What Money Can't Buy

Imagine if you can have a convenient supply of gasoline pellets. Instead of lining up at the gasoline station, you can toss a few pellets in running water and have a steady supply of high-grade gasoline!

Perhaps if modern science permits it, such an idea would become possible. After all, with rising gas prices now becoming frequent, it would be handy to have those pellets ready.

Of course, we could all stand to save a little more money. After all, things would be much easier in the long run if things weren't so costly. Unfortunately, that's not how the economy works.

While it's tempting to want to become more prosperous, some things are better than wealth. After careful reflection on the book, here are some things money can't buy:

1. Genuine friendship. Having friends who love you for you is worth more than all the gold in the world.

2. Simple pleasures. A sip of coffee, a walk in the park, and spending time with your loved ones are all the things that most people take for granted.

For the mega-wealthy, this may seem laughable. After all, such moguls could buy a coffee empire if needed. But simple pleasures are best enjoyed at a humble stage because, for a while, you can sit back, relax, and just let it be. That is something fancy vacations and a trip to Mars can't buy.

3. Time. They say that time is money, but circumstances are much more complicated. While you may have more free time when you're rich, you can't buy the time you have already spent. You can buy hours of pleasure, vacations, and anything that tickles your fancy. Still, money cannot erase your past and your experiences. If you ever felt regrets and pain, money can only do so much to salvage the painful times of your life.

Of course, these are just the three things that money can't buy. Nevertheless, I am sure there are still more. While having abundant wealth can certainly make things better, using it for good is the only way to ensure you are genuinely wealthy in spirit.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

Maintaining Hope in the Face of Adversity

Oley Washington Jr. has been through a lot. From serving in the military during the Vietnam war to being attacked by protesters during his release—there is no doubt that his ordeal requires true grit to get through the experience.

In the latter instance, the events of the attack caused him to develop amnesia, where he has forgotten his past, his identity, and the pellets his father entrusted to him. With no recollections of where he was going, he eventually became homeless—living off dumpster diving and staying in worn areas.

Nevertheless, Oley survived. While his inner strength is admirable, the kindness of strangers also enabled him a chance to restore his memories. Both Haywood and Lilly Runyan had offered him compassion at different parts of his life—treating him more of a person than a societal inconvenience. I do not doubt that without their assistance, it would take Oley longer to regain his memories—maybe not even at all! Fortunately for Oley, he had another shot at living his best life and accepted that without looking back.

Aside from inner strength, the help of others can also provide us the power to keep living even if life gets hard. After all, we become closer when we share our burdens, problems, and resources. Such actions also lead us to develop a sense of community and make life better for everyone around us. A loving friendship is one of the best parts of life. As you read through the book, you will not doubt that genuine companionship can foster in even the strangest circumstances.

With all that in mind, if you know someone who makes your life a little better and has been there for you, make sure to drop them a call or message to let them know you appreciate them. After all, life is short, and we only get older as time goes by.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

The Power of Greed and How It Affects Lives

In my book, "I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets," Oley Washington Jr. managed to procure an impressive invention that would render fuel companies useless. Such inventions are gasoline pellets, which, if thrown in clear water, will miraculously turn into high-grade gasoline.

With such convenience, there is no doubt that many people would much instead buy these pellets than drive up to the nearest gas station to refill their tank. It would also be less taxing on the earth's resources, considering that companies no longer have to frack or engage in harmful environmental practices.

Unfortunately, such an invention is a threat to fuel companies. In the book, Lester King managed to hear about these miraculous pellets. He would do anything to keep them from making it to the market. As you can see, his greed shrouded his better judgment for others that he even stooped so low as to send killers to various people who may know about these pellets.

In the Christian faith, greed is one of the deadly sins. An uncontrollable desire to increase one's material gain—money, food, land, and social value.

Lester King, while fictional, embodies such greed because he refuses to make the world a better place. Such inventions threaten him because not only would they render his company useless, but they would affect his standard of living as time goes on.

Many wealthy people often become greedy. The lifestyles of the rich and famous are full of temptation, and to stay rich, you are encouraged to make sure others remain poor. From billionaires to company owners, greed is often rampant and laced with ambition and the desire to move forward while making sure others are left behind. Perhaps the reason why it's so common among the wealthy is that they have a taste of the finer things in life. They know that the more accessible their lifestyles are, the less likely they'll retain their social standing.

Whatever the case, greed shrouds one's morality. It also encourages selfishness and materialistic goals, often ignoring the benefits of spiritual growth in pursuing earthly things. While it's not wrong to want to live a better life, we must also consider how our ambitions can affect others. Otherwise, we not only lose ourselves, but we may potentially lose our souls.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

Tips on How to Save Gasoline

Gasoline prices have steadily increased for the last few months. 

Whether it's because of the conflict in other countries or the effects of the pandemic, there is no doubt that several people are struggling to make ends meet.

With that in mind, saving as many resources as possible is more important than ever. Here are some suggestions to consider:

1. Plan your route.

Modern GPS devices enable drivers to look for the best routes possible. Whether you go to work, school, or the nearest store, it helps you plan your routes by checking the fastest place to get there. To avoid the traffic rush, plan your day and get on the road before heavy-duty traffic takes over.

2. Avoid hulking bulky items in your car.

The heavier your car is, the more likely the amount of gas you're using will increase. The reason for this is that bulkier vehicles require greater inertia and rolling resistance, thus contributing to the overall consumption of fuel. Think of it this way—you wouldn't be running as fast as you were if you were in bulky clothes, now, would you?

3. Consider sharing rides.

Consider planning a carpooling schedule if you have friends from work or around the neighborhood. Take turns picking each other up from their homes and driving yourselves to the office or school.

4. Use public transportation.

Use it immediately if you live in an area where public transportation is easily accessible. If available, buy a bus pass or train passes to save up on some money.

5. Make use of grocery store benefits.

Certain grocery stores have gas stations or deals that may accept loyalty points for specific members. If possible, consider using your customer loyalty points to save up on fuel money.

There are several other ways how to save up on gas. With the economy possibly getting into another recession, we should be as prudent as ever, so we don't have to struggle for our future. Good luck, and stay safe!

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by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married for 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.    

Ways to Honor Veterans

In the United States, two federal holidays celebrate members of the U.S. Military—Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

Many states often celebrate such holidays with barbecues, fireworks, parades, and laying down flowers and American flags on the graves of the deceased soldiers who died in combat. Considering each soldier's hard work and sacrifice to this country, such celebrations are necessary as they bolster unity and national pride.

Nevertheless, if you prefer a more direct way of honoring veterans. Here are some tips you can consider, even if the holidays aren't here yet!

1. Simply thank them. If you have loved ones or acquaintances in the army, thank them sincerely for their service. You can even give them homemade cards, gifts, and trinkets to show your appreciation.

2. Buy a veteran some lunch or coffee. Consider planning a nice lunch out. If you know a vet, consider scheduling a small get-together at a restaurant or cafe. Buy them lunch or coffee, make light conversation, and always thank them for their service. It doesn't cost much to be grateful after all.

3. Volunteer or donate to organizations that support veterans. If you don't know any vets personally but would like to contribute, visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website. You can volunteer time or donate funds to help connect former soldiers with much-needed help. These programs include mental health support, outreach programs, and even housing for retired soldiers.

Many soldiers often feel invisible or neglected once they are relieved from service. As they transition back into civilian life, showing gratitude and compassion can make their adjustment to everyday life much easier. It can also help you connect with older family members who are itching to share their war stories with the younger generation. When we honor our veterans, we also celebrate the country. 

by Carl Kegerreis

The Power of Compassion and Why It Matters

Compassion is a virtue that involves showing concern and sympathy towards the misfortunes of others.

In my book, both Haywood and Lilly Runyan become exceptional personas of this virtue when Haywood decides to write a book about the homeless situation in his town.

Lilly, on the other hand, also showed compassion when she recognized Oley Washington Jr. as the same veteran her college colleagues attacked in Washington, D.C.

Lilly, showing great remorse for the actions of her comrades, attempted to stop their attacks, but it was too late. Nevertheless, the guilt she felt carried her throughout the years until she reunited with him again and apologized profusely for what happened.

In a way, her compassion brought Oley back to his memories. When we treat others with mercy instead of indifference, we can significantly change their lives—whether we see it or not.

Compassion also helps challenge prejudices. When Haywood tells his wife that he plans to write about the plights that most homeless people face, he shows excellent understanding when he emphasizes their humanity. He never gave the impression that they deserved to be without shelter, nor did he say it. He was, if anything, a real Christian man who just wanted to change the world through the power of words.

That latter part is also what compassions entail—action. We cannot just say we "feel" compassion. If anything, we also show it. Aside from looking at a situation with kindness and understanding, we are also compelled to improve the situation. In the book, many church volunteers showed great compassion when they offered to help build a children's recreation center named after Oley's father. After the center was finished, many people hailed it as a miracle, and considering Oley's transformation from a homeless amnesiac to a respected veteran with a purpose—their words definitely ring true.

That said, I sure hope we can all show a bit of compassion every day, no matter how small. Who knows? Maybe we could make someone's day a little brighter. 

by Carl Kegerreis

Why It's Crucial to Stay in Touch with Loved Ones

Oley Washington Jr. has suffered for quite a long time. After his unfortunate run-in with some anti-war protesters in D.C., he was not only physically injured but has suffered from tremendous mental pain—including losing critical parts of his memories.

Sometime after his accident, he became homeless. With no recollection of his memories, he couldn't contact his parents, much less seek help even when his injuries faded in time.

Fortunately, Oley could live through his whole ordeal and eventually regain his memories. Nevertheless, he would've benefitted from help if he could remember his loved ones.

Here are some reasons why we should always keep in touch with our loved ones:

1. It keeps us connected. Modern technology has provided us with ample opportunities to connect with others. From emails to instant messaging to even Zoom, we can schedule video calls to ensure we stay linked with our kin whenever, wherever.

2. It eases loneliness. People who are in foreign places may feel lost. This is especially true for people who may be traveling abroad or veterans who must serve in a different country. Regardless of the situation, keeping in touch with your loved ones eases the loneliness you feel when you're in a foreign land.

3. It strengthens our bonds.

Love is not just a feeling but an action. It is also an essential part of any loving relationship. Keeping such a bond alive is constantly ensuring your loved one feels safe, secure, and respected. One way is to open the lines of communication—literally and figuratively. By ensuring that you and your loved one have ample communication time, you can rest assured that your bond and affection will steadily grow.

Fortunately, Oley was able to reunite with his mother in the end. While his father died during Oley's "lost years," there is no doubt that if he had lived, he would've definitely ensured his son was taken care of. Regardless of how old we get, we should at least do our best to keep our familial ties as strong as possible. 

by Carl Kegerreis

Reasons We Honor Veterans

Veterans Day is a known holiday in the United States, usually celebrated on November 11. It should not be confused with Memorial Day, which is celebrated in May and is the older holiday between the two.

In my book, "I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets," Oley Washington Jr. is a veteran who served in the Vietnam war. After an unfortunate run-in with anti-war protesters in Washington D.C., he ended up bruised and battered, with no recollection of his past life.

Fortunately, things turned out all right. However, we can't say the same for all the other veterans who were not so fortunate. Here are some reasons we must continue to honor them:

1. They sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom.

The choice to join the armed forces is no easy feat. In fact, many people who join are often faced with the possibility that they may not get home safe. Regardless of that harrowing probability, they still set aside their own personal goals for the matter and sacrificed their lives and future for the greater good.

2. They served our nation's best interest.

People who have conflicted ideas about war may look at the armed forces with a critical eye. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that their hard work is key to serving the nation's best interest. In fact, some of their help includes strengthening allied ties between countries and ensuring our territorial claim is not disrespected.

3. They are often overlooked and neglected after service.

Many veterans who finished their terms of service often come back to civilian lives with little to no preparation. While things have gotten better, many former soldiers still suffer post-service. From mental health issues, homelessness, and even drug abuse. Celebrating veterans is a way of acknowledging and recognizing their sacrifices, even at the expense of their overall health.

Veterans are often overlooked regarding societal issues. However, acknowledging their struggles and contributions can foster better relations with our citizens and national unity. With so much suffering and hatred in the world, learning to show gratitude for a soldier's sacrifice makes their devotion all the more worthwhile.

by Carl Kegerreis

How Family Can Provide Support to Veteran Relatives

Many people often feel relieved once they hear the news that their loved ones are returning from service. While this is a moment to celebrate, family members should also be aware of the readjustment period their veteran relative will face soon. Here are some tips that you can offer to make their readjustment period easier:

·   Offer them a place to stay. Veterans make up a large portion of individuals who end up homeless. You can reduce this risk by offering a room to your loved one. If you can't live with them, consider connecting them to a place near your home so you can visit them often.

·  Allow them time to adjust to a new routine. Many soldiers undergo a rigid schedule during training and combat. Once they return to their private lives, they may find it difficult to relate to and understand what used to be routine for them. When this happens, offer patience and give them time to get used to their new environment.

·  Connect them with job opportunities. Former soldiers who are relatively young may have difficulty finding new job opportunities. You can offer assistance by connecting them to people you know in hiring or link them to veteran job placement programs online.

·  Avoid probing questions. Family members who are ecstatic that their loved ones are returning may ask invasive questions at the height of their excitement. While that is understandable, it can also be intrusive, especially if your veteran relative is still not ready to talk about their time overseas.

Reconnecting with loved ones is one of the reasons why soldiers keep fighting. As they risk their lives for a cause, civilian members can also do their part by ensuring their return is as welcoming as possible. For more help and advice, consider contacting your local veteran support groups. Good luck!

by Carl Kegerreis

Mental Health Issues that Affect Most Veterans

People who decide to join the military sacrifice a lot of things. From their health, sanity, and even their lives—each person has made the conscious decision to serve their country.

Nevertheless, their sacrifice is not without its consequences. Soldiers fortunate to return to civilian lives often develop mental health issues that could affect the rest of their lives. Here are some commonly-reported issues veterans face:

·   Post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). This mental condition develops when people have experienced a shocking or traumatizing event. When a person experiences PTSD, they may re-experience distressing events triggered by reminders, which can affect their relationships. When left untreated, they may risk losing their connections with their loved ones.

·  Major Depressive Disorder or "Depression." Depression is a severe medical illness affecting how you think and act. This condition involves the person feeling intense sadness that hinders their ability to function in everyday life. Many soldiers may report guilt, worthlessness, anger, extreme sadness, and loss of pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. When left untreated, depression can often lead to a lack of enjoyment of life and even death.

·  Substance Use Disorder. This disorder develops when individuals cannot control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, medications, and alcohol. This disorder also co-exists with other mental health issues like PTSD and depression. Most veterans often report going through these substances as coping mechanisms because they cannot deal with the reality of the events they experienced.

While these three are the most commonly reported disorders, there are still other issues that veterans are at risk of experiencing. Fortunately, the country has multiple Veteran Support Systems that deal with these mental health issues. If you or your loved one can relate to these symptoms, please contact your nearest health care provider. Stay safe.

by Carl Kegerreis

Things to Donate to the Homeless Besides Money and Food

In my book, "I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets," I talk about how former Air Force Captain Oley Washington Jr.'s struggle with amnesia. While losing critical events in his life, he eventually became homeless and made ends meet by dumpster diving.

While the book is fictional in a sense, the problem of homelessness is still very much real. If you are considering helping but don't have any extra money or food to spare, here are some handy things you can donate instead:

·     New underwear and socks. High-quality clothes are hard to come by, resulting in many substituting low-quality items as a compromise. Unfortunately, low-quality clothes get frayed and torn quickly, eventually leading to more clothing issues. Fortunately, people can donate quality underwear and socks in their original packaging. By offering these very basics, they can ensure these individuals are comfortable.

 ·         Toiletries. A lot of homeless people have limited access to bathrooms. Without regular access to showers, their hygiene routine often takes a hit, making them susceptible to illnesses and diseases.

 Nevertheless, we can still make it easier for them by offering a care package of toiletries. Items like soap, shampoo, nail clippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products can go a long way in making someone's day better.

 ·         Reusable containers. On the lucky days they can eat, some people may find it beneficial to store their food for later consumption. Unfortunately, the lack of access to containers makes it difficult for them to keep their food. This problem could lead them to eat their food in one sitting or potentially risk having it stolen.

 ·         Clothes for cold weather. Lack of clothing access can make it difficult to live through the winter. When left unprotected, they can become susceptible to illnesses, making it harder to get back on their feet. If you have some spare winter clothes, consider donating them to a homeless shelter to keep them warm during the cold months.

One of the most unfortunate circumstances is when a person has no place to call home. With the constant threat of danger in today's society, many destitute individuals may feel unwanted in society. Nevertheless, we can still offer kindness and compassion by improving their day with these handy gifts. After all, every step counts.

by Carl Kegerreis

Challenges Veterans Face When Readjusting to Civilian Life

Shifting from one aspect of your life to another is no easy feat; this is especially true for several veterans. Many in this demographic report the numerous issues they face once discharged from service and are encouraged to return as civilians.

Here are some of the challenges that many of them face:

·         Being unable to relate to civilians.

Soldiers who served away from home find solace in their comrades. When this connection halts—either from death or a person moving to a different state), these individuals often find it hard to relate to civilians who do not understand what it's like to live a soldier lifestyle.

·         Recreating connections with loved ones.

The truth is that several factors could cause several established relationships to change overnight. Factors like distance, sudden change of perspective, and trauma are just some examples of obstacles that could hinder veterans from reconnecting with their loved ones. If you know a veteran who has seemingly changed into a different person, remember to be patient with them. You can also help them readjust to civilian life one step at a time.

·         Adjusting to a new daily routine

Soldiers have a notorious rigid routine that doesn't always guarantee their survival. Veterans who are used to this structure may find it jarring to suddenly see other things to do since they are now back to being civilians. While it may not seem like a big deal to some, readjusting to a new environment can be difficult for individuals who may have deeper problems than we realize.

·         Potential trauma and other mental health issues

Being a soldier means witnessing death and being uncertain of whether or not you'll make it back alive. Veterans who were able to survive the chaos often suffer from several mental health issues that developed during their time of service. Some examples include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, and Substance or Alcohol Abuse Disorders.

Many veterans have sacrificed many of their lives for a more significant cause. Not only are they putting their lives on the line, but they also are risking their mental health and future. If you have a veteran relative experiencing these issues, consider contacting your local military and veteran service organizations to give them the support they need.

by Carl Kegerreis

A Hint of Danger from Gasoline Pellets

Government Energy Commissioner, Kyle Hampter, realized at once that he was on the edge of living dangerously during his meeting in Washington DC with Lester King, the owner of East and West Global Oil Industries. There was a hint of menace emanating from the man. The stack of thousand-dollar bills offered to him as a bribe confirmed his suspicion that Mr. King was used to getting his way. Kyle had to come clean. He revealed to Mr. King that a vagrant with amnesia, Captain Oley Washington Jr., was linked to the miraculous conversion of water into gasoline in many areas of Detroit. Two heavily-armed henchmen hovered over them as Mr. King left the restaurant.

A Sobering Revelation

The meeting with Mr. King sobered Kyle Hampter.  After a few days of mulling over, he asked for a meeting with the FBI head and the other concerned parties, Oley and the husband-and-wife tandem of Haywood and Lilly Runyan. He laid down on the table the information about his meeting with Mr. King. Everyone in the meeting appreciated Kyle’s candidness and the gravity of the situation. The danger now had a face.

More Hints of Trouble

Haywood and Lilly Runyan who were instrumental in bringing back Oley to the fold of society could not have anticipated that their small act of mercy could bring danger to themselves. After leaving the meeting with Kyle, they went straight home but found, to their consternation, their house ransacked. Somebody desperately wanted the gasoline pellets Haywood took from Oley and was taking all means necessary to retrieve them. Could this diabolical work be orchestrated by Mr. King?

Kegerreis’s Mischievous Tale

The tension continues to ratchet upward in Carl Kegerreis’s I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets. Will the protagonists Haywood, Lilly, and Oley make it to the finish line? Or will the evil designs of those who want to control the world’s energy sources prevail? What is certain is that we cannot wait to see the end. 

The Marriage of Amnesia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Carl Kegerreis wrote a novel to foster the memory of his wife who passed away on March 1, 2021. Interestingly, the novel with the title I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets has, as one of its protagonists, Captain Oley Washington Jr., a war hero who suffered from amnesia for more than ten years. Kegerreis’s wife fell victim to Alzheimer’s disease that is characterized by memory loss just like amnesia. In a sense, the book is a marriage of Alzheimer’s disease and amnesia. By writing the book, Kegerreis does not want readers to forget the people in their lives who have lost memories.

The curse of Amnesia

When a person has amnesia, his recollection of events before or after the onset of amnesia may be hazy or impaired. Captain Washington’s memories were lost because of the severe head beatings he got from the war protesters who were out for blood. It is called post-traumatic amnesia, a condition that results because of a serious injury to the head. There is no prescribed medical treatment for amnesia. Therapies to improve memory recall are suggested for patients as well as physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

The tragic Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is even more difficult to deal with. The presence of so-called neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain signal the presence of the disease. Nerve cells or neurons in the brain gradually lose connections to each other. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is also not well understood. Symptoms first appear years after the onset of the disease. What is certain is that it leads to degeneration of memory and thinking skills, and eventually prevents a person from carrying out even the simplest of tasks.

Kegerreis’s Lilly Runyan

The author was able to immortalize sweet memories of his wife in the character of the vivacious, pretty, and indomitable Lilly Runyan. Lilly was instrumental in jogging Captain Oley’s memory. How we wish such a simple cure could be found for all persons afflicted with amnesia or Alzheimer’s disease. 

Gasoline Pellets and the Light at the End of the Tunnel

Kyle Hampter, the Government Energy Commissioner, stared with trepidation at the two men accompanying Lester King, the mogul of the oil company, East and West Global Oil Industries. He was looking forward to a cordial dinner meeting at Borger’s Dine and Wine Restaurant in Washington DC. The appearance of the two gunslingers at Lester’s side changed all of that. He could tell that they mean business. Lester’s veiled statement to Kyle not to cross him only added fuel to his misgivings. Kyle wondered whether he had bitten off more than he can chew by giving these men the time of day.

Water and Gasoline Pellets

The idea that water can be transformed into gasoline had shaken Mr. King to the core. He knew it could spell disaster for the oil industry of which he was a big part. The price of oil could dive and the profits would fly out of the window. The only recourse was to get hold of the scientific formula first and find a way to keep it out of the public eye. Kyle realized from Mr. King’s rant that he was determined to prove that water and gasoline pellets do not mix. 

Those Big Time Goons

Mr. King’s bodyguards, Monty Hellman and Tolly Sea-more botched an attempt to kidnap Father Pario, the priest at St. Treba Catholic Church in Detroit who officiated the baptismal rites where the water turned into gasoline. While attempting to escape, Tolly foolishly shot it out with the pursuing police authorities. Mortally wounded and on the verge of death, he pointed out Monty’s location inside the Detroit Mall. Monty was caught with his pants down and rounded up. Could this be the beginning of the end of their head honcho?

The author Carl Kegerreis has adroitly steered the plot of I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets closer to a satisfying conclusion. More chilling surprises are in store for the reader, though, as the story winds down. 

Getting to the Bottom of a Conspiracy Theory

The distinguished war hero, Captain Oley Washington, Jr., was overcome with emotion when retired FBI operative, Haywood Runyan, informed him that over ten years had passed since his dad, the brilliant military scientist, Oley Washington, Sr., took his life. It was a crushing blow to Oley who felt deep inside that his father was not capable of such a mind-boggling act. What he can recall was that his father was embroiled in the US government’s Blue Book project that had something to do with pellets as energy sources. Could it be part of a bigger and more sinister conspiracy?

Kegerreis’s I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets

Carl Kegerreis’s stunningly realistic work of fiction could not have come at a more opportune time. With the price of regular gasoline in the US vaulting over five US dollars per gallon because of the Russian-initiated war in Ukraine, ordinary citizens who are feeling the pinch cannot help but speculate that there is more to this crazy spiral than meets the eye. 

People have always gravitated to conspiracy theories when events take a wild turn or turn out for the worst. Kegerreis ably fills the void and keeps the readers on edge with a plot centered on green-yellow jellybean pellets that transform water into gasoline. 

The Popularity of Conspiracy Theories

One of the wildest conspiracy theories and one that titillated people’s imaginations for years on end is that the US moon landing never happened. It was allegedly staged in some Hollywood film studio. It got so bad that a 72-year-old Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, who, together with Apollo 11 mission commander Neil Armstrong, were the first astronauts to walk on the moon, had to punch a die-hard conspiracy theorist in the jaw.

Another conspiracy theory involved the cover-up of the crash of a flying saucer reportedly with alien bodies inside at Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. It turned out to be a top-secret military balloon, the reason why it was being kept in the dark.

Conspiracy theories, like the above, give life to works of fiction, like Kegerreis’s.  

The Miracle of Water and Gasoline

It started as an ordinary Sunday for Father Pario, the priest at St. Reba Church. 

After uttering a benediction over his congregation, he approached the ancient baptismal font adorned with the image of an angel and proceeded to complete baptism rites. After the act was completed, he continued saying mass. It was then that the unexpected happened. The water from the font turned into gasoline.

Gasoline as a Blessing in Disguise

As the strong odor of gasoline permeated the insides of the church, Father Pario’s innate common sense kicked into gear. It was true that he was unable to explain why gasoline instead of water was gushing forth from the baptismal font but he and his parishioners could make certainly use of it. The price of gasoline was at an all-time high. A confluence of geopolitical events around the world was leading to a shortage in the gasoline supply and driving up prices. Consumers, including his parishioners at St. Reba, were feeling the brunt. Gathering his wits about him, he instructed his flock to line up to begin extracting gasoline from the fount.

The FBI and the Mysterious Red

The cavalry, led by the FBI, came in without a preamble. It was a sensational discovery, after all. If it was true that water did indeed turn into gasoline at the baptismal font, finding out why it happened could change the trajectory of the world’s energy industry. Not only the US government will be interested but every energy-producing country in the world, including the Saudi oil cartel. Father Pario did remember something strange. Before the gasoline incident, he had come into contact with a neighborhood drifter named Red. It was Red who gave him some jellybean-like green pellets. Could Red be the missing link to the mystery?

Carl Kegerreis and His Gasoline Pellets

Gasoline pellets that can solve the world’s energy needs serve as a fascinating premise to Carl Kegerreis’ I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets. The book was borne out of a desire to honor the memory of his late wife who passed away due to Alzheimer’s disease. With a mind-bending plot that keeps readers tied to the edge of their seats, Carl Kegerreis has made this book one worth remembering.  

The Dangers of Gasoline

The discovery of gasoline flowing from the baptismal font of St. Reba’s Church in Detroit started an ominous chain of events. Unbeknown to the FBI and other government representatives who came in droves to confirm the veracity of the event, Government Energy Commissioner Kyle Hampter had a secured hotline to Lester King, the owner of East and West Coast Global Oil Industries. Lester King did not take the news kindly. He knew that it was a problem that had to be nipped in the bud.

Lester King’s dilemma

A scientific breakthrough that can change water into gasoline will help make the US and other countries independent of their reliance on foreign oil. 

It could bring down the price of oil in the world market to levels that have not been plumbed before. Lester King realized that it could ruin his business and that of oil-producing countries like the Saudi oil cartel. He instructed Kyle Hampter to be his mole inside the government to find out who was responsible for finding the formula to convert water to gasoline. A few days later, Hampter reported to King that a Vietnam war hero, Captain Oley Washington Jr., who had amnesia and was missing for several years has been found. Captain Washington was directly linked to St. Reba.

A Conspiracy That Goes a Long Way

It was not only Lester King that was wary of the new discovery. High up in the organization is his friend and leader of the Saudi Arabian Royal Oil Empire, King Hassmen Tavio. If the US government gets its hand on the material that can transform water into gasoline, it would stop buying Saudi oil which would be a catastrophic event. It was vital to him that it should be prevented at all costs.

Carl Kegerreis and his Handiwork

Sinister minds such as that of Lester King and King Hassmen Tavio are at the center of the struggle in Carl Kegerreis’ I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets. Heroes, like the character Oley Washington Jr. who lost his memory, are up to the task to foil their evil designs. The author, Carl Kegerreis, drew parallels from his wife’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease when he made up the character of the long-suffering Captain Oley Washington. This exciting book is his tribute to the memory of his wife and to fund research about Alzheimer’s disease.

Standing Up and Making Amends

Lilly Runyan had insisted to her husband, Haywood Runyan, that she take him along with him when he goes back to St. Reba Church in Detroit to see Captain Oley Washington Jr. She can still remember clearly leaving him on the verge of death in a dark alley in the nation’s capital. That she was the one who called for the emergency services did not seem to matter anymore. She felt as responsible for his condition as the college war protesters who had beaten him and with whom she was accompanying. That he had lost his memory because of that tragic incident cut her to the core of her being. It was all so wrong. If she could somehow make amends to Captain Washington, it will, hopefully, assuage the guilt she had kept inside all these years.

The Man Who Lost His Memory

When Haywood had first met Captain Oley Washington Jr., he looked exactly the part of a man whose memory was yanked away from him-filthy and shaking in fear. With the help of Father Pario, Sister Martha, and Father Stevens, he was now washed, shaven, his hair trimmed, and wearing clean clothes. He was looking more civilized when Haywood returned to St. Reba Church with Lilly in tow. As if by a miracle, he suddenly recovered his lost memories when Lilly spoke to him. He had remembered how, like his guardian angel, she had tried to dissuade and stop the war protesters from hurting him more. Her presence had jolted his memory. Lilly broke down in tears. Her prayers have been answered. Oley’s life has been given back to him.

Carl Kegerreis’s Characters

When Carl Kegerreis’ wrote his book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets, with Oley, Haywood, and Lilly as its main characters, he patterned Oley after himself, drawing on his experiences in the US Army. The sensitive but strong-willed Lilly personified his wife whom he loved dearly and who passed away in March 2021 after a bout with Alzheimer’s disease. There is no better way of immortalizing her memory than imbuing her with the character of Lilly.  

An Explanation for Stranger Things

The FBI is brought in to investigate cases of gasoline dumping in parking lots and dumpsters around Detroit, Michigan. So far, there have been no tangible leads that can turn the case around. Though it might be farfetched, the nation’s leading national security organization is working on the premise that a vagabond named Red could be involved. It was putting together eyewitness accounts at the sites.

The Incident at Trident Grocery

The owner of Trident Grocery Store, Mike Trident, made the connection to Red. He had heard someone or something moving about in the trash dumpster located at the back of the store. When he went out to investigate, he saw that it was Red, the homeless man, who was the source of the ruckus. He had entered the dumpster again to look for food. Feeling pity for the man, he had given him a package of raw meat. Red had handed over to him in return some green pellets which seemed to come from inside the dumpster and which Mike had unceremoniously tossed to the ground. Later, he discovered his parking lot brimming with gasoline.

Something Strange at Wesswell’s Gas Company

Wesswell’s Gas Company also reported Red’s run-in with one of their employees. Red was trying to drag out a small gas stove from the gas company’s dumpster when the employee discovered him in the middle of the act and berated him. Red, in his fright, drew some pellets from inside his pockets and offered them to the employee who had instantly thrown the pellets to the ground in disgust. It was on that same ground that the gasoline was strewn about.

A Similar Incident at Fred Roll’s Restaurant

The owner of Fred Roll’s Restaurant also reported that Red was at the restaurant when gasoline was found filling their dumpster and their parking lot. Red was also looking for food inside the dumpster a few moments before. He had provided Red with a paper bag containing salad, sandwiches, and lemonade to encourage him not to eat stale food from the dumpster. Without a second thought, Fred Roll had also thrown into the dumpster the pellets that Red gave him.

A Book of Strange Things

With a series of strange events related to finding gasoline inside dumpsters and store parking lots, Carl Kegerreis’ I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets was off to the races. Stranger still was the plot twist that explained why gasoline turned up in those locations. Mystery lovers will find the book hard to put down.

Who Am I? Why Losing Memory is Hard

Carl Kegerreis, whose wife passed away due to Alzheimer’s disease, writes an uncanny and beguiling narrative about a man who lost his memory because of amnesia in I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets. The author may have his wife at the back of his mind when he brought the character of Red to life. As a drifter who survives by climbing into and scouring for left-over food in the neighborhood dumpsters, Red is lucky to be alive. That the memory loss that took away more than ten years of his life was the aftermath of an ill-fated incident is tragic and sobering.

Twist Upon Twist, Tragedy Upon Tragedy

Red is not the scavenger that he purports to be. Underneath the rags and the filthy appearance is a decent man and a legitimate war hero who is a victim of unfortunate circumstances. He crashed during the Vietnam War and spent time in a squalid prison camp for prisoners of war. After masterminding an escape for himself and the other prisoners, he was brought back to the United States to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most distinguished military award for bravery in combat. On his way to receive the award, he was set upon by a band of student war protesters. Beaten and kicked to the head, the injuries he suffered left him with amnesia. He has been wandering from place to place ever since after being given up for lost by his parents.

A Chance at Redemption

Red could have gone on to become a pillar of the US military if fate had not played a cruel trick on him on the day that he was to receive his medal. All is not lost, however. Kegerreis introduced the husband-and-wife tandem of Haywood and Lilly Runyan. Lilly Runyan resembles most and is closer in personality to Kegerreis’s beloved wife. In another serendipitous twist, Haywood and Lilly will become the key to Red’s redemption.

by Carl Kegerreis

What Separates a Hero from a Mere Mortal?

Ace fighter pilot, Captain Oley Washington Jr. confidently guides his warplane into the teeth of danger.

As a scarred veteran of the Vietnam War, flying into enemy territory, with the constant threat of being shot down by buzzing anti-aircraft guns and rockets, no longer daunts him. It is a fact of life. When an enemy rocket hits his aircraft, the prospect of being captured by the enemy looms large on the horizon as he ejects and parachutes away from the burning plane. 

A painful capture

Hobbled by a broken leg upon landing, the hard and woody ground offers him scant protection. He scrambles to hide beneath a fallen tree while enemy soldiers, who pinpointed his location because of his parachute, scoured the jungle. He manages to call for help using his emergency radio. The extraction fails because the enemy sees the rescue helicopter and mercilessly brings it down. The slight hope that Captain Washington nurtured that he can evade capture by the enemy is slowly slipping away from his grasp. He fights back with all the energy he can muster but the enemy surrounds and subdues him. A miserable life or death in a prison camp awaits him.

A hero prevails

Carl Kegerreis’ I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets begins with an exciting tale of the exploits of Captain Oley Washington, Jr., the heroic fighter pilot. His capture at enemy hands could have easily thrown him into a fit of despondency and apathy at the hopelessness of it all. Instead, he is still able to find the courage to face his incarceration. With an iron will and indomitable spirit, he manages to craft an escape plan along with other prisoners. The adage that one can never put a good man down is proven to be true in this novel.

by Carl Kegerreis

The Interesting Life of a Retired FBI Agent

The rising prices of gasoline, a pellet that transforms water into gasoline, and an ominous plot to keep the knowledge of and use of the pellets to a select few are the challenges that retired FBI agent Haywood Runyan and his beautiful wife, Lilly, must navigate in Carl Kagerreis’ stunning work of fiction, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets. Viewed against the backdrop of runaway fuel prices in the US and most places of the globe, the novel is almost too prophetic to be ignored. At the same time, the down-to-earth characterizations of Haywood and Lilly resonate with readers who, at one time or another, spent their lives as ordinary working men and women.

Life After a Stint at the FBI

Haywood Runyan is not the typical FBI retiree. Instead of calmly enjoying the bliss of being put out to pasture, he goes out of his way to look for exciting things to do-the more exotic the concept, the better. He is encouraged to do so by Lilly, his charming wife, who supports him through thick and thin. It leads them to Captain Oley Washington, Jr., a war hero who possesses a mind-blowing and long-held secret that can change the world. For Haywood and Lilly, their involvement with Oley unwittingly turns retirement into endless excitement.

Dealing with Conspiracies and Demagogues

The green pellets that Oley keeps with him turn out to be a revolutionary wonder, a literal philosopher’s stone that converts ordinary water into gasoline in the blink of an eye. For the common man, it is the answer to a prayer. He would not become a slave, anymore, to prohibitive gasoline prices. The discovery, however, attracts the unwarranted attention of demagogues, like King Hassmen Tavio of the Saudi Oil Cartel, who would go to any length to preserve their control of the world’s energy sources. Life has suddenly become more complicated for Oley, Haywood, and Lilly.  

by Carl Kegerreis

Love, Devotion, and Long-Kept Secrets

When Carl Kegerreis wrote I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets, he could not have anticipated that the characters of this sumptuous novel will become larger than life. If one talks about love and devotion, the tight bond exhibited by the leading characters, Haywood and Lilly Runyan is unparalleled. Lilly’s spontaneous revelation of a dark secret that she had kept hidden for years strengthened her relationship with Haywood even more, instead of eliciting cracks. The leading sentiment that love can, indeed, endure all things must have been plucked by the author from the ideals of his late wife who passed away because of Alzheimer’s disease.

A Love to Last

Haywood Runyan met his wife in the most improbable of circumstances. As an up-and-coming FBI agent, he was in a rush to attend his first court hearing and had only stopped to get coffee. When he inadvertently knocked down to the ground the plastic cup held by the woman standing in the doorway, he did not know that it was to be the start of a romantic relationship that will define his life. He and Lilly have been inseparable from the time Haywood decided to buy her a fresh cup of coffee in exchange for the one he spilled. 

Secrets and Trials

Like the author who experienced the agony of his wife’s bout with Alzheimer’s disease, Haywood and Lilly’s relationship was also tested by tribulation. Lilly, who was a college war protester so many years ago, was involved in a beating incident. Chancing upon Captain Oley Washington, Jr., the group she was with nearly beat the war hero to death. Although she made a supreme effort to stop the beating, the thought that she had not done enough to save Oley had always hounded her. When fate brought her, Haywood, and Oley together, she confessed her role in the dastardly deed to Haywood. Instead of blaming her, Haywood accepted her explanation that she had not meant the incident to happen. His love for Lilly triumphed over any other consideration. That Oley regained his memory because of Lilly’s intervention served as the icing on the cake.

With an inspiring story of love, devotion, and acceptance, the author has transcended himself in this literary work of art. 

by Carl Kegerreis

Making Sense of Gasoline Pellets and Alzheimer’s Disease

With the price of oil hitting US$115 per barrel in the world market because of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Carl Kegerreis’ explosive tour de force, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets, seems almost prophetic. Its revolutionary concept of gasoline pellets as an alternative source of energy, although fictional, is what the US and the entire world need at this time of rising gasoline prices. Strongmen like King Hassmen Tavio come and go but their desire to dominate keeps the world in suspense. It is up to unlikely heroes like the main character, Haywood Runyan, to foil their grand schemes.

The gasoline pellets were a legacy of the scientist, Oley Washington Sr. to the world. Before his untimely death, he entrusted the pellets’ safekeeping to his son, Oley Washington Jr., who was about to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his exploits as an escaped prisoner of war in Vietnam.  Hitting two birds with one stone, Oley Jr. was to deliver in secret the highly sought-after gasoline pellets directly to the American president on the day he was to receive the award. In an unfortunate twist of events, Oley Jr. was violently assaulted by a group of protesters and lost his memory. After more than a decade of wretched existence as a vagabond, Haywood found Oley Jr. and brought him back to the mainstream along with the precious gasoline pellets. It led to a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the sinister Tavio and his henchmen with Haywood and his beautiful wife, Lilly, caught squarely in the middle. 

The author, Carl Kegerreis, wrote the book as a tribute to his beloved wife who suffered from dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, it was the war hero, Oley Jr. who lost his memory instead of Lilly, whose character closely resembled the author’s wife. Nonetheless, it is a story that was forged by the author from the emotional and physical trauma foisted by the debilitating Alzheimer’s disease on the author and his wife. It is a celebration of the triumph of the indomitable human spirit against overwhelming odds.  

by Carl Kegerreis

Love, Gasoline Pellets, and Alzheimer’s Disease

Carl Kegerreis, the author of the exciting novel, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets, calls his wife the love of his life. Blissfully married for 58 years and 3 months before she passed away on March 1, 2021, the author made his wife his inspiration in creating the persona of one of the main characters, the always gentle Lilly. Accompanying her husband, Haywood Runyan, through thick and thin, Lilly did not shy away from danger and steadfastly stood by the side of her better half. In love and war, Lilly was ever loyal and beautiful.

If only life is a novel, the confines of each of its pages will perpetuate the essence of true love between two people. Old age, sickness, and even death will become an afterthought. However, it is sad but true that the fairy tale with the beautiful ending does not extend to the real world we live in. Nor does love last forever. Our being mortal prevents that from happening. It proved the same for the author. His wife, unfortunately, developed Alzheimer’s disease, an illness with no cure where protein plaques and tangles develop in the brain’s neurons.  When the neurons die, the brain tissues degenerate until the damage to the brain becomes irreversible. The author witnessed, firsthand, his wife’s courageous stand against the creeping disease. Just like in all other cases of Alzheimer’s disease, doctors cannot explain fully how it develops. It is a mystery that perplexes men of science until this very day. Not helping the cause is the fact that the diagnosis is almost always made when the symptoms of dementia, like extreme memory loss and confusion, are already far advanced.  

In memory of his wife who passed away very recently, Carl Kegerreis is donating the proceeds of his book to the Alzheimer’s Research Institute. By doing so, the love that he shared with his wife can shine like a beacon of hope to all those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gasoline Pellets, Miracle Cures, and Alzheimer’s Disease

Whether in fact or fiction, miracles happen because one makes a leap of faith. Carl Kegerreis, in his astoundingly remarkable work of fiction, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets, turns the world on its head with a storyline based on self-reproducing gasoline pellets that synthesize water into gasoline. With the supply of natural gas held hostage by tragic events in Ukraine and the price of crude oil in the global market skyrocketing, the world could benefit from such a miracle. 

Unfortunately, as the author himself apologetically declared in the preface, a work of wonder in the guise of gasoline pellets can only be found in books or inside the author’s colorful imagination. Or does it?

Humankind has always relied on miracles. There is always that underlying belief that a miracle is bound to happen soon. Like Russia will suddenly decide to pull out of Ukraine and that part of the world goes back to normal. A happenstance like that will mean that we will no longer need to pull a rabbit out of a hat or gasoline pellets to solve our energy woes. The author, Carl Kegerreis, had such a momentous event in his life when his wife and the book’s inspiration fell prey to the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease, an illness that requires a miracle because there is no known cure. With an estimated 5.8 million Americans over the age of 65 caught in its wicked grasp in 2020, it is a wonder in itself that no cure has been found since the German neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, first declared its existence more than a century ago.

Like two peas out of the same pod, gasoline pellets and Alzheimer’s disease both need a miracle. It is toward this end that Carl Kegerreis is directing his attention to funding research and efforts to stamp out the disease. Like the ever-hopeful Lilly in his book, it is never really too late to expect a miracle.   

by Carl Kegerreis