Reviews from

When it felt safe to cry

my feelings after the earthquake

44 total reviews 
Comment from Kayte Ray
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well written
You really caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. Your presentation is great though I might suggest you consider the use of a graphic next time to more completely portray the wonderful emotion of your work.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022

Comment from zanya
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for sharing this personal experience of this major event. It's so real in its impact through the fear of not being sure when to cry - wishing you well as you adjust to these circumstances.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022

Comment from dellsworthpoet
Excellent
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An interesting retelling of a traumatic event. The flow is good. The images are clear. The feeling of uncertainty and disquiet are strong. The description of the shocking numbness which follows for some time is good. The narrative stays on point.

Thanks for sharing.


 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022

Comment from Ginda Simpson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

When your whole world is rocked and the earth shifts beneath your feet, literally as in the experience of an earthquake, or some other emotional storm, it is important to let the tears flow. It is not only a release, but the first step towards healing. Stay well and always reach out to others. Merry Christmas.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022

Comment from Michele Harber
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The psyche is an amazing thing. It protects us from emotions we're not ready to face, and lets us know when we are ready. It's perfectly understandable that you didn't give yourself the freedom to cry initially. You had no idea what else might happen or when, and knew you had to be fully alert and ready to face whatever might occur. It took a few days of the earth not shaking for you to believe that, perhaps, it wouldn't shake again any time soon.

In my case it took me days to cry after my father died, despite how much I loved him. I knew there were too many people counting on me to hold them up and, if I collapsed, so would they. It took 'til I was in the bathroom, in the middle of the night, when I looked in the mirror and saw nobody around but me, until I felt safe enough to cry.

Give yourself the freedom to grieve or panic -- or cry -- as you see fit. Only you know what's better for you and when. I'm glad you finally reached a point where you could let it out. I assume it helped greatly.

Thank you for such a brave, honest, moving account of what you went through. It took a lot of guts for you to describe your experiences. I suspect it was calming to those who've experienced similar things, and enlightening to those of us who haven't. You've told your story beautifully, and I hope that's another step in your getting through and dealing with what happened to you.

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 27-Dec-2022
    Wow, Michele! You have said so many insightful truisms that I don't know where to start in responding to this wonderful six-star review. Thank you from the depths of my heart for getting the gist of what I experienced and letting me cry when I need to cry. I hope you have had a happy Christmas and will enjoy the new year's festivities! I want to say so much but I only have so many words to describe how I feel for you, my friend! Thank you so completely!
    Jesse
reply by Michele Harber on 27-Dec-2022
    You've absolutely made my day, Jesse! Thank you for your kindness and expressiveness, and your ability to see past the hardships you've faced to the people and goodness around you. I can't tell you how much I admire that!
reply by the author on 28-Dec-2022
    Thank you, Michele. I am glad you admire me, as I admire you, as well.
    Jesse
reply by Michele Harber on 28-Dec-2022
    You make me blush (proudly) more than anyone I know.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2022
    Yay!!!
Comment from Sugarray77
Excellent
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Jesse, this is a very moving piece that gives us a glimpse of how terrifying it is to experience an earthquake and have to have assistance to move and function. I am glad you are able to write about it and share it with your friends here. Well done.

Melissa

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2022
    Yes, it felt good to share it with all of you here at Fanstory. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful words.
    Happy New Year!
    Jesse
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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That was obviously quite traumatic for you! You must have felt very vulnerable, being on your own. Nature is powerful and unpredictable. I hope you are over the shock now, and can celebrate a happy and meaningful Christmas.
Wendy

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    I am still experiencing aftershocks from the original earthquake so it will still take some time before I am completely recovered from the trauma of it all.
    I will still celebrate the holidays and I thank you for giving me a kind and thoughtful review.
    Jesse
Comment from Mrs. KT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Merry Christmas, Jesse!
Goodness!
What an experiece for you, heightened by the fact that you live alone and felt the terror of not only the earthquake but the challenges of navigating your apartment.
Your first line is a wonderful "hook!"
Wishing you a beautiful and safe holiday, Jesse!

diane

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    Good morning, Diane, and merry Christmas! I am so grateful for your friendship and you actually got the gist of what I experienced alone in my apartment and in a wheelchair no less!
    Thank you for this incredible extra star on top of a realization to help me that my first line was a hook! Have a lovely holiday and make it a safe and warm and dry one as well!
    Jesse
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Jesse! I didn't know you lived in Humboldt County! I'm so sorry you had such a frightening experience. I'm relieved that you and Sunny are fine. I heard that two people died in that quake.
Yes, let's thank the Lord for the safety and may you be blessed with a wonderful Christmas celebration. Thankful for your friend, David! Hope both of you have many joy-filled adventures in 2023!

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Yes, I live in Eureka, CA in Humboldt county. And I am grateful for David and for all my friends who have supported me through it all.
    Thanks for the pump and the fantastic sendoff with the beautiful picture!
    Jesse
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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How awful for you to experience an earthquake Jesse, that must have been quite terrifying. You seemed quite calm, despite the chaos and it is no wonder you didn't feel safe. We often have a delayed response to shock as in the moment we first feel the need to survive and then we realise just how vulnerable we are. A very real and honest account of the events here, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Thank you, Dolly, for the insightful and detailed review. I love how you were able to understand how I felt vulnerable after the quake had hit. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement.
    Have a happy holiday season!
    Jesse