Three years ago this morning, we had a 7.1 (give or take) earthquake
that was centered almost directly under Anchorage. Much of the energy
force was focused to the east, where my house was located. In total,
10-15% of the houses in Eagle River, and about 20% in my neighborhood
were unoccupiable until structural repairs could be made.
But miraculously, there was no loss of life, and only one person
required hospitalization. We lost about 2/3 of our dishes, had a TV
commit suicide, and had numerious items damaged or destroyed. The
office building I worked in was severely affected and required a
massive reconstruction and retrofit to repair and replace broken steel
beams. In essence, the building tried ripping itself in two. Over a
year later, some of us were finally able to move back into the
building and then Covid...
So, three years later, the building is still almost unoccupied.
While a lot has happened in my personal and professional life over the
past three years, and the earthquake did certainly contribute to the
eventual marital disengagement, I am thankful for the memory of this
earthquake and how it was instrumental in making me a part of Alaska.
Everything about Alaska is dialed up to 11. And experiencing a major
earthquake is just part of the "right of passage" that is required in
order to really appreciate what life here is all about.
I love Alaska. While I am not eager to go through another 7+ carnival
ride, I am glad I did. It was part of what made me realize that my
life was all about pleasing others and seeking their approval, which
either never came, nor was ever enough. I was finally able to say "no"
to things. Yes, there are struggles, but I appreciate life a whole lot
more and I'm more thankful for Alaska than ever before.
That said, there are still repairs that need to be completed on the
house. It's a process.
AK Schnozz
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