Chilean Earthquake

When I hear about catastrophes like the earthquake in Chile over the weekend, it seems so distant that it’s hard to relate. Normally I feel terrible for people who’ve suffered, but when it’s far away and doesn’t directly affect me – I feel sad and helpless.

When the place that a tragedy occurs also happens to be the place I’ve visited and where family and friends live – the abstract distance does not apply…and wow does it ever change the watching the news experience.

I love Chile, I could live there in a heartbeat. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting on several occasions as have my children. Hubby’s family and friends live there – Chile is where he lived until he was 18 years old.

Upon learning of the news of the 8.8 earthquake, I was glued to the news. We were unable to reach his parents who live in Vina del Mar or his brother and friends in Santiago. It was stressful. I think we knew that they would be ok, but without knowing for sure, we just waited and watched TV.

What was incredible was all the amazing phone calls and Facebook messages we both received from family and friends (some of whom we don’t keep close in touch with – which was nice). Emails and messages with thoughts of hope and prayers. I was blown away by the support. People offering to babysit should we need to fly down, people checking in to touch base. It’s really incredible how tragedy brings people together.

As we were leaving for dinner, I urged hubby to try Facebook one more time to see if anyone had replied to his request to try his parents phone number. There were a few comments throughout the day – but nobody made contact. Then a chat window popped up and his old friend said he’d tried Hubby’s parents and that their phone was just connected and that his Dad would call him momentarily. Then, voila, the phone rang and it was my father and mother-in-laws.

They live in a condo a few blocks from the ocean. The were awakened by the earthquake. The felt their house shake and sway. Everything that was hanging on the wall or in cabinets fell to the ground, shattering and filling their place with debris. They’re in their upper 70’s/early 80’s – so when they had to walk down 13 flights of stairs, they felt the weight of the earthquake on their body. Now as they sift through the mess, cleaning up and preparing to replace the many items lost, the earthquake will remain with them for some time to come.

They, along with the rest of our friends and family are fine – thankfully – and many thanks to everyone who reached out to us out of concern…we truly appreciate your concern. Thank you.