Reviews from

When it felt safe to cry

my feelings after the earthquake

44 total reviews 
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
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You did a great job sharing your thoughts and
feelings in the aftermath of the earthquake, Jesse.
It would've scared me to death had I been there. We've
had 2 in the last 2 months--5.4 & 5.6. Thankfully,
no one died and most of it was in an desolate area.
Was this the first earthquake you've been in? I liked
the last lines about celebrating Christmas. Yes, put
the past out of your mind and think positive.
Thanks for sharing, Jan

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    Easier said than done, my friend. I am still experiencing aftershocks from the original earthquake which was a 6.4 point two died and many were injured so this was a big one for us here in Eureka, California.
    This one was devasting but it is by far not the only one I have been through.
    I live in California where earthquakes happen quite frequently yet this was terrible and I am still recovering from the shock of it all.
    Have a happy Christmas!
    Jesse
Comment from Heather Knight
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Dear Jesse,
I'm so sorry to hear you had to go through such a terrible experience.
I'm glad to know you're not hurt.
Please stay safe and tell us how you're doing.
Hugs,
MJ

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    Thanks, MJ, for your supportive and inquisitive review. I am doing as good as can be expected since I am still feeling aftershocks from the original earthquake.
    I will make it though, I am a trooper that way. Thanks for asking and for the hugs.
    I wish you a happy Christmas.
    Jesse
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
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Oh, no, where do you live? What city. I have experienced earthquakes but nothing serious. It's a scary sensation. I know what you mean. Specially if you are using a wheelchair. Thank God for good friends. I'm happy you survived it. Happy holidays.

Gypsy hugs

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Hi Gypsy. I live in Eureka, California up in northern California and I was near the epicenter of the earthquake. It was a 6.4-point earthquake and it was terrifying!
    Yes, I am grateful for good friends.
    Have a happy Christmas and a merry new year!
    Jesse
reply by Gypsy Blue Rose on 25-Dec-2022
    I think you told me before but I have a terrible memory. I remember reading about in the news. I'm glad you are okay.
reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    Thanks. I am grateful to be alive.
    Jesse
Comment from Ric Myworld
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I'm so glad you didn't have any permanent physical injuries from the earthquake, and hopefully the fear will soon subside. I hope you have a happy holiday!

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Ric for your concern. I and Sunny are safe and we hope the fear will subside as the days go by. Have a joyful holiday season, my friend!
    Jesse
Comment from Liz O'Neill
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I'm glad you took care of yourself: "After I regained my composure, I called David my faithful friend to help move the stuff which was strewn around all over the floor and in the path of my wheelchair." Tears are painful, but healing: " I take my glasses off gently, to not smear them with tears." This kind of stuff creates massive PTSD. Be gentle with yourself.

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Liz, for your kind and thoughtful review. I will be gentle with myself.
    Jesse
reply by Liz O'Neill on 24-Dec-2022
    So glad to hear. Have you looked up the symptoms of PTSD. I taught a course on it. I can give the link to my web page page on it. I have PTSD for several reasons so I know them from experience
reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the offer. I will ask my therapist when I see her next week.
    Jesse
reply by Liz O'Neill on 25-Dec-2022
    excellent
Comment from Jim Wile
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That was very moving, James. Thanks for sharing your feelings with us after this frightening event. It makes me wonder, though, if the tears are from that event, or the lack of someone close to withstand it with you. Perhaps it was loneliness that you found frightening. You hinted at this which made the story more interesting.

Best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas.

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    I am glad this moved you, Jim. Have a happy holiday season!
    Jesse
Comment from karenina
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Oh, Jesse! This must have been terrifying! Living on the east coast we had a very minor earthquake several years ago. I was sitting in my car waiting for my son to exit the grocery store when suddenly I felt the entire car shaking. I thought it was him, fooling around, rocking the bumper! As people began to react I too became frozen in anticipation of what was to come next.

That was nothing compared to what you describe with such skill. I felt myself feeling your sense of fear and doom and helplessness and wonder at it all.

You're home safe with Sunny this Christmas Eve, as I write this? I hope so!

I am so glad you wrote this. Often writing out your feelings and emotions helps to process the traumatic event. I'm so glad you are safe and that David was able to come to assist you!

Happy Holidays my friend! Here's to you acheiving your health goals in 2023!

Karenina


 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Yes, Sunny and I are safe. We are looking forward to spending Christmas day together with friends and sharing a grand feast. Thanks for seeing that this is cathartic for me. I needed to write out this scenario and share my feelings with my friends on FS. Happy holidays, my friend! I intend on achieving my health goals in 2023!
    With lots of love,
    Jesse
reply by karenina on 25-Dec-2022
    Cheers, Jesse! Enjoy your holiday celebration!
reply by the author on 25-Dec-2022
    And you as well, my kind and caring friend.
    Jesse
Comment from royowen
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Apparently the only earthquake that happened in my life, was when I was only 14, and I managed to sleep through, almost like Jesus had to be woken up by His disciples when He was asleep in the boat in the middle of the storm. I'm sorry it was som traumatic for you, yes, cats will have a terrible time. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous new year Jesse, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Roy, for sharing. I hope you have a joyful holiday season.
    Jesse
reply by royowen on 24-Dec-2022
    You too Jake
reply by royowen on 24-Dec-2022
    Most welcome Judi
Comment from poetwatch
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I assume you're somewhere in California, Jesse. Down where I live there hasn't been a big earthquake to my knowledge. We had tornados and Hurricane winds with water, baseball hail, and sometimes super dry weather. I can imagine you, by yourself, being shaken with fear by an earthquake. There is no shame in crying. I cry, myself. Take care of yourself and have a Merry Christmas. Smile, you're still breathing.
Jose

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Yes, I live in Eureka, California and I was shaken up pretty badly from an earthquake that happened on Tuesday early in the morning. Thanks for the encouragement.
    And yes, I am still breathing.
    Jesse
Comment from lancellot
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Hmm, there are some detail missing, that I think may give the readers a better understanding of the situation. Where does this take place? Is it a location where earthquakes are common? How old were you? Did you have any previous emotional or mental issues? How bad was the quake? Were their injuries? Past traumatic experiences with quakes. That sort of thing, so we can understand the reasons for the extreme fear. How did this quake change your life? Why would anyone ever think the Earth was safe, or cared about the people on it?

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 24-Dec-2022
    Thanks for the interesting review.
    Hope you enjoy the holidays.
    Jesse