I Have Really Great News

I just got back from the Doctor’s office. The check up went great… and I have some big news.

As many of you know, on July 21st, my partner and I were the victim of a random, violent assault that left me in the hospital needing major surgery. When the doctor informed me that I would have steel plates placed into my skull, I stopped him. I needed to know what would happen if I didn’t. What if I couldn’t afford to have the work done?

I knew that I hadn’t renewed my health insurance upon returning from India. I knew my place had just burned down. I knew that I was up you-know-what creek and this might be how I lost my last paddle. 

When I woke up to the morphine drip after my first round of surgery with a waiting room full of folks, I had no idea what had happened on the outside. It was the ICU…  I was strapped to more machine than my Mom could handle. The only world I knew was behind a curtain at a University Hospital. I had no idea that I would see an international yoga community rally.  Sometimes you do good and don’t know if you affected change.  Sometimes you don’t know if you make a difference.

I have really great news: you did it.

Spoiler warning: you do make a difference.

No more donations, please.

Your generosity is more than I could have ever imagined, and it was with puffy cheeks of joy I say: We’re covered. With all the pledges, studio classes, and paypal donations, we’re good to go. We’re gonna be able to pay everything. Follow-ups, lost wages, and moving Michael and I into a new place. And its all thanks to you. 

To you, who sent in the $3 donation, thank you. To you who reposted a link to the fundraiser: it’s your work that made this happen. Because off you, I’m able to type this right now. Right this very second. You made a huge difference in someone’s life.

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, from the pit of Ganesh’s big ol’ tummy; from Michael Roike, our parents, and me — thank you.

But, listen… If you wouldn’t mind…

I’m ready to change my status as victim to that of survivor advocate. 

My Doctor told me not to make faces (no laughing! no crying! ya right!), so I’m already breakin’ the rules as I type this, but please:  no more donations. We’re gonna take care of the aforementioned, and after that we’re gonna start paying it forward.

I’m not exactly sure what cause I’m ready to champion with whatever money is left over (I think you’ll forgive me, i’ve known for less than 3 hours!), but I’ll be sure to let y’all know as soon as I know. I promise. There is always more good to be done– and you can bet that Peg Mulqueen and Mike Graglia will help see it through.

I just couldn’t wait to tell you all myself.

Lest I forget, we have one last thing to do: celebrate. Celebrate our diversity. Celebrate our equanimity. Celebrate OUR community! Celebrate you.

You changed someone’s life. You saved somebody. YOU did.

And that person is me.

Lets Celebrate a victory, a community, and a vision: we’re doing 108 Sun Salutes in Meridian Hill Park on Sunday, August 5th at 5pm. Please come. Everyone is welcome.

Again, Sunday, August 5^th,  5pm. Seriously: you come.

( and thank you )

Doctor's Visit

Love, 

-mjh

Michael Joel Hall

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1. Michael in Mysore: Ashtanga Animals
2. Michael in Mysore: Week One in Pictures
3. Michael in Mysore: Chamundi Hill
4. Yogappendix