Living off the Grid: A Collection of Short Stories and Words of Love

By JB Evans

If you enjoyed Volume 1, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. I try to expose you to the experiences you’ll face in life. Growing up today is a challenge, make no mistake in that. The good life awaits your entrance. So a little insight on what to expect is helpful. You are you, but we aren’t so different.

Enjoy my stories and allow them to make you look a little deeper into what you believe. Life is a wonderful thing. Happiness is always there to be called upon to step into your soul. Don’t be shy when you need to speak up. Happiness will always come to your aid.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823010719

JB Evans

I wanted to write. Wasn't sure what to write about? So I chose to share my outlook on day to day experiences. It's my hope the stories provide different views to go about your day. Your life. Age and experience is a benefit for the old. My writings will be passed on to my future generations. I hope I'm worthy enough to be remembered after I'm gone. So I leave my books. I write this with a smile. And I hope to inspire others.

Book preview

© 2023 JB Evans. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/19/2023

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1070-2 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1069-6 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-1071-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023911510

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Rebecca Dixon - She did edits and checked my spellings. Thank you!

My Friends and Family - They gave me encouragement and feedback. From that I was always able to find the next story. Thank you!

Corrie Cabral - She gave much personal time to get this to the publisher. I can’t thank her enough. Thank you!

My sister Beth - Always calling, checking progress and saying she should have her name entered somewhere. You won!

And myself - I kept up the writings every week. Work I enjoyed but work none the less. A very fun project.

About the Author

I wanted to write. Wasn’t sure what to write about? So I chose to share my outlook on day to day experiences. It’s my hope the stories provide different views to go about your day. Your life. Age and experience is a benefit for the old. My writings will be passed on to my future generations. I hope I’m worthy enough to be remembered after I’m gone. So I leave my books. I write this with a smile. And I hope to inspire others.

If you enjoyed volume 1, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. I try to expose you to the experiences you’ll face in life. Growing up today is a challenge, make no mistake in that. The good life awaits your entrance. So a little insight on what to expect is helpful. You are you, but we aren’t so different.

Enjoy my stories and allow them to make you look a little deeper into what you believe. Life is a wonderful thing. Happiness is always there to be called upon to step into your soul. Don’t be shy when you need to speak up. Happiness will always come to your aid.

Thank you!

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Entry 1

Life in between

Titled by Rebecca Dixon

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An old man was slowly walking along and came upon a small boy playing in the mud. You are covered in mud! Won’t your mother be upset?

Sure, he said, I slipped and fell. And since I landed in mud, well, I thought I could go ahead and play. Have you ever played in mud?

The old man looked down and smiled. No, I haven’t. But when I was younger, maybe I should have.

Get in we’ll play together. It’s fun!

Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll join you but I’ll need help to stand again. Can I count on you?

Sure! was the reply.

So, he removed his shoes and sat. He laughed so many times. Found out his new friend was named Jimmy. Jimmy was five. He was having real fun with the child. The mother showed up and was not happy with the picture. Jimmy Taylor Baker! What are you doing? And who are you?

The old man looked at her and said don’t be angry with him. A hose will clean him up. His clothes will come clean. His shoes are plastic, no harm done there. He’s just being a child trying to have some fun. You should be very proud of him.

She calms down some. Jimmy, go to the back yard and let me hose you down. We’ve got to clean you up. She turns to the old man and asks if he needs help standing.

That night he laid in bed when a glow of light entered. A small ball of light. Tonight, you will leave with me. Your days here are done. I tried to give you a very pleasant final day. I saw you smile often. More than in many years. I think playing in the mud was good for the two of you. Jimmy will lead a very good life. Be happy for him. You were a positive influence on him. So now come with me.

We don’t know what happens after we pass. It doesn’t need to be something to fear. It’s just part of the cycle of life. We are born and one day we pass. How you live your life between those two points is what’s important. Be a good person. Play in the mud at least once in your life. Laugh often. Give some of your time to children. It’s good for them. Contrary to what some believe, it doesn’t just end. And how do I know this to be true? A small ball of light told me.

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Entry 2

Always have faith

The day of his birth was a wonderful day. The mother knew her life would be different now. Her responsibilities became so much greater. Her boyfriend left her as soon as he found out she was pregnant. Her parents were too ashamed to care much. She was on her own.

With the help of different programs, she was able to work some and still have time for her son. Money was always tight. Friends were few. But somehow, she prevailed. The years passed. Her son grew old enough to see his mother work so hard to make him comfortable. When things were really tight, she would skip a meal or two. He knew what he had to do.

Each and every day he walked the streets and gathered anything of value. There was a place that would buy his finds. On his first day he gave his mother four dollars and some change. What’s this?

Mom, I’m going to help you care for us. You are no longer alone on this.

Tears filled her eyes. She pulls him close and gives him a big hug. You need to enjoy your childhood! This is too much for your age.

Mom, I can help! And he did.

Over the years he did everything he could. He kept his grades up and graduated with honors. His jobs just got better. His pay is much better. Finally, he got the promotion he hoped for. On that day he informed his mother she would no longer work. He was now making enough to care for them both. She had a life of comfort now. All because of a small boy who wanted to help his mother.

He married with time and started a family of his own. She had her own house next to theirs. Something she asked for. She could look back and see how blessed she really was.

We sometimes start out in a dark place. A place of challenge and hardship. But you are given an Angel. You don’t know it then. But you were given an Angel, nonetheless. Angels come in many forms. Sometimes they look like small children. And at that moment your life changes. Believe in having a Guardian Angel. They will seek you out. They will fix your problems.

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Entry 3

"Teach your children in

strength and compassion"

He was a new teenager. A little small for his age. And for that reason, he was picked on at school. One day he comes home with a bruised eye. His father wants to know exactly what happened. The son begged him not to get involved. It would only make matters worse. The next day when he got home his father was waiting. I’ve enrolled you in a self-defense class. You will tell no one. Your training starts today. If you speak up, you will be picked on more. It will take some time but this all will end.

So, he trained and trained hard. He was the perfect pupil. His training was to end a fight, never start one. And sure enough the day came. The bullies were all three taken out. He told them to never touch him again. Never. It took two more encounters, but they got the point.

As boys and men, we are put in situations that are connected to harm. Never look for trouble, but if unavoidable get training. Be mature enough to deal with your new skills. Unfortunately, there will always be someone who wants to pick on the weak. To take what’s yours. They just need to know there is a check and balance. Do what’s right and good will return. Do wrong and there are consequences.

Be involved in your children’s lives. Talk with them. Make sure they’re safe when away from you. It’s a tough world for children. Help them maneuver the obstacles.

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Entry 4

The Power of Caring

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He never married. Never had children. Business was his life at an early age.

In his senior years he was kind of lost. He had plenty of money, but no one to share it with. Didn’t trust the women who showed interest in him. He felt they had motivates to secure a retirement with his dollars. So, what to do?

Then he sees a fundraiser for a local hospital wanting to provide health care for the most underprivileged at no cost. He went in to investigate to see how the money was spent. What he saw was children. Many children. All with serious issues. The doctors and staff did not live a life of luxury. They gave their all out of care for the kids. They were doing what they could.

He walks into a room. There was a child with many hookups to all types of life saving equipment. The boy looks in his direction. His eyes told him he had given up. Just lying there waiting to die. Not on his watch! He calls the nurse, and they go into the hall. He learned the drugs needed were not covered by any insurance. The hospital itself couldn’t afford them either. So, it was down to just comforting him.

If he gets the meds, can you save him?

It’s close but, yes, I’m sure.

He returns a few days later and finds a woman crying in the waiting room. He places his hand on her shoulder and asks what’s wrong?

My son is going to live! A stranger, a white man has saved him!

When you give up all hope, a miracle can still happen. I’m glad you got such good news. I’m happy for you! And he walks away.

He tells the director he wants no one to know about his support. He will continue to pay for the lifesaving drugs.

"Help all you can. I’ll be a silent donor. And if a family is in need personally, let me know that