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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:
- Last Will and Testament – Who carries your legacy.
- Durable Power of Attorney (Financial) – Who protects your finances if you can’t.
- Health Care Power of Attorney – Who speaks for your body when you can’t.
- Living Will / Health Directive – What you want when the decisions get hard.
- 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.
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