Healing Through Exercise...In Memory of Michael
-Written by The Morriss 'Ohana
On January 26th, 2009 Michael Morriss passed away during a tragic diving accident. What he left has been memories, lessons, and a time to reflect on what is important in this life...
Michael's favorite pastimeThrough Crossfit I have been able to strengthen my body, mind, and spirit. -Chelsea Morriss
Keola Mau Loa. To live forever.
Those three simple words illustrate a picture far brighter than ink on paper. And it is through those words that my brother Michael Morriss’ legacy continues. On January 26th, 2009 Michael Morriss passed away during a tragic diving accident. What he left has been memories, lessons, and a time to reflect on what is important in this life.
For me, one of the most important things in my life has been exercise. Without it, I feel lost and empty. After losing my brother, staying physically active has been particularly healing. I remember one run I did on Mana road in the days that followed his passing. I was running by myself and out of nowhere I became weak. I didn’t want to continue. I wanted to drop to the ground and quit. Suddenly I had a feeling like I have never had before, I felt like I was six feet tall. I felt like I could run forever. My brother had given me legs and told me “don’t stop now, you can do it.” I will never forget the incredible sensation I felt that day.
Crossfit has been one of the many avenues of my continued healing. It has given me a strong community of
Michael's Memorial Service friends who care about me and my growth as a person-both physically and emotionally. Through Crossfit I have been able to strengthen my body, mind, and spirit. My brother continues to live in all of us whose lives he touched and because of this, everyday I am able to live life the way he would have wanted. Keola Mau Loa. To live forever. ~Chelsea
In the following video: Divers from across the state come to Puako on the Big Island of Hawaii, to support local divers and honor friends they've lost to the sea.
Highlights The Michael Morriss Memorial Fund at The Nature Conservancy which is supporting the participation of local divers in conservation actions. Waimea's Crossfit AllStars are hoping to spread the word and support Michael's memory.-Video courtesy of Cal Hirai
The Michael Morriss Memorial Fund will promote stewardship of Hawaii's marine environment.
-Video courtesy of Charles Fasano
Michael DivingExercise 2 Healing
...often it was a mantra of “just get yourself there, you know you will feel better afterward.” I knew it was of the utmost importance that I keep moving. -Liz Morriss
Exercise has always played an important role in my life; so much so that I can honestly say I had worked out right up until the day I delivered each of my 3 children.
It then literally became my salvation when I lost my 23-year-old son Michael in a free diving accident off the Kohala Coast. Within the first few days of this tragedy, I began walking with family members and our dogs. They were walks of great despair but there came a point when they were also the beginnings of deep healing. Movement was needed and greatly appreciated.
Once I felt strong enough to where I thought I could go out and face the world again and see people, I began to attend my classes, yoga, chisel, Brazilian jump. It was never easy making it to classes, and often it was a mantra of “just get yourself there, you know you will feel better afterward.” I knew it was of the utmost importance that I keep moving. I needed the blood flow to my body, my mind, and my soul. The endorphins were welcomed, as they had never been before. For a little bit each day, I could feel as though I was going to be able to make it through this utter despair I was in. 
Michael's 23rd Birthday with Mom, LizThree years after the devastating curve ball life sent my way, I am feeling stronger than ever in my physical body. My spirit and mind are getting there too!
With much gratitude to all those in my “physical” world that have helped me to heal in so many ways, Karunamayi with Om Studio, Five Mountain Fitness and now I can happily add KC and Crossfit Allstar to that list!
In deepest Gratitude,
~liz
Michael Surfing
The Michael Morriss Memorial Fund
To honor the remarkable life of Michael Morriss and his love of the ocean
The Morriss family and The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i established the Michael Morriss Memorial Fund in 2009. The purpose of the Fund is to promote stewardship of Hawai'i's marine resources, beginning at Puako Bay and Ka'upulehu on the South Kohala coast of Hawai'i Island.
For more information about the Michael Morriss Memorial Fund click HERE. To donate send a check payable to:
"1 'Mo Rep-A-Thon" at CrossFit AllStar
Koai'a May and the CrossFit KidsTo help benefit the Michael Morriss Memorial Fund
Save the Date! Nov. 10th, 2012 CrossFit AllStar Kids will be hosting an event to raise money for the Michael Morriss Memorial Fund in honor of Michael "Mo" Morriss. Kids will be collecting donations prior to the workout so please help support our keiki by donating any amount if they approach you and ask for a donation. CFAS parental support(ie. Ulu, KC, & Liz) are on the hunt for prizes as incentive for our keiki for most donations collected and most reps performed. Even parents and attendees to this event could receive door prizes! It's sure to be a good time for all, and a proud moment for our CrossFit Kids. Koai'a May, 8 years old, was inspired for this idea of an "A-Thon" by watching a friend do a Bike A-Thon to raise money. After attending a lecture about Michael's fund with The Nature Conservancy, he thought that would be a great cause to have an "a-thon" for! He also ended up doing a report in school about the invasive Roi fish. It's our responisbility to help see it come to life through all our efforts! More information on this event is coming and in the works! 1 'Mo Rep-A-Thon!!!!