‘The Earthquake’-Becky, 7 ½, Harewood School
I was putting my lunch away at school when the ground starting shaking. I made a turtle on the ground. I felt really scared. The earthquake bell rang and we ran outside on the big court. I went to see if Lucy was alright. I looked after her lots. Mrs Greenwood said to go to the Multi Purpose Room fast. We had to go to the Multi Purpose Room because we felt all shivery and the Multi Purpose Room was warm. Then we did some singing and dancing and the Mums picked the kids up. I looked after Madison. Soon Shannon and I were the only girls in Room 6 left. Then Mum picked me up. I was worried about Shannon but her Mum came as well. We went to see if Mum’s car was ready from the mechanics, but it wasn’t ready yet. So we left our courtesy car at the mechanics (because it had no petrol) and we walked to Nana’s house. When we were at Nana’s house we had some marmite toasties and a biscuit. We watched TV in the doorway. We were in the doorway because there were lots of aftershocks. The TV said lots of people died. I was really sad. Daddy worked in the building next to the PGC building. We were really worried about him but he sent us a phone message to say that he was alright. Then he came to Nana’s house as well. We gave him a big hug. Then Aunty Carolyn, Uncle Michael and our cousins Sarah and Cameron came over. We watched three movies while the adults watched the News on the other TV. We stayed for tea and we had chicken nuggets and chips. We had ice cream for dessert. At home we didn’t have power yet and we had to boil our water. For lots of nights I slept on a mattress on the floor because I was scared my bunk would fall over.
Dear Becky
I am so impressed with the amount of care you have given out to Lucy and Shannon. How kind of you.
Good to be a turtle when you have to and what lovely teachers you have making sure you are safe and well.
It was fantastic to get to Nana’s and eat a good kiwi food; marmite toasties!
I am sure you are all having lots of hugs and cuddles at the moment and special ones when Dad came home.
I hope you get your bed back soon. Please remember that I am thinking of you and your family loads.
Take care. From Ella in Auckland.
Thanks for writing a great story Becky. I really appreicated the way you helped other people after the quake and showed our school values. There have been lots of people working really hard all over Christchurch to help others which helps make our city a special place to be!
Hi Becky
What a great story. I am pleased that everything is OK at home. It was good that dad was able to contact you to let you know he was safe. It has been a tragedy for so many families. We are so lucky out at Harewood. See you soon.
Love Mrs Stone
You were very brave Becky and I am so proud that you cared for other people. Lots of love Grandma
Dear Becky What a scary time and you were so brave. How lucky Lucy is to have such a caring sister. So proud of you. Love you lots Auntie Jan
Wow Becky, you have written a good story. You are a very caring person. I bet you were so happy to know that Lucy was OK. It was good you were able to walk to Nanas. Sounds like you had some yummy things to eat! We think of you lots. Lots of love to everyone.
Thanks for replying to me. It was scary when it was the earthquake but I got a little shock then I wasn’t scared.