February 22nd 2011...Going about my day. It was about 12:45pm and I was in the car driving around the corner to house sit at mum and dads and look after the puppies. When I arrived there I got a txt from mum saying they had arrived safe and sound in Christchurch. (What a morning to arrive)
I unloaded my car and brought Lucas inside. My friend Tamara arrived as we were going to have a swim and a wine and catch up before she heads to Europe.
Literally at 12:55 or so, I'm trying to deal with a screaming baby, say hello to Tammy and a phone call from my Aunty "have you heard the news???" I immediately thought someone in my family had died! But no...no one in my family...HUNDREDS of other families.
The 6.3 mangnitude Earthquake hit Christchurch at 12:51pm, a devestating depth of 5km and an epicentre in Lyttleton. OMG I had just been txting mum!!! I ran and turned on the news and couldn't believe my eyes!
The dust, the smoke, the buildings that now looked like pancakes. The devestated, petrified residents walking and running out the city, some with major injuries, crying, just in a daze and in shock. hundreds buried under rubble and masonry, some alive, and some not.
I remember from the first quake it was impossible to get through on the phones to anyone after it happened. It didnt stop me from trying though. I called mum and dad so many times! I knew though that they would be ok in my heart as they were driving from the airport. I kind of always thought how it wouldnt be so bad in a car. I was right, they just thought it was a flat tyre! a very BAD one. Then mum noticed the road looked like a wave, rolling up and down. They then thought the road was uneven lol. Little signs soon made them realise it was indeed a major quake.
I am just so so lucky and greatful that all my family and friends are safe and well and have come out of this ok. Many many others were not so lucky. It is just devastating. Words can not express how sorry and sad I feel for the city that I called my home for 8 years. It will never be the same but I believe they will get through this and will move on with life eventually. You just have to. Life is like an onion. You peel back the layers and sometimes you cry.
Christchurch is crying...actually New Zealand is crying too and all over the world. I do feel though that the support and strength coming out of this is amazing and very humbling. We are lucky to have such fantastic support and I take my hat off to those brave people who are searching, those who are digging and those who are donating, housing, and comforting everyone in need. Well done!! I am proud to be a part of this country.
So February...This is the most talked about event this month. With very good reason!
In our world up here, (although we were in the September quake) It feels so surreal watching it all on telly because this one is so much worse. We get on with our daily lives, and go to bed each night without a worry but I do remember going to bed each night in Christchurch after the quake..petrified of aftershocks and so stressed of the next 'big one'. I thought we had gotten away scott free but sure enough 6 months later it reared it's ugly face again. My heart truly goes out to everyone feeling the pain and worry down there but know that tomorrow is another day, and hold your heads up high, we are all behind you and it will be ok.
Well just a little bit on how we are doing...(hardly seems very important compared to the quake!) But we are all doing well, have been quite busy actually with playgroups and plunket etc! A few weeks ago we went up to Auckland again for Lucas's follow up appointment with the opthalmologist and also had his focus tested. Both Retinas still remain flat and relaxed. Which is great!! It was a very long day. Lucas had his focus tested also that day. The doctor was quite encouraged that Lucas had BIG smiles for him when he introduced himself :) He is getting a big boy now so he didnt need the spectulum to pry his eye lids open THANK GOD. That is horrible!!
Dr Dai also thinks he can see a few metres out but we are not sure how clear that range is. Lucas is also short sighted. The technical term is Myopia, so Lucas will need glasses at around age 3, hopefully this will give him more distance. Although these things are all positive, Lucas still has poor vision. It is clear he has sight though but not good. So many people have bad sight though and we can only remain hopeful that it will improve through stimulation, and then glasses or contacts in the future. Plus you never know what technology will help in in 10 years time right!?
OOH...Lucas is also rolling! he rolled the first time at home the day before our 2 year wedding anniversary 27th Feb :) so cool!!! I was such a proud mummy bird. He was so chuffed with himself. Now Lucas rolls everywhere lol cant stop him now. He is even moving his wee legs heaps so in another few months he could even be commando crawling! scary thought. I quite like how where I put Lucas, he stays hehe.
Can't hold them back though, even with loss of some vision Lucas has thrived in every way and is such a special amazing boy. So proud :) As I'm sure every mum is...but we are especially proud as against all odds he is here and proving everyone wrong!! just a miracle.
So anyway sorry if I'm ranting on, It makes me feel good to write all my thoughts and feelings out and sharing it with you guys.
Hope you all have a great weekend, we are having quite a full house with 2 of my besties coming to stay yay!! so exciting.
My homework for you guys is this......give your loved ones a big cuddle and tell them how much you love them, because if we have learnt anything this month it's that nothing is promised to you, life is so short and can become even shorter in a split second. Make the most of every day!!
Luv to you all xx
