On the 22nd Feb the unthinkable happened in my wonderful City.... We had just got over one big shake in September, with no casualties and the aftershocks where getting smaller..... Then another big one happened - out of the Blue.
It has taken me a few days to think about what I was going to post here.... So that is why it is posted today...
The card above is what a lot of us did with the countless of cones dotting our broken/half mended roads... we put in the top of them flowers to remember those that lost there lives.
One year on the city is still being cleared of rubble, buildings being fully demolished for safety and sections are empty lots.
Yes the aftershocks keep hapening... only 4 pointers or below at present. Yes they are still scarey. Yes they still freak most of us out and yes we are all sick of it.
A lot of people are still trying to find out what the result of their living conditions. Some had no insurance - they are getting help from the "habitat of community" organisation. Others that have insurance still are waiting on results and the fate of their homes. Others have moved to different parts of the city. Others have moved from the city altogether. Thats fine. We all cope in different ways.
The good things that are happening in the city is that people a banding together.... one lady with a help of volunteers is filling up the empty lots with things like an area to play Platonk with plants and tables/chairs - a great meeting place for locals.... and an old fridge with a see through front, not pluged in for a book exchange.
Another thing that has happened is some shops are inside converted Ship containers. With windows and displays with enough room for wares to sell. Quite ingenious.
Others are shifting into the city from different countries and towns to help with the rebuild... A very special thank you for those brave families. We thank you.
Our city will rise again. Yes it may take time and a few more tears but as for the anniversary of this horrible day we will remember the fallen, the heroes that pull people from the rubble and the emergency responders and workers and those that had to make mega hard decisions in a time of great stress.
Thank you everyone that has helped so far with the re-build and recovery of the city. You are very very awesome.
Debbie Buckland
living in Christchurch, NZ
artycrafty.wordpress.com
New Zealanders are a fighting bunch! just look at their rugby team! you will all get through it and the city will be re built bigger and better than before. re always think about NZ as we visited their last september and just LOVED NZ. we even are considering moving there now my husband has been made redundant. hugs Taraxx
Posted by: Tara Capewell | February 25, 2012 at 08:29 AM
Tara you are most welcome to come to New Zealand and live. ;)
Posted by: Debbie b | February 25, 2012 at 10:36 AM
Love your card, a great way to remember the live's lost a year ago, wish you and all the NZ all the best in the year ahead to rebuild the future,it all takes time,
and take care! keep on crafting.
Posted by: Anna Kluytmans | February 25, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Thanks Anna
Posted by: Debbie b | February 25, 2012 at 08:59 PM
Wonderful card Debbie and a great way to remember that day!!!
It has been a long year for you all and I know the road to recovery has only just begun. One wonderful thing to come out of this type of tragedy is how the community comes together.
Hope that it helps to know that we are all thinking of you!!!
Posted by: TracyM | February 26, 2012 at 07:53 PM
thanks Tracy
Posted by: debbie B | February 27, 2012 at 01:53 PM