Monica Sayad

The 5.6 earthquake had its way. We are bent but not broken. The epicenter was a few miles south of Willits and yes, it rocked the house on Woods St. I held on and road it out watching lamps and fans and furniture fly and fall. It was loud and violent. When I assessed the damage we faired so much better than it sounded. As the house twisted the plaster of this 122 year old house cracked at each seam and window join on the ground floor. It’s steadfastness to bend and not break is a message for me. “Bent but NOT broken”. That speaks to me.
Thanks to the many who have checked on us. We are well and all broken glass and damaged walls are fixable and replaceable.
I want to shout out some of the goodness that I saw in my hometown. A young man age 9-10 was on his bike checking on the elder neighbor. She is a widow and was in the shower at the time of the quake. I saw posts on FB of people offering help. The senior center put out a statement of food and safe shelter. Neighbors helped neighbors. I need to see this, it matters . There was also snarky comments making light of the displaced and rattled people who “fell out of bed” or “stubbed their toe.” To them I say, I feel sorry for you, you miss out on all the goodness there is to be had in our small town. I’ll focus on the helpful handyman with a truck, the 10 year old boy. You must be lonely on your island. We are better together. ♥️