Wow! My friend Chris Hall provides an all-time great example of courage and fearlessness. In psychology, we call it “exposure therapy” (i.e. confronting one’s own fear). In short, this is returning to a fear-inducing experience, rather than avoiding, and overcoming the fear with courage. What is the ultimate example of exposure? Here it is! His name is Chris Hall.
Eight years ago, Chris Hall survived a plane crash. He just walked out of the flames! On October 8, 2013, his small plane lost power, forcing Chris to land in a field. He was coming down at 500 feet per minute. His airplane hit mesquite trees and cactus, causing an instant explosion that severely burned him. His right wing exploded. “I was prepared for the plane crash but I was not prepared for the fire.” After the crash, he did everything he could to get out. As he kicked open the doors, “Everything went orange.” “I’ve got to get out.” After he was 50 feet away, he turned around and saw the plane on fire. “Thank you God, I’m alive.” “I could see the skin hanging off my hands.” His arms, face, and hands required years of healing.
This is where my story comes in. While healing, Chris continued on in making a difference in business, real estate and in his work with Restoring the Foundations. 2 ½ years ago, I learned about Chris’ miraculous story. I contacted Chris and his wonderful wife Dot. On a short notice, they invited me to spend three days with them at their home. At the time, I was burned out from years and years of listening to stories of traumas. I had immense personal exhaustion and professional fatigue. I was weary, discouraged, misunderstood, and heartbroken. After years of work as a clinical psychologist, I had developed extremely poor personal habits including poor self-care, emotional suppression, ice cream and screen dependence, and isolation. On aside, isolation is a killer, especially if self-sufficiency is relied upon. Chris and Dot Hall brought me in, helped me to feel comfortable, conveyed an acceptance and trusting environment, and went on to have a profound impact on my life. They took me in and gave me a resurrected belief in my calling. They looked at me not with judgment and condemnation, but with unconditional acceptance and love. They facilitated a transformed and healed heart. They facilitated healing through patience and investment into my faith, my emotions, my soul and spirit hurts, and reinforcing my positive belief system. They helped bring restoration into my life. There are a lack of words to express my gratitude. They took time for me and I will spend the rest of my life doing for others what they did for me!
8 years after his miracle, Chris Hall is a leader and a difference maker in his community. He is currently running for Collier County Commissioner District 2. He is a husband of 35 years, father of two sons and grandfather to seven grandchildren. He is a survivor and an overcomer. Think about this—Chris almost died after an airplane crash due to a faulty fuel pump 8 years ago. He walked out of a fire with a lot of his skin burned off. On his 60th birthday this past week, he jumped back into the pilot’s seat and piloted his first private flight since his crash. Courage and fearlessness! I honor you Chris for being a great role model for courage! And I honor you Dot for your encouragement. How many spouses would facilitate this great moment given your history of being at Chris’ side eight years ago? This speaks volumes about who you both are! You both make such a difference! Happy Birthday Chris!
With utmost appreciation, respect, and love, Daniel J. van Ingen
If you live in Naples, learn more about Chris Hall here – chrishallnaples.com
Eight years ago, Chris Hall survived a plane crash. He just walked out of the flames! On October 8, 2013, his small plane lost power, forcing Chris to land in a field. He was coming down at 500 feet per minute. His airplane hit mesquite trees and cactus, causing an instant explosion that severely burned him. His right wing exploded. “I was prepared for the plane crash but I was not prepared for the fire.” After the crash, he did everything he could to get out. As he kicked open the doors, “Everything went orange.” “I’ve got to get out.” After he was 50 feet away, he turned around and saw the plane on fire. “Thank you God, I’m alive.” “I could see the skin hanging off my hands.” His arms, face, and hands required years of healing.
This is where my story comes in. While healing, Chris continued on in making a difference in business, real estate and in his work with Restoring the Foundations. 2 ½ years ago, I learned about Chris’ miraculous story. I contacted Chris and his wonderful wife Dot. On a short notice, they invited me to spend three days with them at their home. At the time, I was burned out from years and years of listening to stories of traumas. I had immense personal exhaustion and professional fatigue. I was weary, discouraged, misunderstood, and heartbroken. After years of work as a clinical psychologist, I had developed extremely poor personal habits including poor self-care, emotional suppression, ice cream and screen dependence, and isolation. On aside, isolation is a killer, especially if self-sufficiency is relied upon. Chris and Dot Hall brought me in, helped me to feel comfortable, conveyed an acceptance and trusting environment, and went on to have a profound impact on my life. They took me in and gave me a resurrected belief in my calling. They looked at me not with judgment and condemnation, but with unconditional acceptance and love. They facilitated a transformed and healed heart. They facilitated healing through patience and investment into my faith, my emotions, my soul and spirit hurts, and reinforcing my positive belief system. They helped bring restoration into my life. There are a lack of words to express my gratitude. They took time for me and I will spend the rest of my life doing for others what they did for me!
8 years after his miracle, Chris Hall is a leader and a difference maker in his community. He is currently running for Collier County Commissioner District 2. He is a husband of 35 years, father of two sons and grandfather to seven grandchildren. He is a survivor and an overcomer. Think about this—Chris almost died after an airplane crash due to a faulty fuel pump 8 years ago. He walked out of a fire with a lot of his skin burned off. On his 60th birthday this past week, he jumped back into the pilot’s seat and piloted his first private flight since his crash. Courage and fearlessness! I honor you Chris for being a great role model for courage! And I honor you Dot for your encouragement. How many spouses would facilitate this great moment given your history of being at Chris’ side eight years ago? This speaks volumes about who you both are! You both make such a difference! Happy Birthday Chris!
With utmost appreciation, respect, and love, Daniel J. van Ingen
If you live in Naples, learn more about Chris Hall here – chrishallnaples.com
