So yesterday, the home health care nurse who deals with my leg problems was a new to me person. Lovely girl. Friendly. Smiling. Very good at her job. Dumber than a box of rocks when it comes to the preparedness lifestyle.
I normally do not bring up the subject of being prepared. I don't need locals knowing what I have stored. That's for family, should the need arise. But this person saw several jars of home canned food sitting on my kitchen counter and she asked about them. I told her just a little bit about the home canning I do. She mentioned that her aunt and uncle were "preppers." They canned a lot of food to set aside "just in case." Seems her husband has an interest in being prepared as well.
So I asked what she was doing to prepare. Her reply was that she just didn't like to do anything along those lines. She said (kid you not) that she didn't have to do anything related to preparing because others would take care of her in bad times.
Now there are days when I am not particularly fond of doing the adult thing. Times when I really would rather not spend a day filling jars and running my pressure canner. Days when I would rather do something other than dehydrate onions or repackage rice or pasta for long term storage. Times when I might enjoy reading a good mystery book instead of checking my inventory to see what I need to buy to fill in the items that I am running low on.
It's called being responsible.
I have to admit that the temptation to ask her what she would do if there was nobody around to take care of her was strong. I am not known for my subtilty some days. OK...most days. But I didn't. Maybe I should have.
The sad part of this is that should bad times descend upon us, and we really need what we have stored, those who believe that others should take care of them will likely suffer. As will those who depend on them. Like their kids. Like their grandparents.
Me... that scenario would break my heart.
Hi Vicki.
ReplyDeleteThis really is a sad story. I just don’t have the mindset to think someone else is going to bail me out of my own stupidity. And she’s not even thinking that by taking care of her, her relatives could be putting themselves at risk. My guess is they love her and will try. We've had it so easy in this country that I think folks have trouble imagining a situation that could go on for a long time. I also think it’s getting closer every day. There’s not a thing you or I can say to convince anyone. They’re going to have to find out for themselves…Jan
Jan...This girl's attitude that someone else will be responsible for her care and feeding made me both sad and mad. Sad that there are still those living in Pretend Land where nothing bad ever happens, and mad at someone who assumes others should be responsible for her wellbeing. I guess I just can't imagine expecting others to do what is my responsibility. The saying "Do stupid things and win stupid prizes" comes to mind.
DeleteTake good care, my friend!
Vicki, somewhere along the line, "kids" lost sight of "personal responsibility." They fully expect "someone" to catch them when they fall, and that when they lose they don't really lose; that whole "participation trophy" thing. I don't see any hope for the likes of these. At very best, they'll be an a burden on those who love them and DID prepare. At worst, they're at the curb waiting for the cart and the guy who says "BRING OUT YOUR DEAD."
ReplyDeletePete...Some years ago one of my grandsons played baseball. After losing in a tournament, he asked the coach where his trophy was. The answer was that trophies are not given out willy nilly and if the kid wanted a trophy, he had better practice more, work harder and earn his trophy. Thankfully, my grands have been raised to work for what they want.
DeleteYou are spot on in your assessment of those who expect the good outcome without the work involved. I doubt that preparedness will not be a topic of conversation with this person in the future. Just haven't the patience to deal with that type of person anymore.
Old - yes. Cranky - probably. Tired of the BS - absolutely.
God bless, my friend!!
Responsible. Accountable for your own FUTURE! We have been stocking up for quite a few years. Our children and their young families are not preppers of anything. It's a scary scenario. Bright successful adults who believe everything will always be the same. I feel some of the responsibility. Truly we raised them to not have a thing in the world to concern themselves. Now they won't listen because what could be reality in a few months or years is just for us old folks. yadayadayada
ReplyDeleteI'm in total agreement. I'm thinking that the younger ones haven't gone through really hard times. As a result, they think everything will be rainbows and lollipops forever. Me...I remember times when I wasn't sure if I had anything to feed my kids. Wasn't any fun at all, but it proved to me that having extra food in the pantry was necessary. Just wish the others got the necessity of preparing.
Delete