A long busy day and evening, a roller coaster of emotions, I finally sit down to write after talking to my mom earlier this evening. I find solace in writing.
6:06am: Again messenger goes off. It’s my friend from Denmark telling me about the 2nd earthquake. I cannot believe it, not again! I call my family friends in Denton, TX, for comfort. Here in Austin my neighbors and friends are constantly in touch asking me how they can help! My husband takes off for work and our son is off to school, they are my rock! I am glad they are continuing their daily routine and I am too. Worrying alone does nothing; we have to keep going if we want to be of use. So I get on FB and start chatting with others to find out what they know and to ask if their families are ok. I try to call my mom but the call does not go through. The rest of the time I wait patiently…must not panic!
3:56pm : After hearing mom is “ok” I get in touch with her, she is quite shaken up and while she talks to me she says “I have to go, here comes another one!” and she hangs up. It’s another aftershock. At least I got to hear her voice. Each time I talk to her I keep thanking AT&T in my mind for allowing this free service to and from Nepal, which ends May 16th. I am grateful to so many all over the world. I hope I can run my tennis classes but rain washes them out. Then a dear neighbor friend texts me to see if I want to get out. We walk our dogs, get some fresh air, then head back to the office desk where more work needs to be done. Keep busy!
9:45pm : I call mom again! This time she is much calmer and I let her talk to my husband and my son on speaker. I hear a little tiny laughter as son and grandma try to converse. Yes it does help her maybe just a little to talk to her grandson. I am in awe, she keeps telling my son, “it will all be ok, don’t worry, “Mamu” is ok now.” I keep thinking, she is the strongest woman I know! I talk for a bit and she describes in detail how she hid under the couch for dear life while the whole building shook and she waited until it stopped to get out. She describes the big hospital building right outside her apartment. It has completely collapsed. She is afraid and cannot sleep. I reassure her I will get there soon to get her and to meet with other friends to see how I can help. All her other neighbors were outside and she is with them in the courtyard. I tell her I love her and we say our goodbyes.
What can I do from here, not much! I was worried and nervous and a bit scared of flying to Nepal after this morning but I think about all the people in Nepal. They are the ones that have been going through this horrible ordeal; they keep rising back up and standing strong. Nepali people have a strength I cannot describe in words. I tell myself I need to stay busy and keep up with my daily work and stay strong as well! After talking to her the 2nd time I am much calmer and I can write, as this is my best way of coping as well as working and staying busy!
I just cannot imagine what the Nepali people have endured mentally and physically and emotionally, including my very own mother. They are so so strong but how much can they take! They keep getting hit again and again but when is this going to stop? God help Nepal!
Here is a preview of some live update videos I found as I searched for more news online. My heart goes out to Nepal.
Nepal earthquake: Dozens die in new tremor near Everest – BBC News