Otto lived on Sugar Mountain. 

Otto lived on the edge of the desert, a lonely stretch of land where the Arizona dust settled on everything in sight. In his small adobe house, he sat surrounded by his inventions, his only companions in this desolate landscape. Here, he found solace and refuge from the rest of the world.

But on this particular day, the stillness was shattered by a piercing cry – a banshee war cry that echoed through the barren land. Otto sat up, his heart pounding, and peered out the window. He couldn’t believe what he saw – a group of Indians, their faces painted with intricate patterns, riding on horseback toward his house.

As they got closer, Otto could feel his heart racing, his adrenaline pumping. This was the moment he had been waiting for – a chance to prove himself as a man. He stepped outside, ready to face whatever challenge they brought with them.

But as the Indians approached, their leader dismounted and walked towards Otto. “We’ve heard of your inventions,” he said. “We’ve come to ask for your help in our fight against the white men who are trying to take our land.”

Otto couldn’t believe it – these were not just any Indians, but a tribe fighting to protect their home. Without hesitation, he joined them; his banshee war cries ringing out in unison with theirs. In that moment, surrounded by the desert and these fierce warriors, Otto finally felt whole , contented with a purpose that only a man can understand.  

You worked from bed and chair to the tune of Neal Young and kept working until long after dark, never letting pity inside the door to use as a weapon.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain.

On his terms, Otto lived. He was a man who had carved his path, refusing to conform to society’s expectations. He didn’t work a 9-to-5 job like most people. Instead, he worked from the comfort of his bed or chair to the tune of Neil Young’s songs.

Although some may have pitied him for not having a traditional job, Otto never let pity inside his door. He used it as a weapon, pushing himself further and harder to pursue his passions and dreams.

One day, as Otto was on his way to Pennsylvania Station, he saw a lost soul sitting alone on the sidewalk. The man looked defeated and hopeless. Without hesitation, Otto went over to him and struck up a conversation. As they talked, Otto learned that this man had lost everything – his job, home, and family. He was now homeless with no hope for the future. Without thinking twice, Otto invited the man to come home with him. He knew what it was like to feel lost and alone, and he couldn’t leave this man to suffer on the streets. That night at Otto’s house, they talked until long after dark. They found solace in their similarities as they shared their stories and struggles. By helping someone else in need, Otto had found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he had been missing. In that moment, it became clear to Otto that true happiness comes not from living for ourselves but by helping. And so, he continued to live on Sugar Mountain – surrounded by his inventions and fueled by his passion – but always with an open door for those needing shelter and companionship.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain. 

Carving his path with swollen old hands; Otto commanded armies that moved mountains and changed the course of rivers. These hands had accomplished incredible feats, from turning back time to unraveling the mysteries of science. But amidst all this power and success, one word held a special place in Otto’s heart – “please.” This simple word was significant for him, representing humility and respect for others. Despite his achievements, Otto always remembered the importance of treating others kindly and asking for things politely. He knew true greatness lies not in domination but in collaboration and mutual understanding. As he grew older, Otto became more aware of the impact of his actions on those around him. He made sure always to use his powers for good and to never take advantage of anyone. Otto’s wisdom and kindness were renowned throughout Sugar Mountain. People would come from far and wide seeking his advice and guidance. And he always welcomed them with open arms, listening to their problems and offering solutions with grace and humility. Through his actions, Otto showed that true power comes from within – from having a kind heart and using our talents for the betterment of others. And so he continued to live on Sugar Mountain,

With swollen old hands That commanded armies, moved mountains, changed rivers, Turned back time.

I found the mysteries of Science Theater 3000. All for the simple word “please”. Otto lived on Sugar Mountain, where kindness reigned supreme. The river flowed slowly and steadily, carrying with it the memories of Sugar Mountain. It was a place where time stood still and where people came to find peace and solace. Otto often sat by the riverbank, watching the water flow endlessly. As he grew older, he began to see the river differently – not just as a source of beauty but also as a symbol of life itself. He realized that just like how the river always moves forward, so do we as individuals. We are born into this world with a clean slate, ready to carve our paths and make our journey. And just like how the river is shaped by its surroundings, we, too, are shaped by our experiences and the people we meet along the way.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain,

Where new beginnings were always possible as he watched the slow-moving river, Otto felt a sense of peace. He had seen many things in his lifetime – good and bad – but through it all, he had learned to embrace change and see each new beginning as an opportunity for growth. And so, he invited others to join him on his raft as they floated down the river together. Some initially hesitated, fearing what may lie ahead or clinging to their pasts. But Otto reassured them that with each twist and turned in the current, they would find themselves closer to another shore – one filled with new possibilities. Together, they laughed and sang songs while navigating through rough waters. They shared mysteries of their pasts and dreams for their futures. And at that moment, they were all connected by this journey down the slow-moving river.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain,

Where memories were made, and new ones created. The journey down the river was challenging, though. There were times when they hit rocks or encountered strong currents that threatened to break them apart. But each time, they persevered and came out stronger than before.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain,

Where life was cherished and embraced, he often joined the children in their games, forgetting his age and enjoying the present moment. Together, they would explore the surrounding forests, discovering new plants and animals. They would climb trees, build forts, and swim in the crystal-clear lake at the base of Sugar Mountain. As they laughed and ran around, Otto couldn’t help but feel grateful for this life on Sugar Mountain – where time seemed to stand still, and each day was a chance to make new memories. At six-thirty in the morning, the village would come alive with sounds of laughter echoing through every corner. But it wasn’t just playtime on Sugar Mountain. When the clock struck seven, everyone worked – tending to crop, baking bread, making clothes, or pottery. Each person had a role in keeping their community thriving. Otto had a small garden at his home, where he grew various vegetables and fruits. He also enjoyed painting scenes from nature or carving figurines out of wood. And like many others on Sugar Mountain, he recycled whatever materials he could find to create something functional or beautiful. At six-thirty in the morning, I would see young life ready to burst forth and seize the day, drink it all in, savor every minute, and then put the empty cans into recycling.

Otto lived on sugar Mountain,

As Otto grew older, he couldn’t help but notice the passing of time. It seemed like he was a young boy running around Sugar Mountain without care just yesterday. But now, he could feel his body slowing down and his mind becoming more reflective. He often sat by the lake, watching the water ripple and listening to the birds singing. During these quiet moments, he would think about life and its mysteries. And the older he got, the more he realized how little he knew.

Otto lived on Sugar Mountain,

Where age was just a number, he had seen many people come and go on Sugar Mountain – some leaving for other adventures, others passing away peacefully in their sleep. And as much as it pained him to see his friends leave, he couldn’t deny that they had all lived their entire lives on Sugar Mountain. But one thing that always saddened him was seeing young ones go too soon. Some adventurers wanted to explore beyond Sugar Mountain’s borders, while others sought their fortunes elsewhere. And although Otto understood their desire for new experiences, he couldn’t help but feel like they were leaving too soon. At six-thirty in the morning, I would see you packing up your things, Ready to hit the road, Eager for new adventures, Leaving behind a life so beautiful. But as much as Otto missed those who left, he also understood that everyone has their journey- whether staying on Sugar Mountain or venturing into the unknown. And even though Otto didn’t have all the answers, he knew one thing for sure – no matter where life takes you, it’s important to cherish every moment and make the most out of each day. As I sit by the riverside that he sat by, watching life move forward, I’m reminded of how little I know. But one thing is sure, You’re leaving here too soon, Yet, I wish you all the best on your journey.

Otto was finally set free from his electric wheelchair, which had imprisoned him for 50 years as a quadriplegic. He died in the hospital surrounded by his Indian friends; they all said, … You’re leaving here too soon.