There is never a dull moment when you live near L.A. 

This morning, I dropped off my girl at camp and felt a bit uneasy for some reason.  I chalked it up to just the fact that they were taking my 8 year old on a field trip 40 miles from home;  on a bus on the freeways around L.A.; to the Discovery Science Center, which is in Santa Ana. 

And then, 11:42am came:  I was in my office writing a therapy note, when I heard a loud noise and a violent shake;  the rolling and swaying began.  I opened my office door to GET OUT ( I know, it’s not what’s recommended, but it’s second nature – everyone does this, trust me).  Several people are shouting, “Earthquake!”, and everyone was rushing to get outside.  

Outside, I could see the cars just swaying with the movement of the earth.  I could feel the ground moving; and then, I panicked.  I knew in my heart that my baby was closer to the epicenter; I also knew because of where the fault line runs that it was likely she had experienced worse.  So, I ran back inside to get my cell phone, despite that we were supposed to be out.  It was over; I was safe; and now, I need to find out if my little girl was ok.  I frantically dialed the emergency cell number for the teacher – no signal. I tried again and again, still nothing. 

There is something really good about working with mental health professionals.  I was the only parent of a young child in the group.  And they kept me grounded, telling me, “She’ll be ok.”   The worst part was not being able to contact anyone to find out.  It took 30 minutes.  Thirty of the longest minutes of my life.  And then I remembered that advice about having an out-of-state contact.  So, I called an internet friend and she made a phone call to find out that everything was, indeed, ok.  I also managed at about the same time to reach the Science Discovery Center and was told that there were no injuries and everyone was fine.  Relief washed over me.  I still felt like shaking and crying.  But, I knew that my girl was safe and I would see her later. 

And that was the best thing ever, to see her face again, to hold her hand, to hear her voice. 

I hate the unpredictability of earthquakes.  In a way, they are a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life, because you never do know what tomorrow holds, or even the next minute.  All we really have is now.  And that’s true whether or not you live in “earthquake country.”