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Betsy Zajko's avatar

I can almost hear you dad's voice as i read this. his laugh, too. such love.

i am thinking of you hal, imagining being back in the neighborhood just a few houses away from you. if i were there i'd offer a hand. your honesty and openness conjures a memory of you in the basement of the uu in the early 90's struggling to understand the different ways of how people manage the pain of depression...sometimes through prayer. i think it was a public discourse but what strikes me now is while the illnesses are so different there is a similarity to the conversation of how finding relief is ever changing.

i hope it's possible for you to find a moment of relief from or through the anguish.

you've brought relief to so many people through your life purpose. i'm grateful to have been in that circle for a moment in time.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you, Betsy.

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Diana Watt's avatar

Amen and Amen. Sitting with you today Hal - you - there in my laptop. Absorbing your words, feelings, anxieties, fears, descriptions, memories, emotions, tears, grief, yearnings, wants, laughter, wishes, grace, hopes and prayers. Feeling your love and sending it back double.

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Hal Walker's avatar

Thank you, Diana.

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Julia Wyson's avatar

I loved the quote from Pádraig - "Whatever the mystery of the source of all things is, 'belief' is a weak verb for talking about it. I can't bear that burden. Maybe I can Behold. Question. Argue. Circle. Anything is better than belief." I think Dad would have loved it, as well. I feels very much like something he would have said when talking about "the mystery."

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Hal Walker's avatar

Yes. I think you're right, Julie

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Michael Askren's avatar

This was a beautiful prayer. Your father would be so proud.

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Laura Achee's avatar

Thank you for sharing your prayer, when I pray for you it will be helpful to know what you’re asking for so I can ask for the same things. And thank you for being so transparent about what you’re going through. This is not a space where you have to put on a front, I read the comments and you have a community here that can sit with you where you are. I’m glad you lean into that. Take care, Hal.

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Evelyn's avatar

It’s been several weeks since I’ve been able to read your weekly post because I grieve so for the loss of Hal, the musician, composer, friend to all other musicians. I cry when I read what you write and sometimes have to take long breaks due to my own issues. This year is the 1st time I missed Summer Institute in 20 years. I could have used the hugs. Know that I’m thinking of you and praying for your strength. Love you, Hal

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Marianne McCashin's avatar

Hugs Hal, large inclusive hugs that reach around the globe to you. May you come to embody peace.

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Martin Keogh /Missing Neighbor's avatar

Thank you for including me in your prayer

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Kate Malarney's avatar

Thank you for sharing your dad and your self with us. You are brave and beautiful. I am with you. And maybe can get away to just come sit with you soon. Kate

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Fritz's avatar

Such beautiful words Hal. Thank you for sharing your love. I hope this next week brings you relief. and thank you for remeinding me to enjoy my body.

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Michael Jantz Moon's avatar

Love you Hal. I’m listening. I’m praying for you. I’m going to enjoy my body today.

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Margot Milcetich's avatar

So rich in the real stuff of what we call spiritual but there is no good word. And honest. Grounded in goodness. And need. Thank you, Hal

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CeeJay Cook's avatar

Know that many are holding you in love. I believe in love and the connection of all. I loved your father’s prayers. Thank you for sharing them with us and for sharing you experience of this disease. May you find some relief in this coming week.

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Lisa H's avatar

Thank you for your honesty and insights. Peace and comfort to you

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Suzanne's avatar

I don’t believe in God either, Hal, but I do pray, and I’m praying along with you. My feeling is that if enough of us focus our energy toward a feeling or desired outcome, the combined energy will move things in a positive direction. I call on other readers to read your words and hold you in the light with the hope that you will get some relief. And make no mistake: you have a gift with words much like your father.

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Marion Yeagler's avatar

I wish I could make your pain and discomfort go away. I send warmth and love your way to surround you. You are still an inspiration to us. Hoping for easier days for you ahead. 🙏💕

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