Getting Past Feeling A Little Silly
On one occasion I asked my father (Born in 1928) what he thought about this issue of preparedness. For my own part, I started to feel like I was becoming a little too prepared when I began considering how to store 500 gallons of propane, and is twenty cords of wood enough to make it through a Rocky Mountain winter? He told me about his own parents, and how they had lived through some very trying times during the twentieth century. They lived through world wars, economic depression and natural disasters. Because of their self sufficient lifestyle and the natural tendency to prepare for a rainy day they made it through the trials and never quit living full and happy lives. His point was that we should prepare for life´s ups and downs, good and bad, but that we shouldn´t stop living rich and enjoyable lives.
(It must be emphasized that, like my parents, I did not just run out with a fist full of cash and prepare for my family´s every need. The preparations that my wife and I made took years to accomplish. It was five dollars here and twenty dollars there. Personal preparedness is an ongoing activity, but it can be satisfying.)