On the 16th of April 2016 a 7.6 earthquake hit beneath my house. I was crushed and had a near death experience. One foot was all but severed after cutting all tendons and ligaments both front and back. I lived remotely on a hill and had to save myself, starting by digging myself out with my one free hand in the middle of the dark.  Healing from these events is an ongoing process. Much of my interest in forests is based in their ability to regenerate and self heal over time. Â