5:04 PM

20 years ago today the Loma Prieta Earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area at 5:04 PM. I was 16 years old. I got off from school earlier that Tuesday and was home with my parents. My mom was preparing something in the kitchen while my dad was working on some bills and reading at his desk. I was reading a book in my bedroom. Suddenly, I heard a rumbling sound, and the room began to shook, as if I was in a haunted house at Disneyland. It just kept on going. I heard my mom calling my name, but my dad told me to stay where I was as long as I stood under a doorway. I was in shocked. Luckily, no one was hurt, nor did any objects fell over. My dad checked for structural damages in the house while my mother prepare some radio, canned goods, candles as I helped her. I looked out the window and saw darkness falling upon the city street and suddenly there were phone calls from relatives, until eventually the phone line went dead.

We heard on the radio that the Bay Bridge collapsed. We couldn't believe it. The first images of the Bay Bridge would appear in the early morning paper when power was restored. My sister Susan had walked all the way home from school, and decided to go and volunteer with the Red Cross. It was one her first disaster volunteer work. My sister Cindy called home and said she was at her boyfriend's house and needed my father to pick her up at Pine Street. My brother called from San Jose to ask how we were doing since he didn't experience the full impact there.

I got into the car with my father to drive the dark streets of San Francisco. Once we hit 19th Avenue, traffic was enormous. The streetlights were out of order, but drivers were incredibly courteous and patient. I remembered thinking why is it that in a state of crisis, people are nicer and friendlier? Why can't that be everyday?

My sister Susan was dropped off at Sutter Street where she would volunteer for the rest of the evening. My father and I picked up my sister Cindy at Pine Street. My father was totally focused driving well, and told us that the day will go down in history. Cindy described to us that at 5:04pm, the streets of downtown was a mess, windows from the highrise shattered to the ground, injuring some pedestrians. She was very lucky and managed to walk away uninjured.

When we arrived home, we hovered around the dining room listening to the radio in candlelight, and ate some food my mom had prepared. I can't remember what we ate. The next morning, I remember waking up by sunrise at 5:00am, and getting a copy of the newspaper on Taraval Street. I couldn't believe the city was able to work through the night and put out a copy of the paper. It was amazing. The air of silence surrounded me as I walk back up the hill back to our home. It was an eerie morning.

20 years ago seem like a long time, but I will always remember that day. I will remember the stories of bravery and courage that emerged from that day. I will cherish how precious life is, while many have lost their lives that day. I am grateful for this beautiful city as it shines today despite its darkest hours. I will always take with me that kindness and patience should happen everyday, not just in a time of crisis. Amen.