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 🙏🏼
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!
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.
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.
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 ?
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
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 )
So glad you survived and got your bonus life! I am also so glad that you are writing. My husband Tom had a heart attack on Feb. 12 of this year. I feel we both got bonus lives as he recuperated! Hallelujah!! And happy birthday!
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. ❤️
My goodness, what a story. I imagine your appreciation for this bonus life has helped you through many dark days. You’re alive!! I thank the universe for deciding you should survive, because you continue to offer the gifts of beautiful music, wisdom, and hope. Happy Birthday, Hal.
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 🙏🏼
Enjoy your bonus life, friend.
And how !
Thank you for sharing this story, which serves as a reminder to treasure each day and one another. Happy birthday!
Yes. I need those reminders. Thanks!
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!
Karla. I'm so glad you found me over here. I look forward to checking out your publication
Happy 9th bonus birthday—may the current struggle also bring unexpected wisdom & rewards.
Thank you Karen, It already has. ❤️
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.
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Howard.
Happy bonus life birthday Hal! I am so glad that you survived and our musical paths were able to cross. Please take care .
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.
What a story, Hal. Epic writing, I was gripped throughout.
Hi Elle. Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad to have met you today. I'll check out your newsletter. H
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 ?
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
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 )
No. He was not injured that day but it weighed very heavy on him. I’ll ask JP.
What a cool looking grp of people in the last photo ....
yes, indeed. :)
What a story. What a life. And to get a bonus life. You are charmed.
I suppose so, yes. thank you
Happy Birthday, Hal (or Happy Burtgday! as I first typed). I hope both days are happy. There’s sunshine!
Thank you! Yes.... the sun was so nice. can't wait for more
This was an emotional and profoundly inspiring listen. Thanks Hal- Todd B
Thank you Todd.
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 :)
Yes. It's all bonus. Enjoy. Thank you Michael
So glad you survived and got your bonus life! I am also so glad that you are writing. My husband Tom had a heart attack on Feb. 12 of this year. I feel we both got bonus lives as he recuperated! Hallelujah!! And happy birthday!
Thank you Carol.
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. ❤️
We'll never forget it, Ma
My goodness, what a story. I imagine your appreciation for this bonus life has helped you through many dark days. You’re alive!! I thank the universe for deciding you should survive, because you continue to offer the gifts of beautiful music, wisdom, and hope. Happy Birthday, Hal.
I like that, "The universe decided that I should survive." Thank you!