The California Innocence Project has been working to free Michael Hanline since 1999. He’s been shackled behind bars since 1978 for a crime he did not commit. Until, recent evidence that has proven his innocence.

Today, we watch his first steps of freedom and his first liberating breath of fresh air.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Michael explains the mixed sensations flooding his mind. He compares the feeling to riding a rocket ship into unchartered territory, almost too fantastic to grasp the reality of.

But then, a bit of comic relief sets in. Michael’s first request as a free man? “The burger in the commercials.”

Off they go to Carls Jr. to get Michael his ‘Mile High Bacon Cheeseburger.’ His immediate reaction to the decadent meal – “My oh my, that’s what meat tastes like huh? The commercial does it justice!” Priceless.

While he will never be able to get back those 36 years of life spent behind bars, I am so happy Michael is finally able to live the life of freedom he deserves.

SHARE the love and pass it on!