As much as unexpected and tragic loss tests the human spirit, sometimes it can become the catalyst for good. And that is exactly the mission that my friend, Erik Larson, has embraced after suddenly losing his best friend, Greg Kline, in August of 2020.

Greg had a motto that he lived by, Get Busy Living, and Erik embodies all that is about getting busy living. But now, he’s also embodying getting busy GIVING.

Erik Larson, who many refer to as “The Swede” because of his Scandinavian good looks and impeccibly styled blond hair, decided he had a story to tell. A story of his three nephews, who become wildly successful in the business of crypto currency, but the oldest brother, Billy, isn’t satisfied with materialism and modern “things of this world” and decides to travel the world in search of his true purpose in life. Ultimately he discovers that purpose in a life devoted exclusively to God. And in one of the most remote areas of the world no less - Mt Athos, Greece - where orthodox Christian monks have been serving God for over a thousand years. This otherworldly devotion requires the avoidance of “distractions” such as money, women, and even family.

The Swede shares how Billy, now known as Brother William, embraces his new reality, all the while his brothers, his mother, and his girlfriend know nothing about his whereabouts or the new life he now lives. They become determined to find Billy and to “save him” from a life that has every sign of being a cult.

Based on a true story, Cold Storage includes it all. Wealth, family, mystery, love, faith, and in the end, peace.

Erik wrote Cold Storage, available in print and soon in audio, to support his new Get Busy Giving nonprofit foundation. As quoted on his website www.getbusygiving.net, Get Busy Giving is inspired by:

“...seeing what real generosity looks like. Our town has rallied around families in need, supported local causes, and lifted people up in ways that pushed us to do something of our own. So we built Get Busy Giving, a nonprofit run by six grateful friends who want to turn inspiration into action. Our mission is to support causes that matter, build connections, and encourage others to step up for their neighbors. Greg Kline’s saying, “Get Busy Living,” reminds us to live with purpose and heart. Get Busy Giving is our way of carrying that spirit forward.

All proceeds from Cold Storage and related merchandise go directly to Paws of War, supporting the life-changing bond between rescued dogs and those who serve in the military and first responders.”

The 6 grateful friends referenced above include Greg & Melissa Kline’s three children - Tommy, Mikey, and Gracie - and Erik & Meredith Larson’s three children - Anna, James, and Jack. Together they comprise Get Busy Giving’s board of directors.

And to steal one more line from Erik’s website:

"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka

So join us, and let’s see where the energy takes us!

www.getbusygiving.net

getbusygiving@getbusygiving.net

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75EQYtN4axmGWGIpK0iA6p?si=HwSv9dsdRb2YC8yWVyFIBA&pi=od6v0bOgSDOyZ

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983015048745357