There’s a lot of talk today about survival, and how with the right combination of tools and gadgets, any obstacle can be overcome. Some of us put up vast quantities of food and water and medical supplies in order to endure the coming catastrophe, whatever it may be. Companies have grown by leaps and bounds, supplying us with all these necessities that will keep us safe and secure, no matter what the situation.
Most of us who try to plan ahead in case of power outages, floods, and other such disasters may feel confident that we can prevail over the bad and come out on top. Living without electrical power for a day or two might bring the family closer together. A night spent huddling in the basement telling stories or singing songs while waiting for the tornado to pass over sounds like fun. Even the notions of breaking open your cache of survival supplies and actually using some of the items sound exciting! Did someone remember to buy oil for the oil lamps? Where did you stash the batteries?
Eventually, reality will enter the picture and the fun of living “in the rough” will turn to, at the very least, an inconvenience and possibility something worse. By now you’re having second thoughts about bringing your mother-in-law and her ancient, incontinent Chihuahua over to ride out the storm. Next time remember to have a covered trash can in the basement to hold the dirty diapers your grandchild gifted you with.
Soon, the damage left behind from the storm has to be taken care of. A lot of hard work needs to be done before normalcy returns but stories will be told for many generations about your survival readiness and skills. Other stories about you will be told when you’re out of earshot.
Some disasters just don’t share the same kind of charisma that’s associated with the “big” ones. How does someone cope when their company suddenly goes belly up and they are out of a job? A child needs medical treatment or medication and insurance doesn’t cover it? The young man who is trying hard to keep his job can’t read very well? Their only mode of transportation sighs its last breath and there’s nothing left in the till to replace it; how do they get to work? A child has no one to look up to or talk to about their fears. The old soldier looks out the window and sees nothing but his past, no future. She is feeling old and useless and nobody cares. Does it get to that point when a person loses hope? How do they survive?
Stories like these are not on the evening news because these disasters affect only a few. No organization is outside their home passing out doughnuts. No pop stars are putting on a benefit concert. Their neighbors probably don’t even know them or their problems.
We all get wrapped up in our own troubles. Every day brings on more things to worry about, more drama to deal with. Yes, be prepared for the “big” ones but take time to look for the smaller, more personal disasters that we might be able to help eliminate. Sometimes it takes no more than a hug or a smile or perhaps sitting down and listening. A promise of a ride, even to the bus stop could mean the difference to a person’s survival or a meeting at the local library, deciphering words necessary to excel at their job.
While we wait for the next cataclysmic incident, hopefully, we can take the time to use our hearts and hands to share our resources with others who may need a boost. Remember that regardless of how many items we carry in our bug out bag, only a certain few will matter when we take that final walk up into the Retreat.
Sharon
BTW We're working on volume #4 or SURVIVE LIVE WELL AND LIVE WISELY and it should be available shortly as an Amazon Kindle. While you are waiting, check out volumes 1,2 and 3. Only $2.99 and loaded with articles aimed at making your life better.