The decision to move to Gibsons from Edmonton in 2004, when our kids were 6, 4, and 2, and the 18 months we lived there, has had a lasting impact on our family. That time was chaotic and wonderful and stressful and fun and memorable. When some money we’d expected and been promised didn’t arrive (long story), we found ourselves in a difficult financial situation, otherwise known as being broke. Returning to Edmonton seemed the sensible thing to do. We knew we had work there. We had family and friends there too. But it was hard to leave the mountains and the sea.
Gibsons remains the most beautiful place I have ever lived. In the summer of 2005, we swam in the sea every day for SIX straight weeks because the weather was that wonderful.
Twenty years later, I enjoy continued friendships and a strong connection to and love for the physical place. Dinners and walks with friends deepen important relationships, and being introduced to new people there extends my social network. It truly feels like a second home.
This trip, I arrived on February 22nd, the day after the earthquake that measured 4.8 on the Richter scale. I was a bit bummed that I had missed it. Ten days later, however, on March 3rd, I was awakened by a smaller quake that measured 4.1. If the 10 day pattern continued, I mused, then March 14th, with the full moon, would bring another quake. A neighbour across the street attended an earthquake preparedness workshop and told me some of the items she’d place inside her emergency kit: books for her grandchildren; a game or two; a gratitude journal because if you lived though “the big one,” you’d want to find something for which to be grateful.
March 14th arrived. The day was mainly sunny with a cool wind. Later, the full moon was obscured by clouds. I wasn’t able to see the lunar eclipse or catch sight of the blood moon. No quake interrupted my sleep.
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