There was a another massive earthquake in Christchurch today. This one, though smaller on the richter scale than the one in September, has wreaked much more death and destruction. We; however, are not there. Though we were supposed to be.
Originally, Dad and Rosalind (my father and stepmother) were coming to visit. They had planned an Australian/New Zealand trip to see us and see the region from even before we left the states. Though Steve had decided to make a change in job and move to the far north, we were going to go in shifts to accomodate their visit and plans. Steve was going to start February 1st in Kaitaia. The kids and I were going to stay in Christchurch until at least February 28th, possibly even March 7th until after they had gone.
If all had gone according to plan, Steve would be on the tip of the north island. I would have been in Sumner. The two younger kids would have been in school. Sam would have been halfway in toward the central city at high school. I shudder to think of it. But sadly, Rosalind's mother began to do poorly and Rosalind needed to stay in Florida to help her transition to different housing. Dad moved his trip forward and changed all his plans to be with us in Kaitaia so we could move together on Feb 4th.
So we are safe because of circumstance. But our heads and hearts are aching for friends who we haven't been able to contact. Amazing how strings of unrelated events occur to bring us to any single point in time and space.
G-d be with all of those struggling in Christchurch tonight.
4 comments:
hi Suzanne, joe ullman here in Falmouth, ME; been following your blog ever since Rich Kahn told me that you guys had moved to NZ; unable to post comments usually because I'm accessing your blog on Blackberry. So glad to hear you are safe in the north; what a horror for the good people of NZ to be going through this year, quakes mining disasters; wish we could be there to help; hope the experience for you has been good. Say hello to Steve. Joe Ullman (chimayred@aol.com)
Hi Joe,
It is a nightmare for friends in Chch. We've only been able to contact a few. I feel so grateful we are safe, but a little guilty too. Glad to know you are following. I'll tell Steve you say hello. Be well. - Suzanne
My prayers to your friends in Christchurch, but I am so happy and relieved to hear that you and your family are OK.
hi rich, steve here. thanks for your thoughts and prayers. we feel guilty for not being there to offer support to friends in our old neighborhood and for me not being able to help out with all the high acuity medical attention needed by the victims. fortunately we have heard back from most of the friends and colleagues we have there and they are safe. what a tragedy. nz is a nation in mourning. be well, steve
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