppose so, yes. thank you

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Puck's avatar

Happy Birthday, Hal (or Happy Burtgday! as I first typed). I hope both days are happy. There’s sunshine!

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you! Yes.... the sun was so nice. can't wait for more

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Todd Burge's avatar

This was an emotional and profoundly inspiring listen. Thanks Hal- Todd B

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you Todd.

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Michael Gemmell's avatar

This was such a moving story, I'm sure everyone has found a greater appreciation in our own bonus lives now after listening. Happy birthday Hal :)

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Hal Walker's avatar

Yes. It's all bonus. Enjoy. Thank you Michael

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