A good friend of mine had a major shtf event in 2002. Her husband was jumping on a trampoline with his kids and attempted to do a flip and broke his neck at the C-3 He's been paralyzed from his neck down ever since. Of course he couldn't work ever again, had 3 young kids everything in their lives flipped upside down. Somehow she has managed to keep her job, take care of him because he does live at home with them, and do everything he used to do around the house on top of everything else. She is an amazing person and has been a huge inspiration to me. Many prayers for you and your hubby and family!
Ah darlin I wish I would have "met" you 3 yrs ago. You have made me feel better about myself. After my husband died all those who I thought were my friends disappeared but in a way that was a good thing because I rely on God more than anyone. Thank you so much. Continued prayers for you and your family Love ya ((hugs))
You are a strong woman, Patara. As a senior citizen, with three grown kids, married 49 years, I cannot add a thing to your advice. We women do what needs to be done, because we can adapt to the changing situation. Take care of your rest and personal needs, and you will continue to survive well. One day at a time, because we have to.
Grew up in the 50s and 6os on small working farm in the boonies. Everything you speak of my mother and father did and taught us and it has done us well all our lives. There were three boys, one with severe medical problems, there were episodes of life threatening illness and hospitalization for both my parents, but we were always prepared to deal with the changes and realities. When I look back I realize we were incredibly poor by the worlds eyes but we were very rich by family and faith. Your sons will be rich beyond measure because of your faith and teaching, they will most likely be honorable and a credit to their parents and community. Wealth and success is not in things but in Godly faith, relationship and community. I keep you in prayer that your family be well and whole and that you can continue to teach your viewers what is important in this life.
Patara, thank you -- I am sorry to say that this is probably going to be a video I watch over, and over, and over again. I can see the 3M headquarters from my apartment -- let me know how many cases of post-it notes you want :-) If I were to add a 6th note it would be "Asking for help does not mean you are weak" So many people let pride or shame get in the way and they don't ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking the neighbor to mow the lawn if you just cannot get it done. One thing that I love about frontier living is the knowledge that all your neighbors within 10 miles would stop, drop, and roll over to your place to help. Random thought -- you hear of the days when all these families just show up and in a day build a barn. The Amish here are famous for it. Ever thought about a fund raiser (hear me out on this) not a please donate fundraiser, but a Pancake Breakfast bring your chain saws and splitting axes and fill up the wood shed fundraiser. I do not know why all you homesteaders live more than 1000 miles from me, you are either in the Northwest, or Southeast. I would love to show up some day and just have the working gloves, bibs, my Minnesota t-shirt, and my bible -- and just do what ever you needed help with. (except the chickens, I am a city boy -- those things have claws and beaks. They are dangerous creatures) God bless you and your family I am praying for you And fear not, for God the Father is in control. You are never alone in life.
TerrilianReya And God Bless you as well. Life is a bunch of random events with a purpose. (I know -- huh?) God has a plan for all of us, and he allows our paths to cross when they need to. I found this channel after Fouch-o-matic opened up the carousel package and Nick grabbed the Tennessee t-shirt. And now I fell in love with the channel. May the good Lord above protect you and give your heart a song to sing.
I am with you all the way on this, Todd. You so well expressed what most of us are feeling. And it's a comfort for US to know--that in our absence, our prayers are a POWERFUL force for good for Patara's family: James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth MUCH."
Patara, you are a STELLAR mom. You are in fact, you are a stellar human being. This message is so important, whether or not they want to hear it. I'm going to make this short and sweet, but I want to share this with you. When I was 29, my husband who was 32, was dx with stage 4 cancer. The year was 1981. I was a stay at home mom. Eleven months after the dx, he passed. He died the day before our 6th anniversary. My children were 10 and 2. I am in awe of how wise you are for the years you own. When ppl ask you "How do you do it?" I hope it doesn't make you as angry as it used to make me when women would pat my shoulder and say "I don't know how you can be so strong. I could NEVER do that." Well excuse me, but I wasn't there the day I got to vote on iT. LIFE HAPPENS. You do what you have to do. I had to go to work. I had 2 children who were small to raise, and now I was all that they had. I, like you, didn't have a choice! You'd be surprised at what you can do when you don't have a choice. Patara, you are strong and you are brave. You have a heart as wide as the state of TN. I understand what your milk cow does for you, and it 'aint all about the milk. You, my dear, are an amazing woman and someone I truly admire. Don't you forget sweetie, you are not in this alone. God's got his hand on you and that is EVERYTHING.
You are 100% right on young lady. You are a strong lady because you have grown up to be one. They aren't just born. Your boys will be good hard workers from the way you are teaching them to work. They may not like it now but some day they'll tell you how you was so right and be thankful you teach them right. My husband died nearly 28 yrs. ago. I raised our babies by myself. Our baby had just turned 24 months old when my husband died. He was born with my problems, including having life threatening conditions, & was/is multi-disabled. I home-schooled, raised our kids, & learned to wear many hats. I was always a strong independent woman but I have became more so with time. Our daughter grew up to become a strong independent woman too. She is married now but I know if she had too she wouldn't have a big problem surviving on her own. Our baby boy is nearly thirty and is learning daily how to prep and be prepared for emergencies. I had a stroke over two years ago and have had to learn to give up some of my " strong well" & to allow others to help me some but I'm still too hard headed for some but I am not going to just give up and die. I plan on doing all I can for myself for as long as I can. Patara, you stick to your guns honey. You are doing a wonderful job! Give yourself some time for yourself. Hang in there honey! You, your husband, and family are all in my thoughts and prayers. Xs from Okie land.
I grew up on a dairy farm. Farm chores and household chores were just what we did!! Came in from school, changed our clothes and got busy. In the summer of course the chores increased. Did I have a wonderful childhood full of FUN, I sure did. I have cousins who agree fun on the farm was the best!! Some of their favorite times also. We did chores but had tons of time to play too......would not trade my childhood for anything!!
past generations also didn't have a computer to go to for answers------they learned by doing, they learned the hard way-----I admire all the generations that came before us
I thoroughly understand my husband had a 3by pass heart surgery 2 years ago he had a stet put into his heart then this year he came down with breast Cancer but you know what got us through? God we are both believe in the greatest spirit without him I don't know if either of us survive am so happy you made this video I am tight wad with money we have some lad aside so yeah and I was born a country so I know how to store food my hubby was a city boy lol so he is used to buying things expensive but now he's learning I miss my ranch life having chickens and wake up to rooster crowing and fresh milk right from the cow . Amen am getting rid of a lot of stuff ty and God bless you and keep your videos going will be praying a healing prayer for you and your husband and children live you , peace and warm hugs sent to you
Well said Patara. My family has always tried to plan ahead. Job loss in May, husband lifelined in July. But we're not hungry, the bills are paid, and we have a roof over our heads. You always have to plan for life, hunker down and circle the wagons. It's just a bump in the road. Praise God is GOOD.
Authentic woman with wisdom! Do you realize how RARE you are, sweet Patara? You truly bless me, thank you for sharing (even when it's not convenient or easy). Much love & continued prayers cover you, girl.
I love the simplify idea. To expand on that... turn your hangers the opposite way in January and July 1st. When you wear and wash your clothes, put the hangers in the correct direction. on June 30th and Dec. 31st. look in your closet. whatever you didn't wear, and still has a hanger facing the opposite direction, toss it. Sentimentality often leads to clutter you don't have time for.
So well said and straight from the heart. Your advice goes for everyone whether a homesteader or an urbanite. Over our 48 yr marriage we've had about 4 major setbacks and what got us thru was the 'take stock, buckle down and do what is necessary'. God bless you and yours.
God has blessed us with your courageous and righteous example, Patara. He raised you up to be a teacher and a beacon, to be a comfort (after, for some and before, for others) our own hardest trials. It's a great thing to serve others even in your worst hours and days of suffering, when your faith is the most sorely tested. You show us that, "If Patara can survive this, I can survive mine." You're the person who would cheer up and give heart and strength to those who came to visit you, if you were in the hospital, than they who intended to cheer you. The Lord gave you the miracle of surviving your birth and you are proving every day why you deserved that miracle. I am speaking for many, when I say how grateful I am for the lightgiver that you are and am inspired by your spiritual heroism.♡♡♡
Prayers for the family. Young lady, you are strong and I know you'll be alright. You're smart. Young men, you are further in knowledge than most young adults. Great job.
Your in my thoughts and prayers. What got me through my 1st. husband's illness and death was my belief in God, my love for my husband and his love for me, my kids, my family and a strength I didn't know I possessed. I couldn't believe it when people asked how I did it?. I did it for all the above reasons I wouldn't want to do anything else. See the good in things, (we would never moved to a rural area in az. if my husband hadn't become ill (he got to live 7 years in a home he helped to build (one of his life dreams). And so many other good things happened). So hang in there and believe God is with you and your family always.
I think my approach is that family comes first...you hold onto the homestead as long as you can and then if you have to change what you are doing you do. Having a homestead helps with depression and food but sometimes the homestead is last on the list and it goes on the side.
My mother married at 16 raised children through the depression in her late teens always told me, when something happens it's just something else you'll have to learn to live with. Just pick it up and go on. This was her philosophy in life. I am number 12 out of 15 children. I wish you well in your endeavor. God's speed
God bless you my wife is a lot like you but my eyes are open because I'm handicap I had a brain infection I I can't even pronounce the type of infection it is toxemostea it comes from cats also known as cat scratch fever I was a truck driver they took my license way I have trim trimmers and a lot of other things but I know you love the Lord and you put him first in your life let me tell you some things with me we had no income for three months but my wife was tooken care in those three months I was in the hospital the rent was paid utility paid one day she called me when I was in Ann Arbor hospital and said we did not have money for the phone cell phone I told her it will be paid for she call me back later that same day it was paid for we are doing good because we have prepared and learning from your RU-vid site God has blessed me more than I deserve and he will bless you for this service that you serve his children like the seminar that is coming up I wish I could come I can't handle the drive when you get down like I have depressions and stuff I've learned to count my blessings and name them one by one and see what God has done God has done a lot for you be strong in the Lord he is your strength look at Ephesians 6 - 10 it is not our strength but his strength his love indoor even in our tears stand strong and keep up the good fight for the Lord
Ma'am, I used to think I had "guts". Not a lack of fear, but, pushing through it to achieve the objective. You put me to shame. I used to think I was smart with common sense. Agaun, you put me to shame. I dang sure wish someone just like you was "running the show"; because, you impress the heck outta me. God bless you, Ma'am.
may the Lord bless and protect you and family. I pray for the strength of the family to draw closer. my family and I will still keep all of you in prayer. nobody can get enough. lol hugs
Patara, I just love you Sis. I love your straight forward truthfulness and your strength. When these unexpected things happen we have three choices, 1) run away, 2) bury our heads in the sand and 3) just pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and then forge ahead. It calls for an inner strength and I believe we only get by God. I wish I could sit and talk with you for two hours!! I love you, I love your videos and I love the message you have been entrusted to pass on. Stay strong and keep your eyes focused upward!
Dear Lady, you are a true homesteader. This can be a simple way to live, not a easy life. It's good time mixed with hardship. Many in an urban area really don't understand the grit it takes to really live this life. Very good video. You and your family are in our prayers. May God's hand be upon your household.
You are so special and dont ever forget it! With all that you have on your plate, just look at all the lives you are touching and helping us to look at things in a positive way. Praying for you, hubby, your boys and your farm. I see such determination in that beautiful face. God bless........Ann
Thanks for being transparent, revealing the reality of the unexpected. I have learned in my age to have a plan B and in some cases a Plan C. Good video.
Great advice!! I agree with preparing our children for life! Chores make them stronger adults! Our bread winner also has a heart condition, diagnosed when in our late 20's. God bless you and your family!
I love you girl, you are so blunt and straightforward. your channel gives me motivation when I feel overwhelmed and want a poor pitiful me party. you tell it like it is and I'm so grateful for your videos. thank you
Patara, somehow I got unsubscribed to you and thankfully, I noticed this video in the sidebar. This was an absolutely EXCELLENT video. Excellent, excellent, excellent. It should be mandatory viewing for anyone considering homesteading or just living period! Adore you girl. Thanks for taking the time to lay this out. I know you don't have it right now but you keep on keeping on and helping other people.
God bless you and your family. I love to watch your strength in action, you always demonstrate how your faith brings you through. A beautiful testament. Xoxo
This was so refreshing to hear! A real homesteader telling it like it is and on top of that, experienced and knows what she is talking about! So many so-called homesteaders making videos telling us how to do it and they are green and clueless! I have asked on a couple of homesteader videos what they would do if something happened to the other spouse. Never got a response. Now with you and Starry it is getting real and in your face! You are true examples of how it is done! Prayers for you and wishing you and yours well!
Well said Patara. This is how my husband and I have lived our lives. You do what you have to do to get it done what ever the circumstances. I love the way you get to the point. Times a wasting , listen up people
Another great video! Love the " go make my brown sugar biscuits" comment. I'm happy your husband is feeling better and your children are helping out. Thanks for the advice.
I pray blessings upon you....because you have blessed me. We have a hurricane headed right towards us in NC. Everything you said is from the Father. I JUST NEEDED A NUDGE. Thanks, Keep on blessing all even when we are at peace.
I can't image what you & your family are going through...but I know you & your family will be OK!! You have each other's back!! You are strong, determined & you have FAITH!! I love you guys!! Tell James I'm rooting for the VOLS AGAIN this week!! My HOGS won there "scrimmage" game!! LOL❤️🐗🏈!!!
Sorry to hear about your husband. I hope he can recover soon and completely. This video was great. You reinforced to me why I fled the city and a lucrative profession to live a self sufficient lifestyle. Lots more work, but it's MY life. Be prepared has always been the key. Best to you.
The Lord expects us to take what is given us.. its how we endure them.. we can moan and groan about our situation or we can go forward and do the best we can.. and with that attitude He helps us! He is always there.. and when we have a bad day.. cry our eyes out to Him and then get back to work! In the end we win! Stay strong Patara.. the gold ring is attainable! My little great grandmother cared for her very tall and big husband after his stroke. She had to dress him, help him up and down.. bathed him and helped him on and off the toilet! She endured to the end! Blessings!
AMEN, sister! Thank you. Our family went thru similar circumstances and this is what got us thru... Making things super simple now will not only make your life easier now, but it will make it easier when the crisis happens.
Been there done that 24/7 caregiver for fourteen years, while homeschooling and doing every thing myself. And yes, I had times when I wanted to escape. What saved me was a support group for caregivers that our local hospice had once a week. Hospice isn't just for someone who is dying. Then there were longtime friends from our community whom I had met vis 4H, political groups, county council meetings over the years. And even folks from churches we didn't attend offered help. Which is a great reminder that when we help others other's help us when we need help. I sent you a private message via Facebook.
Hello Beth, I run into you all over the place. How are you? Last time we chatted was on FreshP. You are still on my prayers list with Corrine and Glenn, and others. God bless you hope you have a wonderful fall Hope you are in good health
Todd Dembsky Hi Todd!! Am glad you have my friends Corrine and Glenn in your prayers. Am loving our cool fall weather here in the Sierras, and working part time has enriched my health.
This really helps me to hear this today. I think the hardest part will be keeping journals on each animal. We're planning on having chickens and rabbits and of course a garden.
Great video! I have cardiomyopathy too from Viral infection, got it at 26. You are so right, it can happen to anyone. But we are still going to have a small homestead. I'm almost 40, have had it for a long time, have great Dr's, God has truly blessed me. And a wonderful family helps too! God bless, you are doing great lady!! -Mandara
Lord Bless you and keep you! It doesn't surprise me at all that the evil one has launched attacks against you and yours, Starry and Danny. Because of your powerful witness and example I pray that many will be reached and a softening hearts to the WORD. God Bless.
Pantera, I almost didn't watch this video, as I didn't know what you were going to actually talk about even when I knew the title. But I thought, I will just watch another minute and see what she talks about. You were talking to me. You have such an amazing, straightforward, honest way about you. Your integrity and strength is absolutely inspiring. As I listened to you talk, I knew we would be good friends. I grew up in family where being a rugged individual was my model every day. I became a rugged individual and took care of everything, everyone and didn't set limits as an adult, which became a challenge for me. A challenge because all those I pulled through in the tough times began having personal issues (drugs, alcohol, immaturity, etc) and began resenting me and my ways of pushing through. Today life is tough, as I am the one with the chronic illness, but I am still the one who pushes myself to get through life the best way I can. You reminded me I did not live my life to impress anyone. I didn't live my life and work every day to have a solid, healthy, happy life to think things would be easy. After listening to your Vlog, I am renewed to simplify our life again. I have too much going on to be efficient and do as you reminded me to. I shall get rid of a lot of things beginning tomorrow and simplify our home and our responsibilities, so we can take care of the business of life. You reminded me that I CAN do this and I WILL do this. Things have changed, but that is life. Our finances got thrashed (from years of my illness) and we lost everything, but NOT making it through is NOT an option. I am going back to Preparing again for our life! THANK YOU PANTERA God bless you, your husband, and your boys and your homestead. You and I just started on a friendship based on respect and faith and hard work. Warmly, LynneDee Barrett
But I WAS sitting right there with you! I've been sitting right there with you every day! You, and Starry both....Bear wakes up, Bear checks in with her friends Patara and Starry--yes, before the morning pee and even before coffee!---and thats just how it works. Love you!
This being our first year of homesteading, I have been learning so much... My husband and I both believe in being prepared for things. We aren't doing it because we thought it would be fun; we are serious about being self-sufficient....but we also know that anything can happen. My health is up and down, and he is dealing with heart issues; we do what we can do. Our animals are happy and healthy, our boys are doing fine. I don't care if there's an inch of dust on my tv; some things take priority and that isn't one of them. Thank you for the video; you handled a tough topic with a lot of grace and straight-forwardness which is needed. God bless you.
Thank you again for sharing a part of your life..I always look forward to your videos and fb posts..you are an inspiration!! thank you for all you do and the information you share!!!
awesome honey..I could listen to you and your advice for a very long time...thank you for your insight..sending prayers for every thing big and small to not be overwhelming for any of you♡♡♡♡
I was injured by a medical professional and the wound covers the entire bottom of my foot with after 2 yrs of NO walking or standing got infected and the antibiotics caused acute kidney failure and I am on dialysis not to mention 30 yrs of juvenile diabetes (I am 50) I am thankful that I prepared my food storage, had paid our home off and saved. my spouse at this time was forced into retirement after 26 yrs. you must Prepare yourself for the mishaps in life. Pantera is speaking the truth!!! I however am an urban homesteader doing it on a very tiny plot of land. being I'll to far from a dialysis clinic would be silly it takes up 30 hrs a week to stay alive. you just have to do what you can to stay prepared which we did and that kept our bellies fed. best wishes to all of you that struggle out there!
when you get those medical bills,negotiate them lower if you pay them off in cash/lump sum sometimes you can cut them in half.Tell them you are a farmer and only get paid once a year and you can work out reasonable monthly payments.Praying for you all. You got it right! Thanks be to God and Bless His Holy name.
well said, be prepared and give yourself credit for what you do in a day. I have crayons that write on glass, my bathroom mirror is my noteboard and I cross off things as they are done, on a tough day it is good to visually see just what I have accomplished. There are times where that is my only "atta boy, good job" it gives me the incentive to be able to face the next day.
Oh Patara you are so right on!!! God Bless you for being so gently honest for those that need to hear it. Been there, always expect it can happen again. Glad to know this is an old video. I watch so many. You don’t even know the blessing that you are to your followers. All of what you say and do is a calling from God. Your crown awaits. 🙏🥰
I am so glad that you had things in place, including with how you raise your boys, that have enabled you to transition to this new chapter a little more smoothly than most. I hope that came out right. Life's curveballs can be tough to handle but as you so eloquently have pointed out, and thank you so much for that, preparedness matters. Those curveballs DO come and we can't stop them. But we can do little things here and there to be better able to handle them when they do. Such a wonderful video message and something many could benefit from. Thank you for your courage, your honesty and for all you do for us. You are a true gem. God bless and keeping y'all in my prayers.
as i have told you from the day i met you... you are my Hero... Love you and all you talked about is spot on... We know that in the future my hubby is going to have to have some major surgery.. maybe and hoping for two or 3 years down the road, and for that matter we could have something major before that, but we are prepared as possible and we are continuing to prepare... Thank you for all you do....
Great video with wonderful advice from the heart!! Love your channel. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have had as well as witnessed a similar situation happen in my family years ago and is what helped me get into prepping which has saved my butt way more times that I want to admit. Hang in there, "God bless you and yours and Thank You for your strength."
You wisdom is beyond measure, love your ways of life and what really matters. So glad I went back and watched this video, it’s Nov 18, 2021 and y’all just kicked covid. So thankful for your press on, fight in you. ❤️🙏
