I initially didn't know what to say.
I knew it was a flippant response from some, made out of mockery and laughter mostly. They don't want to prepare, and don't see the point. They think that our concerns for the future are humorous and unlikely to ever come to fruition.
And I knew a few, who felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to start to prepare for themselves. They were frightened by what they saw coming, but unable to make that practical step, to prepare for themselves while there is time and information aplenty.
I know that many other like minded people have been faced with the same situation.
After much consideration I have realized there can be only one response ....
You cannot come to my house in TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it).
I don't say this because I don't care. I do. I wouldn't have entered the conversation with you in the first place otherwise. I say this because of two very real and serious reasons.
1. In the event of a real emergency, you will most likely NEVER reach my home. Consider it. If you have been to my house, you most likely had to drive to get there. And some of you have had to drive ALONG WAYS. And some of you have had to drive THROUGH many cities and other populated areas.
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| London Riots 2011 |
Many emergency situations could lead to roads and bridges that are damaged or closed. Many unprepared fellow citizens could become lawless, falling into a dangerous mob mentality.
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| Tampa Bay Multiple Car Accident 2007 |
The further you have to drive, simply increases the number of obstacles you could face. Travelling immediately after an emergency can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
2. I do not have the resources, energy or ability to prepare for you and your family's unique needs. Many people have very differing dietary needs. Within my close circle of friends and family, I have loved ones who need very low sodium foods, gluten free foods, vegetarian foods, low glycemic or low carbohydrate foods. Some also have food allergies, drug allergies, environmental allergies, and chronic conditions that require medications or frequent monitoring and specialized treatment.
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| Grocery Stores after Japan Earthquake 2011 |
I also try to find alternatives to everyday items and duties. Baby diapers, Toilet Paper, Washing clothes without electricity, Cooking. This has taken alot of time to research (still underway) and purchasing needed supplies that will LAST. Cloth diapers, family cloth, a bucket and plunger, clothes drying rack, propane camp stove as well as an outdoor fire pit.
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| A nicely stocked pantry. |
We are also a one income family with 3.5 children, 100+ chickens, 9 ducks and 4 goats. It could take years for me to provide beds, bedding, clothing, medicine and food for 20+ additional people.
Let us consider just one aspect. My family of 5.5 people live in a two bedroom home. If you and your family were to come to my house, where would you sleep? Perhaps for one or two nights you would feel grateful to have space on my floor. But after a while you would desire better sleeping arrangements, beds or at least pads, blankets or sleeping bags. You would also eventually need to change your clothing. Would you be able to bring all the extra clothing you would need in your hurried race from your home? Sturdy practical shoes? Your favored hygiene products? Your hair brush and tooth brush? How long will you be satisfied at my home carting water daily and defecating in an outdoor privy? With no electricity my home does not have water OR septic. Even with electricity, my septic is rated for 6 people and could quickly be overworked and create a health nightmare for everyone involved.
These are things that you may not have considered. But they are things that I MUST consider. Prepping literally means, Preparing for what COULD happen.
I hope you can see that this is not because I do not care for you.
It is because I DO CARE FOR YOU. I urge you all to prepare for your own. Not only is it truly your responsibility, but it is truly something that only YOU are capable of doing.
By relying on someone else, you will end up with impersonal, inadequate and sometimes completely unsatisfactory results.
And for those who think this is all unnecessary and a waste of time.... I wish it was.
As an English Proverb says so eloquently...
"Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."
If all my preparations are never put to THE test.... at least my family has learned how to grow delicious, healthy and non modified vegetables, raise and butcher hormone and chemical free meat, and treat many common ailments without resorting to immune system destroying antibiotics or becoming addicted to pharmaceutical potions.
Even if TEOTWAWKI never comes, I will consider it all worth it and sleep soundly at night with my family close beside me.
But how would you feel if IT does come?
Coming Soon.... How I CAN Help You For TEOTWAWKI, Part II
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Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador? Check out these similar posts.....
La Soñador ~: How I CAN Help You For TEOTWAWKI, Part II
How I CAN Help You For TEOTWAWKI, Part II. In Part I, I laid out some basic thoughts on WHY you can't come to my house in TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It). But I don't want to end this conversation there ...
La Soñador ~: Prepping 101 for TEOTWAWKI, Part III
Spiritual - THE most important preparation one can make for troubled times, or any time.... is the preparation of the soul. There can be no hope or lasting future for people who have not made peace with the Almighty.
La Soñador ~: Yes, You CAN Come To My House In TEOTWAWKI, Part IV
Welcome to part IV of our TEOTWAWKI conversation - Previously we discussed, Why You Can't Come To My House In TEOTWAWKI, Part I, How I CAN Help You For TEOTWAWKI, Part II, and Prepping 101 for TEOTWAWKI, ...
Grand Pappy shares his wisdom about families forced to live together
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