FLASHBACK FRIDAY!!!

In light of what just happened in Japan (again), I thought I would give you a 'FLASHBACK FRIDAY' which has to do with an earthquake we had here in California many years ago. It’s Friday and we’re supposed to be excited for the weekend, but after what Japan just experienced this week, this week’s Friday post is going to be a little on the somber side; however, from it you will also gather how grateful and fortunate I was and still am today. I think we should all use what happened in Japan as motivation to get prepared in the event that we have our “big one” and moreover, use it to reflect on all we have in our lives, albeit friends, family, jobs etc. Basically, the things many of us take for granted, because when God wants something to happen – it’s going to happen “like a thief in the night”.

Will you be prepared?

On that note, let me jump into this weeks ‘FLASHBACK FRIDAY!’

First off, I want to let everybody know, I don’t remember exactly how old I was and I surely do not remember which quake it was. It definitely was not the Northridge quake, because I was in high school when that one happened. It was the other big quake we had years prior to that one. I want to say it was the Whittier quake, but I’m not sure.

Moving on....

“Christopher Miguel, I hope you’re feeling well”

My grandfather used to sing that to me (my mother did as well) whenever I was sick and on this day, I remember saying I was sick so I wouldn’t have to go to school. It worked, because I remember both my grandmother and my mother taking off to work, leaving my grandfather and I at home.

Once they left, I hopped out of bed and went into the living room to play with my Nintendo. As for gramps, he was doing the usual – watching ‘The Price Is Right’. We weren’t home alone long when suddenly the house started shaking. I had never been through an earthquake, I had only heard about them, so needless to say I was terrified. The clown ceramics that my grandmother used to collect started flying off the shelves in the living room, the windows were rattling violently – it was chaos. I remember running into the hall way and straight for my grandparent’s room. Unfortunately, my grandfather thought I was lying down in bed (like I was supposed to be doing) so when the house began shaking, in the time that I was running into the hallway, he ran into the room; basically, we missed each other.

BOOM! POW! WHAM!

Doors were slamming shut, glass was breaking, boards were hitting the wall – I swear, I remember it sounding like a scene from a movie. Or in this case, for those of you old enough to remember, the description of the sound would be from Batman & Robin the original show.

Now, my grandparents’ room was not modern, they had a high bed, big mirror attached to an old wooden lacquered dresser. They even had a tall one where the TV sat atop of. The one item that annoyed the heck out of me as a child was one of their prized possessions – an old grandfather clock. They had this clock in their bedroom next to the bed and every hour on the hour:

DING! DONG!

I remember running into the room yelling, “Grandpa! Grandpa!”

When I ran in the room, I passed the clock which was going off due to the quake and in my state of disorientation, I didn’t even pay attention to the grandfather clock which had began to tilt and was on its way down – on top of me!

Again, I was disoriented, so I didn’t even notice it, but what I do remember happening next was getting yanked hard from my shirt collar, at which point I watched the heavy clock crash onto the ground. I looked up and my grandfather gave me a huge bear hug as we stood in the doorway. Like a good father, which to me he was, he consoled me and explained to me that we had just experienced an earthquake.

I can assure you all of one thing; I did not stay home from school for a long while after that. Also, while it was a traumatic experience for me, it is still to date a great memory I have of my grandfather. I don’t want to get all mushy on you guys, but it’s one thing when your grandfather gives you a hug, but it’s another when you can actually feel the love being transferred through his arms from such a tight squeeze. It’s more than just a hug, it was him protecting me and without words letting me know that I’m okay now.

My grandfather has since passed away and being that I grew up without a biological father, I would be remiss to say I grew up without a father; quiet frankly, between my mother, grandmother, and grandfather – I had all I needed far as I was concerned. Obviously, I miss my grandfather more than words can explain, so rather than mourn him, I will forever celebrate his life by bringing you stories on occasion during FLASHBACK FRIDAY which highlight the ways in which he gave me plenty of stories that I feel should be shared with the world.

In turn, I would welcome all of you to share back some of your stories as well; either via e-mail (thewriteguyz@yahoo.com) or by becoming a contributor on our web site and blogging there (www.thewriteguyz.com) or by commenting here and sharing your stories.

***One last parting note, I know many of you will want to help out by sending money to those in Japan; however, be very, very careful about the organizations. Unfortunately, there are very bad people in this world who prey on the kind and make a killing during natural disasters (i.e. see Katrina). Make sure the organization or causes are reputable and do your research before sending your money.

(Images found at blog.custommade and questgarden)