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Survivor One: Non-Digital Tools That Matter

A Readiness Insert for Survivors, by Joseph M. Perusic III Survivor Advocate | CSDH Steward Truth is timestamped. Legacy is teachable.

Why Non-Digital Tools?

Because sometimes the power’s out. Because sometimes the system “loses” your file. Because sometimes you need to hold something in your hands that won’t disappear with a reboot.

These are the tools I recommend—not just for survival, but for truth-keeping, peace-making, and legacy-building.

1. A Bible

When the noise is too loud and the devices are dead, the Word still speaks. You don’t need a signal to hear God. You just need a page, a pause, and a prayer.

2. Printed Medical Records

  • Print everything: test results, appointment summaries, prescriptions, insurance letters.
  • Keep a chronological binder or folder.
  • Highlight discrepancies. Annotate what was said vs. what was done.
  • Why? Because digital records can be changed. Paper timestamps don’t lie.

3. A Survivor Notebook

  • Bring it to every appointment.
  • Write down exactly what the doctor says—not what you think they meant.
  • Date every entry. Flag every question.
  • This becomes your forensic trail.

4. The Five Core Estate Documents

These aren’t just for the end—they’re for peace of mind now:

  1. Last Will and Testament – Who carries your legacy.
  2. Durable Power of Attorney (Financial) – Who protects your finances if you can’t.
  3. Health Care Power of Attorney – Who speaks for your body when you can’t.
  4. Living Will / Health Directive – What you want when the decisions get hard.
  5. HIPAA Release – Who can access your medical truth.

5. A Card from Someone You Love

  • Keep it in your wallet or binder.
  • Let it remind you: you are not alone.
  • Let it speak when you can’t.

6. A Contact Card of Trust

  • Name and number of the people you can count on.
  • Not just family—truth-holders.
  • People who will speak for you, not over you.

7. A Prayer Book

  • For the nights when the pain is louder than the answers.
  • For the mornings when you need to remember who you are.

8. A Mission List

  • What you’ll do when you beat this.
  • Who you’ll help.
  • What you’ll teach.
  • Why you’re still here.