A Mother’s Instinct — Remembering the Christchurch Earthquakes

Recently, I sent out a request for others to share their memories of the Christchurch earthquakes that occurred five years ago. To my pleasant surprise, some have come forward with stories so moving that I felt it was important to share them with the world. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the stories sent to me about that day as well as sharing a few of my own. The February 2011 quake changed our lives forever, but has made the city of Christchurch a stronger community.

After the earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February 2011, there was so much devastation. However for Janine Lattimore, her memories of the first earthquake, which occurred in the early hours of 4 September 2010, were most vivid.

A Mother’s Instinct
by Janine Lattimore

Awoken to rumbling, shuddering, heart jumping in fear.  Realisation; earthquake; Jess!  Stumble out of bed to lurch down the hallway rocking like a ship in a storm.  Then dark nothingness: stark black.  Cupboard door flies open smacking me in the face.  Pain, blackness, rolling; Jess!  Crying out, groping along walls to reach her.  Found.  Clutch together on the bed.  Shock and numbness as the earth stills.  Wetness on my face, taste of blood.  Light and life in the dark.  Relief.  Everyone is okay.  We think it is over, but we soon learn that was just the beginning.

About the poet:

Janine Lattimore has been an avid reader and writer since she was very young.  She primarily writes poetry and children's literature but has also written two books with a natural health focus, and has had several articles published in the Tots to Teens magazine.  Janine is a member of the Christchurch Writer's Guild and blogs as The Happy Homemaker. (https://happyhomemakernz.wordpress.com/)

If you have a story that you would like to share, I want to hear it. Visit here for more information on Project Share Your Stories.