Earthquake Memories : ‘In a few seconds, life became altered’

The ensuing darkness/starkness was overwhelming. Being disabled, I found my crutch, flashlight and shoes by the bed and lurched hopefully toward safer moorings. Deciding to breathe again, I stumbled into the kitchen.

The unexpected juxtaposition of familiar objects was surrealistic. The double-door refrigerator had waltzed far into the room, both doors swinging ajar. Looking like a large robotic figure with giant arms, it appeared to beckon me to dance. I declined, as I came to my senses.

My neighbor called from the street below, “Are you all right?” “Now I am,” was my reply. Human voices. Loving contact. I wasn’t alone, and not singularly selected by Mother Earth for this uplifting experience after all.

In a few seconds, life became altered, accelerated, full of challenges, surprises, frustrations . . . never to be the same again. What counted the most was survival, loving family and friends. Blocked out for a few months were the sounds and smells: a time of shock and denial. The numbness eased people into the harsh reality of reconstruction.

BETTY McDERMOTT, North Hollywood