Doctors at a Texas hospital told George Pickering that his son was brain-dead. They said, “He has no brain activity,” and planned to take him off life support. But George didn’t believe them and pulled out a gun. He threatened to shoot the doctors if they didn’t keep trying to save his son.

For three hours, George was in a standoff with the police while doctors ran more tests on his son. The hospital went into lockdown as the police tried to negotiate with him. George, however, refused to back down. Then something incredible happened – his son, who was supposed to be brain-dead, squeezed his hand when George asked him to. This proved that his son’s mind was still working. George immediately surrendered to the police.

George Pickering spent 11 months in prison for what he did, but his son made a full recovery.

This is still one of the wildest stories I’ve ever heard. As a father, I can only feel sympathy for George. Being a father, sometimes, means doing whatever it takes, no matter how far you have to go.

Editor’s Note: This story was originally posted on Quora.com by Jean- Marie Valheur.

The Inspiring, Frugal Lifestyle of Late President Jimmy Carter

Some people consider him as the poorest president in the history of the United States of America; not because of how much he had in the bank but because of the deliberately frugal lifestyle he chose to lead. He didn’t allow the trappings of power and influence sway him.

Carter lived in a rundown house and often bought discounted items at the supermarket. In fact, it’s reported that he’s the only U.S. president without mansion. After leaving the Whitehouse, he and his wife lived in a small house worth just $167,000. All their furniture was old stuff passed down from his parents, and they had to fix things almost every month. His quality of life was probably worse than most people’s.

The Casters’ only income was the presidential pension of $217,000 a year. Carter didn’t use private jets. He flew economy class. Even in his old age, he stood in line to board, refusing special treatment. He drove a second-hand Ford Taurus for years, a car that was over 25 years old!

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