Sad and shocking times

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This beautifully written poem by D.Johnstone really sums up what has happened and the feelings of virtually all the residents of New Zealand, particularly those living in Christchurch. It was a dreary, drizzly start to the day, but welcome rain was a positive sign. I was teaching in the morning, came home and sat outside to have a very late lunch. The peace was shattered by the constant sound of sirens and then helicopters flying overhead, but I thought it might have been a false alarm at the airport. How I wish it had been. I was unaware of the panic and chaos unfolding only 10 minutes away until I received a text from Mark asking where I was and if I was okay. Suddenly, the news was everywhere and city buildings were in lockdown and residents advised to lock doors and stay inside. This, in my beloved Christchurch, The Garden City, so peaceful, friendly and 'safe'. 

Words cannot describe how I, and my friends felt at that time. Memories of the esrthquakes came flooding back, those hours when we sat, unable to move, in front of the television ( I was in Switzerland at the time), tears trickling down the cheeks, sharing the pain and horror with those involved. An emptiness overwhelms you, you are exhausted, you no longer function normally, and yet you can do nothing but sit and stare in disbelief.

My life is starting to go back to normality, but the sound of a siren, a helicopter flying overhead ( and they do continuously) brings back the shock and sadness. 

Today, I visited the Wall of Flowers by the Botanical Gardens. I joined a long line of people, from babes in prams to elderly in wheelchairs, people of so many ethnic groups, different coloured skins, different languages and cultures, most carrying bunches of flowers, paintings or cards, all of us heading to the most remarkable mass of flowers and messages I have ever seen. We all wanted to express our support for the Muslim community and those who have lost loved ones, or who have friends and family who lay injured in the nearby hospital. What a sad and unbelievably moving experience.  I felt truly overwhelmed with grief as I read all the beautiful, heartfelt messages. This was my card I left.

Who could guess as we walked through the beautiful, tranquil Gardens how it would look on the other side of the Gardens' fence.

This was the sight that hit us as we exited the Gardens. Flowers, wreaths, bouquets, plants, school class messages and poetry, letters saying 'sorry', letters from Muslim community thanking us for our support. One little girl had drawn a beautiful picture and written, ' I hope you will be very happy in heaven. We will miss you here'. 

Teddy bears placed there by their loving owners, wanting to share their precious toys with those families less fortunate.

A photo of our Prime Minister, hugging one of the bereaved ladies. This will certainly become an iconic photo of the tragedy. What a leader Jacinda is. I feel proud to have her as PM. What a caring individual she is and such a superb speaker at a time when we could barely speak.

It was a long, sad and heart- wrenching walk along the sea of flowers. 

Not far away, the city life had returned to normal. Locals and tourists were out enjoying the warm, sunny autumn day. Just as the pain and anguish of the earthquakes has subsided, so will this latest event become less dominant, but neither of these tragedies, one a natural disaster and the other a horrific pre- meditated attack, will ever be forgotten. They serve to remind us how important it is to cherish what we have and to be kind to others.

Our new city is evolving. The people and the city of Christchurch will overcome these tragic events, together, as ONE.