Wednesday, September 30, 2009

What a day yesterday.

It started out like any other day...just a little earlier than usual. I was in my sewing room and my husband was getting ready for work.

As I was sitting there, I noticed my metal shelves rocking back and forth and then things began flying off of them (in most earthquakes that usually doesnt happen, things flying)...so I knew this was going to be a good one.

So I went to the room where my husband was, he was getting dress. It is amazing because there was no fear, we stood there, seems like for ever trying to decide what to do. We discussed going out, laying beside the bed, we heard the bed would take the blunt of the ceiling. I told my husband that I had to get decent first. He said, no....let's just get outside. I was not going outside looking indecent. So I began to get decent. He called at me to foget it and just get outside that if the ceiling and walls collasp that I would still be indecent. But I would not have it....and so I got dressed. By that time things had slowed some. I knew that it was more than a 6.6 because that is what we had 2 weeks ago...and sure enough it was 8.0...(you heard different reports). The next question was, what next. We decied that Vance would stay home from work incase of a tsunammi. What a great decision that was.

His office was right in the middle of all of the commotion. There and on the other side of the island. So the damage was in concentrated areas. We are up a hill and are very safe. We could watch the waves and life below us with much ease. We only saw the sprays of the ocean waves against the mountain side in the direction of Pago Pago...we did not see the destruction because our vision is blocked by the moutains that incase the Pago Harbour.

The oddest thing was that it was an amazingly beautiful day, cool, nice breeze, beautiful sky and yet happening beyond our view was mass destruction.

People filled the mountain side. Friends came over for safe keeping.

Later that day we went and took pictures of the damage to my husbands office building. The whole bottom level was totally gutted out. His office remained unharmed. He will have no electricity for weeks, maybe months....so he may be working from home. Lucky me.

We have heard some truly horrific stories, one of a lady having her baby snatched out of her arms by the wave. We have friends that have lost everything and barely escaped with their lives. This makes me cry to know how near they came to death. We met a man at the Harbour that barely made it up the side of the mountain with his life. There are alot of people who have lost everything and some even family members. Some have gone out to sea never to be seen again. That would be the hardest part, trying to find a family member and not be able to, knowing that that ocean was their death.

So I sit here today, complaining because I can't post pictures, or email....and I think, what is up with you Barbara, you are safe, others are not, you have all and others have none....so a little inconvenince with the internet is nothing.

I am soooo grateful to all of you for your comment of concern, I have not been able to read them all due to the internet. I can not respond either...I am sorry. Thank you all so much!!! I knew I had some wonderful friends out there but didn't know how wonderful until now.

62 comments:

West Michigan Quilter said...

Barb, it's so nice to hear that you are okay. We've all been concerned about you. You will be in my prayers. Keep in touch when you can.

Twisted Quilts said...

So glad to hear that you are ok. I have been thinking of you all day.

lesthook said...

It sure is good to hear this! Take care!

Kaye said...

Wow, all I can sat is Wow!!! You gave us quite a description. Can we as Bloggers help in any way? Talk to Hubby and see what we can do. God Bless You, I am so grateful you 2 are safe

luv2quilt2 said...

I know you can't read this or respond, but that's ok. At some point you can. I just wanted you to know that you and everyone there have been in my prayers and thoughts. I am so happy to know that you are safe, and so sorry to hear of the destruction and terrible loss so many have suffered.

Wendyb said...

Barb, thank God you are safe....you have been in my thoughts since I heard the news....our wishes and prayers are with you.
XXX 'o) Wendy B

Needled Mom said...

You cannot imagine the relief of seeing a post from you, Barb. My hearts and prayers go out to all who have been so badly impacted by this terrible event.

Judi said...

Oh Barb, I couldn't sleep last night just thinking and worrying about you and what is going on. I am so thankful that you are safe. Let us know if we can do anything to help. I will continue to pray for the people who have lost everything. Take care.

Lane said...

Oh, Barb, I'm so glad to hear from you. When we heard the news, I told Rob and Sydney that I had a friend there. I'm so glad you and your family are okay. I feel for those that didn't fare so well. Take care. Lane

Anonymous said...

I've been getting reports from Pat's blog...you girl, have been very heavy on my mind! Of course I enjoyed your post and especially the comment about him being home to work. :-) Thankfully you safe and well and we all completely understand if we don't hear from you...at least we know! Is there anything anybody can do to help? Somehow...someway?

Sharon B said...

I know about you through Linda's blog, Fiber Fabrications. You've been on my mind since I first heard about the Tsunami. I'm so glad to hear that you and your family are safe. Take care.

BlueRidge Boomer said...

I've been checking your blog site all day...so glad to hear from you!!!

More prayers coming your way.....

Stay safe.....LindaMay

Candace said...

Oh Barb, I was wondering how you faired in the earthquake and tsunami. Thank goodness you and your husband are OK - and I totally understand your need to "get decent" before going out - LOL! My heart goes out to all those affected.
Take care!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Barb, I'm SO glad to hear that you and your family are ok. I've been worried about you.

Betsy said...

I know you cannot comment but I am so glad that you are safe. We will keep you and the other islanders in our daily prayers.

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Thank God you are okay! I've been worrying all day since I saw the news but figured as soon as you were able to post you would and if you didn't, I was tracking down family members through your other sites! I didn't realize how much I've come to appreciate you during my day until the sad news of the quake and tsunami. I'm so glad you are okay but my prayers will remain with those who need them most!

Millie said...

Barb, I am so glad to hear you and your DH is safe...will keep you and your family in our prayers. A disaster like that is terrible and we can't even think how hard it had to be to be there. Lots and lots of hugs,
Millie

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Barbara so glad to hear that you and your family are alright. I know I have not written for awhile but know that as soon as I heard what had happened I knew you were there and wondered how you all were.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

AverettLadyNana said...

So thankful you are safe! I just heard from my college friend, she and her family escaped seconds before her home and contents gone by three waves...they lost their dog.

Cathi said...

It is so good to see a post from you and know you're okay. I can't even begin to imagine how people there are coping with this.

Shari said...

Wow Barb. I'm so glad you are ok. It must just be shocking and heartbreaking to be in the middle of all that. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like. If there was some way I could give you a big hug, I would. Something like this focuses our reality. Be sure and let us know if you need anything we can help with...
Big Hugs - Shari

sewfunquilts said...

Barb...Am so thankful you and family are okay. I'm sorry to see all the pictures/videos/news and the loss of lives.

Please keep us posted on what we sewers/quilters can do, ok? We did the Bundle of Love pkgs. to Iraq of sewing/fabric items, so after some recovery time, let us know and maybe we could do something like that for the sewers/quilters there.

Love to you, family & friends!

SewCalGal said...

I'm so happy to know you and your husband are safe. And I know many others are also going to be very happy to hear the good news.

But I am truly sorry for those in American Samoa that have been harmed. I am hearing on my local So. Cal news that volunteers & supplies are already heading your way. Some coming from American Red Cross and some from various groups. If you hear of any way I can help, from this distance, please let me know. Otherwise I'll support local programs that look well organized to try to help.

Again, I'm very happy to hear you and your husband are ok.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

ooglebloops said...

Right after I heard about this from Pat's blog, I got the local paper, and there it was on the front page - about the earthquake and tsunami. It told about all of the destruction, and the loss of the Park Service building and some of the workers and volunteers among the missing. My husband and I worked for the Park Service for many years, altho I don't think we know anyone in Samoa. It is so sad, and we are all glad to hear you are safe - and glad your husband decided to stay home....!!!!

Jocelyn said...

Oh Barb I am so glad to hear that you and your husband are safe. It was such a tragedy. Write when you can. I've been thinking of you and I say a little prayer.

Jocelyn

Sherry said...

Wow what a day you had. I'm gald to hear your Ok I will keep you all in my prayers. Please take care of yourself.

Kim Walus said...

I was glad to hear that you and your husband are okay. How Scary!!! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Sue said...

I'm SOOOO relieved to hear that you are safe, Barbara! I don't know how you managed to get onto the internet to post but I'm glad you did. Every time I hear about the earthquakes and tsunami on the news I think of you and wonder if you are safe. Take care, and post more when you can. Yes- lots of us care about each other, having formed bonds through blogging.

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Thank God you are fine....I was very upset not knowing....I hated to have to board a plane to come and find you....better get a phone book going here....I will need everyones home address, phone number...next of kin....the whole bit...LOL

Very big safe hugs to you and everyone else is in our thoughts too.

Kelly

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Thank God you are both safe!!

Gene Black said...

Barb, I was so glad to hear that you were okay. I know that Tonya, Pat and I were all worried about you (as was Debi - "quilting with Debi) Once Tonya heard from you we all felt better. Although we were still worried about those we didn't know (and your friends there)

I am particularly glad to hear that your Hubby was home and you weren't alone to face such a thing.
Take care.

Pat said...

OH, Barb....I am so happy that you and Vance are okay but at the same time, I feel guilty for being so ecstatic and feeling all is well with the world because my friend is alive and SAFE.... when I know things are NOT right with the world as there are so many who are heartbroken all around you and who have lost family members and everything they owned. Praying for the right help to be made available to all of them soon.

Kat said...

great to hear from you!! all of us in blogland were worried.. we'll be thinking of you, your family, friends, and neighbors in the weeks and months to come..
-Kathy

Carla said...

I am soooooo very happy to hear you are safe. My heart goes out to those that aren't.

Kim D. said...

Barb, It's so good to hear that you and your dh are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the people there on the islands. I have been in several earthquakes and know the rumbling sound they make before they hit, it's so scary. I've heard it's best to stand in a doorway or get under a desk. That doesn't help much if the ceiling collapses however. You sound like me, honey I need my clothes. Take care.

arlette said...

Thanks God you and your hubby are ok, please keep us posted when you can!

Jean said...

I am so sorry for all the turmoil on your island...but glad you are safe.

Crispy said...

I saw a blurb on Yahoo about the tsunami and immediately e-mailed Pat who let me know through Tonya that you were ok. Oh, it was such a relief!! My prayers are with you, your hubby and all your neighbors and friends.

Crispy

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Hi Barb,
I'm so glad you and your husband are safe. Your friends that have lost so much are in my prayers and hope you continue to be safe.
Hugs sent your way,
Bonnie

hetty said...

Glad to hear that you and your husband are alright. I have been worried all day. Glad your husband didn't go to work and glad that he was home with you when the earthquake hit. As for the tsunami, I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to have the ocean just grab you and wash you away. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your part of the world.

quiltsbylee said...

So happy to see your post. Prayers still being said for all concerned. Let us know how we can help.

Jennifer said...

Barb, we have never met but I have been thinking about you and wondering if you and your family were OK. So good to hear that you are, but so sad to hear of your friends.

Jodi Nelson said...

So glad you are safe! Here I was checking your other blog and never even thought to look here. What a dip! LOL. I have been thinking about you a lot. And your little part of the world is in my prayers. ooxx`jodi

Unknown said...

Oh Barb, your story was so touching, tears, as I read of your experience to my sweetie.
We were so worried about you for sure, but gratefully, you have survived to tell the tale.
Yes, not knowing where your loved ones are would be the saddest of all for the families.
Keep safe. hugs.

Danielle said...

SO glad to hear you and your husband are okay. When I heard about the tsunami I immediately thought of you... my prayers are with you and yours, and for all of those who were not so fortunate.

andsewon said...

So happy to read you all are okay.
Sent you an email but now know you cannot respond!
You just take care of what you need to do we willbe here.
When you can let me know if I can do or send anything when it is possible.
Hugs,
Lola

Anonymous said...

I'm so very glad you're okay and that everything is fine for you.

I'm sorry, still about the others...

*welcome back hug*

Anonymous said...

I'm so very glad you're okay and that everything is fine for you.

I'm sorry, still about the others...

*welcome back hug*

Pat / Silver Thimble Quilt Co. said...

Oh Barb I have been so worried about you. I'm so glad you are ok. Please keep us up to date on what is going on. Prayers to all who are going through so much.

Pat

Mandy said...

It is soooo nice to know that you are ok.

I'll be sending prayers your way for everyone who needs them. I hope things return to a "normal" soon but until then, I hope God will give you and those who were truly affected by the quake and tsunami the strength they need to get through this.

Take Care

Seams to Sew and Quilt said...

Barb, I'm so happy you and your family are ok. You have been in my thoughts since I heard this on the news. My heart goes out to all the people who were affected by this. So sorry about your friends that lost everything.

Kim said...

I suppose it takes a while for the enormity of the situation to truly sink in. Your thoughts falling to everyday inconvenience is normal given the shock you have had. Knowing your husband had a close call, hearing the stories, seeing the devastation is all very shocking and difficult to process. We are all fortunate to hear from you and to know that you are safe. Thanks for thinking to get a message out. I am very sorry this has happened...will be thinking about you and your community as you work through loss of lives and recovery of homes, buildings and all that makes life feel normal again.

Mary L. said...

It was such a relief to learn you were okay. My prayers are with those who lost loved ones and belongings. Life is so fragile.

Susan said...

I'm so glad to hear that you and your family are safe! I'm keeping all who were affected by this horrible event in my prayers...I wish there was more I could do to help.

Unknown said...

I am so glad that you are safe...you have been on my mind the minute I heard about the quake and tsunami and I have been praying for you.....melinda

Dresden Quilter said...

I am so glad to hear that you are okay.

Rachel said...

Hi Barb,
I've been thinking about you a lot as I watch the news and see all the damage and devastation in your area. I'm so relieved to hear that you're doing fine are everyone in your family is safe!

Take care!
Rachel

Mam said...

So happy to hear you are safe. My prayers and thoughts have been with you since Betsy mentioned it on her blog.

quiltmom anna said...

Barb,
I was so Glad to know that you and your spouse are safe. It must be terrifying for everyone involved.
I hope that plans will go into place so that people's basic needs are met.
Sending you warm thoughts.
Will keep watching for your updates.
Regards,
Anna

Debi said...

OH Barb, so glad to hear you are okay. This is the first I have been able to surf the net as I worked today, and then went immediately to my night class. What a relief to know you and your family are okay.

Angela said...

So thankful you are safe. So thankful.

Anonymous said...

Hello Barb, we were away, when we heard about the earthquake and tsunami, I was worried about you and went to an internet cafe to check you were ok....my thoughts and prayers for all that have been affected....Hugs lyn