Silent Witness
Today, March 18 is National Christchurch Memorial Day, with a service planned for mid-day in Hagley Park, close to the city centre. A great many dignatories will be there, but I won’t be. A memorial service—less than a month on and with all the missing not yet found and the dead not yet named—seems an odd thing. Odder, that we might all just down tools and head off to the park for a picnic and a spot of music. I’ve no objection to others going if it means something to them and they think it will help, but my main emotion is that this is something happening ‘over there’ that bears no relationship to me at all.
I did go for a bit of a walk though yesterday, expanding the boundaries of my post-earthquake perimeter a little further, and thought I would share a few of the shots I took with you, by way of a “silent witness.”
Nothing too dramatic or grand, but this is my memorial.
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Oh Helen – I hear you.
You continue to be much in my thoughts.
Thank you, Claire.
If it helps people, it can’t be bad.
It just seems too soon.
Said from the safety of a different island.
Seconding Claire – we’re thinking of you.
Thanks for the thoughts, Jan. I don’t think it’s “bad”—I just feel that maybe it is/was a little early and also that it didn’t seem like something that ‘connected’ with my personal situation, or those of many who are a lot worse off than me. But over 30,000 people went along and if they got something out of it then I think that is important.
I think it’s far too soon. It feels disrespectful to those who haven’t been named. How can you properly have a memorial service without being able to read out the names of everyone who died? I’m sure it’ll help some people, but I can’t help wondering if those who have truly been affected, who were there that day, will get anything out of it. None of my kids feel ready to go back their yet, they’re all staying home today.
To be honest, it makes me kind of angry. I think the proper time would have been the anniversary of the quake.
Yes, or even in 3 or 4 months time—ok, middle of winter so maybe not such a good idea! I went past Under the Red Verandah cafe today, where SpecFicNZ were having the long lunches and it was just another pile of rubble. I feel really sad because I loved that place—and most particularly their fabulous orange and almond cake.
Their food was amazing. I loved the Spanokopita (I just know I spelled that wrong, which is okay because I couldn’t say it either). It had a beautiful character about it. It’s so hard to see the places you loved as no more than rubble. I wonder if cafe NG is okay, considering where it is? I suppose it’ll be a while until we know about that one.
I hope your day went peacefully and well ๐
PS, isn’t that part of Fitzgerald Ave a scary sight to see, with the road all dropped away? I’ve tried to get an accurate photo of it, but it never quite shows the depth.
You were close, Wen–it’s ‘spanakopita’ and you’re right, the Under the Red Veranda spanakopita was definitely worth a visit in it’s own right. RIP, Under the Red Verandah: already, you’re sorely missed.
Having seen the Civil Defence video of the central city (the one that was first played yesterday as part of the Memorial Service) I don’t hold out great hopes for Cafe NG. But ‘you never know’, it may be ok yet. All of the Poplar Lane and SOL Square area is gone though, and that beautiful builidng that was on the corner of Lichfield and High, the one with the cupola, is mostly gone. And yes, Fitzgerald Avenue is ‘something else’ right now—not unlike driving up a dry river bed, full of holes and gulches.
Darn it! That’s the spelling ๐ I knew mine didn’t look quite right. Boy, it tasted great though.
That CD video was stunning. I hope Cafe NG is okay, but I guess it’s one of many places we hope for that probably won’t be lucky. I didn’t know about Poplar Lane, but I suppose it’s not surprising.
It’s a day by day discovery of all the little familiar places that are gone that gets to you.
All I can say is… hugs. Many of them. ๐
Thanks, Mary. I know there’s not a lot that folk out there can do in practical terms besides donate money, but the moral support is very much appreciated.