Solar and I were talking, and it never occurred to him how jam-packed his life has been with some of the most amazing stories I've ever heard.

So, we're trying something where he'll do 2-3-4 paragraphs on a condensed story, as random as they come.  He'd died multiple times.  He built his home completely off grid, and engineered his own water and electrical.  He stared down a bear.  He was in law enforcement.  He was in a shootout.  It goes on and on for days.

Only Solar will post the thread, and keep it short and sweet.  I'm going to integrate these into CH and MAGAGATOR because I think people will eat them up.

...by the way, this idea came to me because I've been hardcore addicted to the Sammy the Bull's podcast, where he just tells story after story.  I figured the same thing could work for the written word.  His stories are interesting, so his channel is successful.  Solar's stories are amazing, so I think the same concept applies.

...and I'll kick it off with a few starter ideas:

- what was that exact moment you committed from living in a regular house to going completely off-grid in the woods up a mountain?

- when was the first time you died?

- how do you get water into your house?

- what's the worst electrical mistake you've made?

- what's the scariest thing that's happened in the woods?

- any bear stories?

Quote- when was the first time you died?

This one I've never understood, EVER!
Prologue: I was a very odd kid, late into my 20s.

I was probably all of 7, my best friend, John Mendoza and I hiked a few miles out into the countryside (yeah, we were actually allowed to do that, all alone) many of you remember these days.
Anyway, I climbed an old Eucalyptus tree, up about 25', I fell. I do remember clipping a limb and started to spin, though that was the last thing I remember.

The next thing I remember is Johnnie shaking me to get my attention, he said don't move, I'll get help.
I stopped him and said what's wrong? He said you're hurt badly. I am...where?
He said I just fell from the 'third limb' (kind of a goal for us kids to reach, kind of the furthermost point we could climb because beyond that was a huge limb 12' up).

Anyway, I said I feel fine, looked myself over and not even the tiniest scratch, though I don't remember dying, I know something more powerful than life itself had intervened on my behalf, this was truly my first experience where I acknowledged, for lack of a better description, God.

But after this event I kept my connection with "God". See, I was a bit of an odd kid, I would hike out in the country by myself, (years later with my first dog), beautiful farmland and sit and watch the animals as they'd come right up to me, hawks, rabbits, birds of all kinds, even an occasional coyote, and yes, I'd pet them. I highly doubt I was the only one who experienced this, but, I was innocent and naive as Hell.
They, nor I had any fear, it was a very strange connection, something I wish I had never lost, but we all grow up and discover girls.

I can finally tell these stories because my time is running out, I'm dying.
I was just diagnosed with leukemia, and no, they have no idea how much time I have left.
A year? Or as much as 3 or more?
As a kid of 7 years, I had told God I only wanted to live to 76, and yes, I meant it, because my life was to be about quality, not quantity.
Yes, even then I had a pretty good idea what was in store for me as a hyper red head, I attacked everyday as if I owned the world.

Grab it by the tail and hang on, because what you plan, matters not, Life has other ideas, I'm certain the older folk know what I'm talking about.
Oh, and I'm good with it, I've lived the equivalent of 5 lifetimes, according to those I grew up with.

Quote from: Solar on August 08, 2021, 10:03:33 AMGrab it by the tail and hang on, because what you plan, matters not, Life has other ideas, I'm certain the older folk know what I'm talking about.
Oh, and I'm good with it, I've lived the equivalent of 5 lifetimes, according to those I grew up with.

Toy is still grappling with it...  Faith in God will help me to continue to live this ride with Solar until it is over.  Toy 

@SOLAR. Of course you know there are survivors of leukemia and doctors are often wrong.  There are unexplained, miraculous cures. 

Quote from: rp5x5 on August 08, 2021, 04:56:23 PM@SOLAR. Of course you know there are survivors of leukemia and doctors are often wrong.  There are unexplained, miraculous cures.

Eh, I'm good with it either way. Life is all about quality, not quantity.

Amen.

Quote from: Solar on August 08, 2021, 10:03:33 AMI can finally tell these stories because my time is running out, I'm dying.
I was just diagnosed with leukemia, and no, they have no idea how much time I have left.
A year? Or as much as 3 or more?
As a kid of 7 years, I had told God I only wanted to live to 76, and yes, I meant it, because my life was to be about quality, not quantity.
Yes, even then I had a pretty good idea what was in store for me as a hyper red head, I attacked everyday as if I owned the world.

Grab it by the tail and hang on, because what you plan, matters not, Life has other ideas, I'm certain the older folk know what I'm talking about.
Oh, and I'm good with it, I've lived the equivalent of 5 lifetimes, according to those I grew up with.

What the....am I reading this correct.......?

Reading this I feel like I just got punched in the gut and it knocked me for a loop....so I can only imagine how you guys are feeling. Keep in the fight with God by your side Solar.

Toy.... stay strong and let God guide you two through this difficult times.

Quote from: Bronx on August 10, 2021, 01:03:59 PMWhat the....am I reading this correct.......?

Reading this I feel like I just got punched in the gut and it knocked me for a loop....so I can only imagine how you guys are feeling. Keep in the fight with God by your side Solar.

Toy.... stay strong and let God guide you two through this difficult times.

Thanks Bronx, and I'd like to mention that I've made arrangements for the forum to continue for years to come.

Sorry to hear about the leukemia Solar. My Dad just got diagnosed with it too.   

Quote from: Bronx on August 10, 2021, 01:03:59 PMWhat the....am I reading this correct.......?

Reading this I feel like I just got punched in the gut and it knocked me for a loop....so I can only imagine how you guys are feeling. Keep in the fight with God by your side Solar.

Toy.... stay strong and let God guide you two through this difficult times.

Thank you.  God and a great support group of family and friends.  Toy

Quote from: Solar on August 10, 2021, 01:05:45 PMThanks Bronx, and I'd like to mention that I've made arrangements for the forum to continue for years to come.

Frig the forum...the world needs you for years to come......if you need me and I can help feel free to ask.

Quote from: Bronx on August 10, 2021, 02:32:51 PMFrig the forum...the world needs you for years to come......if you need me and I can help feel free to ask.

Thanx, but the forum is important to me. It keeps my voice alive for decades to come, as historians will be reading what's been said here.