Thread: Our Member or Members in American Samoa

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I'm glad to hear you're okay Wolfman. I hope your family is as well. You were the first thing I thought of when I heard the news.

Aw wolfman, that must be horrible being so far away from your loved ones right now. I'm sending good vibes and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

So glad to hear that you are okay and I hope your family is safe.

What a weekend. The first day after the tsunami hit was tough, but the second day, Thursday, was worse. My mind kept playing out these little scenarios about what might have happened. Not good, not healthy. On Friday I flew back to Vancouver to be with my ten-year old daughter. This whole event really messed her up. We couldn't make a connection with Samoa, so we went to a psychic. Don't laugh, people, we're talking major stress here. The psychic said that I would have to move far away from my daughter and avoid eye contact. So I sat about 100 feet away. There was my little girl, sitting at a table with a psychic, asking if her Mama and her little sister were OK. Asking whether Vickie, her five year old sister, was seeing dead bodies. I'll have that image in my mind's eye as long as I live. The psychic told her that they were both unharmed, and that Vickie, whom she described perfectly, was not exposed to death.
On Saturday we went to Seattle to visit my son. He hadn't gotten any word from Samoa either. That afternoon we got a call from my sister in Vancouver. My partner had called her and let her know that they were unharmed. What a relief. That evening in Seattle we attended a Candle Light Vigil with the Samoan community there.

I still haven't been able to get a phone connection, but I have received a few e-mails from the Islands. Apparently our place rocked back and forth, but the only damage done was a few photos and nick-nacks falling off the shelf. The waves spared our place, which is right on the water, but faces due East. The tsunami came in from the South-West. Other people weren't near as lucky. My partner said she started going to the more seriously damaged villages, but couldn't continue because it was so depressing. Also, they saw their first body bags and Vickie started to cry. She said the smell is overwhelming. With all the seawater inundating the ground, vegetation is dying off, beginning to decompose. Still no power, no telephones, it's a disaster zone and no one except Relief Workers are being let in. It's all like a big nightmare, but my family was spared.
I gotta tell those of you who sent e-mails and Private Messages, those little gestures sure did mean a lot at a time like this. I hope none of you ever have to go through something like that, not knowing if loved ones are dead or alive, and being helpless to do anything about it.

Oh thank goodness your family is ok. So sorry that you have to be separated from them, but it is wonderful news to know that they are alright.

Wow! So happy to hear your family was spared. What trauma... I hope your little girl is feeling better and you partner and daughter are coping well.

Wolfman I'm so glad your family is doing alright. I went to the Red Cross website (American Red Cross Helping American Samoa Tsunami Victims) and they indicated you could register your family members that were o.k.

(Per Red Cross site: "The Red Cross urges those who have been able to contact loved ones on American Samoa to register them with Safe and Well, the best way to share information about their status. You can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at American Red Cross. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS to register your loved ones. The information you post will let other loved ones know about the well-being of those on the island. Please note - Safe and Well works only on American Samoa. The service will not work on Samoa.")

If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to make a donation to the Red Cross' Disaster Relief Fund (American Red Cross: Donate Now) in honor of your family and all the families that are struggling right now over there.

Be well, and ~good luck~ to your and yours now and in the future!

That's great news Wolfman. I'm really glad that your family is okay. Thanks for taking the time to update us.

Wow wolfman, that was quite an experience! Hope you never have to go thru somethng like that again! Thanks for updating us and I'm glad everyone is ok

MsM