Well, I have a new experience of terror: waking up in the middle of the night to my home shaking violently and my child crying next to me, clawing at the wall for support, asking me if the house is falling down. No three year old should have to wonder that.
Earthquakes. Gods, they’re scary.
L’Aquila (in the region of Abruzzo, some 90 km northeast of us) was hit hard by the earthquake last night, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale. The death toll is still rising, but an estimate lands at around 100-150 dead. Many are children, one apparently a wee 8-month old. It breaks my heart.
Before moving here I had no idea that Italy, especially the southern half, is an earthquake prone area. Now I’ve learned that Italy experiences these tragedies every so often. And while the rescuers are trying to find people still trapped under the remains of their homes, politicians are already trying to place blame on someone for not predicting this quake, for not taking safety measures, for not issuing public warnings. They’re like vultures smelling blood.
And all I can think about is that 8-month old baby. I need to go kiss my sleeping babies one more time.
Stay safe, wherever you are.
Filed under: Politics, children, life in general
I was stunned to hear this myself.
Desperate tragedy. Stay safe.
You know, after I posted my other two comments on your other posts, I read that (hadn’t had the news on all day and didn’t know about it) and went to look up a map online to see how close you were to the earthquake. So scary, Minna. I’m glad you are all ok, and am thrilled that you posted.
((((HUGS))))
Oh Minna Im so thankful you and your family are safe and sound….my heart breaks for all those who have lost their lives, have lost a loved one in this horrible tragedy. Im sending you all huge hugs across the waters (((((HUGS))))
That was horrific. I see that the death toll has risen to 200. The very thought of it gives me goosebumps. I also can’t help thinking about the children. It’s giving me insomnia.
Glad you’re safe.
Mick
@ Xbox – a tragedy indeed.
@ Shannon – yeah, goodness me it was scary, And the aftershakes the following night had me jumping out of bed again, wondering if this is “it”.
@Nikki – thanks for the hugs and the thoughts. I’m still thinking about all the lives lost and my heart gets sad.
@ Mick – Indeed. I’m definitely safe at the moment as we were scheduled to travel to Sweden on Tuesday and I can’t remember ever feeling more relieved to leave my home.
Hej gumman! Har tankt pa er, kan inte forestalla mig skracken som du och barnen maste ha kant. Vi upplevde jordbavning i Singapore, men inte lika kraftig, men tillrackligt for att man ska bli radd och springa ut. Skont att ni mar bra och hoppas att ni kan lamna det bakom er och barnen kan kanna sig trygga igen. Jag ser sa mycket fram emot att halsa pa er i sommar!
Manga stora stora kramar till er alla.
I was worried about you with them Minna, I am so glad you are all OK and none of your family was harmed.
HUGS!