Stop the clocks – 12.51pm 22 February 2011

Sometimes it seems a long, long time ago. Other times you are right there in it.
My nephew was born the day before, now he is a sturdy 3-year-old. My girl had her 2nd birthday a couple of days before, and she is starting school. Those I love mark the time for me.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with the anniversary. Flowers in cones, flowers in the river.

Time to be kind as gap widens is the message from the Canterbury District Health Board. The All Right campaign reinforces the message that whatever you feel is ok.

The Press has been doing a brilliant job publishing reflections and perspectives. Hats off to them. Standouts are:

• Beck Eleven explaining in Three years on, a new feeling how emotions can creep up on you.
• Philip Matthews reporting on Christchurch being Stuck in a malaise three years on.

So stop the clocks, and feel what you feel. Our special love goes out to the people we lost, and those who suffer and grieve.  We miss those who have left town, and welcome those who have arrived.
Thanks to workers busy rebuilding, and people busy revitalising their communities. Arohanui Ōtautahi.

Remember, and share

It is three years today since the devastating 22 February 2011 earthquake. The Civic Memorial Service takes place on the Archery Lawn, Botanic Gardens at noon today. “Three years on we remember the community’s kindness and resilience in the time since the earthquake and we are proud to call Christchurch our home.”

However you do your remembering today it is good to share. Perhaps you will be with the friends, family and neighbours who have helped you or whom you have helped since the quakes.

One way many people cope is by recounting experiences. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Donate your earthquake story to Christchurch City Libraries.
• View and contribute to Kete Christchurch.
• Explore The CEISMIC digital archive and share your stories.
• Read QuakeStories and contribute your own.

You can explore our resources:

• View our photos Earthquakes and after
• We have pages for kids on the 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011 earthquakes
• Remember the past with our heritage image collection
• Read our web page on the Canterbury earthquakes
• Browse books on the 2011 earthquake.