Christmas 2011 was a happy, yet sad occasion as we realised we were probably celebrating our last Christmas in the family home. Mum had been in the process of redecorating and the last work to be done, prior to the earthquakes, was in the lounge. While the men installed a new window my sister and I became expert at installing batts (insulation) in the exterior walls. Then the new gib (wall lining) was installed, by the men, and the plasterer came along to add his expertise. On that last Christmas evening we realised we had a pristine canvas to work with. Our history, our feelings about growing up in the house and our thoughts about what was to come became part of the legacy my mother was to leave behind when she finally vacated the property. Over time more words were added to this canvas. I suppose it was a form of therapy for us all as we came to terms with the loss of what had been a place of happiness (well mostly) and safety.
Some people cannot relate to our feelings about this house, but it had been a home for nearly 40 years. Three daughters had grown up and left from that house to be married. Two of those daughters returned, with their families, for various lengths of time. My two children spent most of their childhood with Grandma as she was their caregiver while I worked. My grandmother, who lived with us since I was 4, died there the same year my sisters were married. My father left that house never to return when he died as the result of brain surgery. There were unhappy times and tears, but I remember the laughter and love that echoed within those walls. That is what made it a home.
Mum left that house at the end of October 2012. It was a busy day and there was little time to reflect. Even when I walked through the empty house I felt numb. Mum was not happy at all. Her new house is lovely and much better for her, but she didn't want to move. Her only happiness was knowing she would never have to deal with CERA (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) and Southern Response ever again.
On 21 February 2013 I received a call, at work, to tell me the demolition had begun. I left work and with my two daughters made my way to Breezes Road. The demolition was being carried out by a father and daughter team. They didn't mind the audience which included my mother and sister. Basing ourselves on a neighbour's deck (the house is vacant) we stayed all day to watch the house that had been a large part of our lives disappear with each movement of the excavator. According to the demolition team many come back to watch the demolition of their homes. Father and daughter had taken the time to read our words on the lounge walls and were careful during the demolition not to damage surroundings trees and garden. They even gave Mum a couple of floor joists, which are rimu, so she can have something made from the wood. The company they are contracted to will come later and sow grass seed. My mother has some wildflower seeds she will add to this.
Caught up in watching the demolition of the house I didn't really feel much emotion. There was alot of black humour to help us get through the day. The next day was the 2nd anniversary of the 2011 earthquake. I went to work and with my partner watched children from a school in the CBD throw flowers in the Avon River and participate in 1 minutes silence at 12:51pm. It was a difficult day. Daughter 2 was with my mother and sister watching the 2nd day of demolition at Breezes Road. They took a break to attend a service where they threw flowers in the Avon River, at Kerrs Reach, at 12:51pm. 22nd February will never be an ordinary day for any of us. They returned to Breezes Road to continue watching the demolition of the garage, sleepouts and shed.
It was dark before I was able to go to Breezes Road. Although I had watched the demolition the day before I was shocked when I turned the car lights on high beam to view the property. All the outbuildings had gone and the section was empty. It was then the emotion of the last couple of days hit me. This house that had been my home was no more.
Mum has still not adjusted to her new house and feels as if she is house sitting. When she talks about home she is not talking about her current home, but is referring to Breezes Road. It can be confusing and I hope with time her new house will start to feel like home.
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