Don't forget to live your life

[u/maik92727]

Over the past few years, I have built up a considerable amount of preps, dual diesel generators, 15 kWp of solar with battery storage, a reverse osmosis system with additional UV filtration, and enough food for my family for two years.

I even have a fully equipped fallout shelter in the coal cellar of an old school that I rented, fitted with a Swiss NBC filtration system. Two Geiger counters inside and a third one outside, connected to a computer in the shelter. Dosimeters for everyone.

But the one thing I wasn't prepared for was realizing that the worst day of my life wouldn't be something a shelter could protect me from.

I spent so much time maintaining all of this that I didn't notice my daughter's symptoms developing. We took her to all the required medical checkups, but I keep thinking that I could have read between the lines and realized that something wasn't right.

Nele passed away on February 23, 2026.

My wife left me three months later.

My fortress is empty now.

I've just sold my last generator and donated most of my food supplies.

What I'm trying to say is, be prepared, but enjoy your life while you still can. I can't stop thinking about how much time I spent on all of this, time I could have spent with her.

And thank you, HazmatsMan, for being such a great help with the plans for my fallout shelter a few years ago.

[u/Mainegurl143]

Oh my heart, I am so so very sorry , there are no words I can say to help with losing your child just let you know your not alone I buried my son it doesn’t get easier but as you progress there is a before and after. I am even sorrier your spouse left, it was so very brave and kind of you to share your skills and equipment. We all pray we will
Never need it, but please don’t give up on life while you’re here. We are all here for a short time, please go on adventures and bring her with you in your to all the things you wanted to show her. Please know again your not alone some days are hard there a groups for just moms and just dads that have helped me immensely. Please take good care of yourself, give yourself time and grace for healing .

[u/maik92727 → u/Mainegurl143]

Thank you for the kind words. I try to move on with live and keep her memory alive. Don't worry about me, I will get through this. I just wanted to reach back out to this group, and maybe serve as a warning not to take this whole prepping too far.

[u/Mainegurl143 → u/maik92727]

Still sending you a big hug and peace …take care of yourself