Today, I’m stepping away from my usual blog themes (check out my past posts, https://ronmcelfreshwriter.com/blog /) to talk about something different—but just as meaningful.
When it comes to Dynamic Family Issues and Surviving the Storms of Life, there’s more to making it through than just enduring. Shared experiences—especially adventurous or creative ones—can deepen relationships, build trust, and forge bonds that carry us through the hardest times.
Let me tell you a story about a Jeep, a mountainside, and how friendship showed up in a powerful way.
The Jeep
Back in the 1990s, my youngest son Daniel bought a CJ7. A year later, he went off to college and sold it to me.
That Jeep became my “baby.” I transformed it into an off-road machine:
• Dana 44 axles (from a Wagoneer and a Scout)
• ARB air lockers (https://www.arb.com.au/air-locker/)
• Springs mounted over the axles
• A 20-gallon fuel tank and high-flow pump (https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/fuel-tanks/make/jeep/model/cj7)
• Eventually, a fuel-injected 4.0L inline-six engine
• 33×11.5 tires (https://www.discounttire.com/)
Every upgrade brought me a sense of purpose—and laid the foundation for unforgettable adventures.
The Adventure
One day during a hunt near Buford, Colorado https://www.uncovercolorado.com/towns/buford/, my good friend Rabbi Bill radioed in:
“I’ve got a cow elk down. I’m just below the ATV trail near a big rock. I left an orange hat in a tree and tied some tape to branches. I’m hurting bad. Heading to my truck.”
“Take care of yourself,” I told him. “We’ll get your animal to camp.”
Soon after, someone stopped me:
“Your friend Bill slid off the road—he’s blocking traffic up the mountain.”
That’s when things escalated.
The Recovery
I raced to the jeep and radioed Pastor Gene and Randy.
“Bill’s in trouble. His truck is off the road and blocking the mountain trail.”
Moments later, an ATV driver pulled up:
“I took your friend back to camp—he’s in bad shape. Got sick a few times on the ride down. His truck’s a half-mile up the road, hanging over a cliff.”
I punched the switches on my ARB differential lockers and turned toward Bill’s truck. When we arrived, we saw the problem: Bill’s Mazda had slid sideways. The front pumpkin was jammed against a boulder, and the truck was hanging over the edge.
The Dangerous Climb
I assessed the situation. There was no safe way to pull the truck forward without risking serious damage—or worse. The slope above the truck was at least ten, maybe twelve percent grade, but scrub oak and new aspen growth covered it. The only option was to drive the jeep up a steep, muddy slope covered in scrub oak and baby aspens.
“Mack, what are you thinking?” Randy asked.
“You’ll roll the Jeep!” Gene added, alarmed.
“I know,” I said. “But it’s the only way. Pray hard.”
I hit the ARB locker switches. The pump engaged. I breathed a prayer and drove on to the hillside.
The Jeep climbed 20 feet… then the front end lifted. I tapped the brake. The wheels slammed down. One tire lifted into the air. I cranked the wheel hard right—off-camber—and slid into place behind the Mazda.
We hooked up a tow strap. Randy climbed in the truck. I backed up gently… and pulled it to safety.
When it was over, I got out—legs shaking—and sat down in the dirt.
What We Learned
• We looked out for one another. We didn’t hesitate to act because we cared about Rabbi Bill and his health struggles.
• That moment deepened our friendship—and created a bond that’s still strong today.
Relating to Life’s Storms
That day, we survived a different kind of storm. Not just one of physical danger, but one that tested our courage, faith, and trust in each other.
When life gets tough, don’t just endure. Do something together.
Find a shared purpose—a project, a challenge, or even an adventure. That jeep was our catalyst. Yours might be something else—but it can be just as powerful.
Final Thoughts
Storms come for all of us. They can tear us apart—or bring us closer together.
The Jeep I bought from my son did more than give me off-road thrills. It helped me connect with him, create memories with my grandkids, and deepen friendships I’ll never forget.
Whatever tool or opportunity you choose—use it. You never know what bold adventure might draw your family or friends closer and give you courage for the impossible.
Let’s Keep in Touch
If this story spoke to you, I’d love for you to join my community. My first newsletter is in the works, and it’ll feature:
• More Jeep & wilderness stories
• Real-life reflections on overcoming abuse
• Navigating hard topics like:
o A child identifying as homosexual
o Handling rebellious children
o When a child walks away from the family
👉 Sign up here https://ronmcelfreshwriter.com/733-2/ to be the first to receive it—and get early access to every blog post.
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Grace and peace to you throughout 2025.
In His Service,
Ron