Personal message from Blackbird

**Blackbird** · 1st October 2009, 09:43

Jennie and I are deeply touched by all the forum messages, PM's and phone calls regarding our missing family in Samoa. A few minutes ago, our son Lyndon rang to say that they were all well.

They were right in the middle of it. They were near the beach and immediately after the quake, Lyndon guessed what was coming next, shoved our granddaughter in her backpack and he and our daughter in law sprinted for high ground. They made it with the Tsunami literally 2 metres behind them. They only have the clothes on their back and have been taken in by a UN official who happened to be nearby. They should be flying back to their home in Melbourne tomorrow.

Not a dry eye in the James household at present.

The support from all you guys really does show KB in absolutely its best light and also speaks volumes for the biking community at large.

Thanks so much again,

Geoff

**Nasty** · 1st October 2009, 09:44

Guys that is such fantastic news.

**Pussy** · 1st October 2009, 09:46

Originally Posted by Blackbird

Jennie and I are deeply touched by all the forum messages, PM's and phone calls regarding our missing family in Samoa. A few minutes ago, our son Lyndon rang to say that they were all well.

They were right in the middle of it. They were near the beach and immediately after the quake, Lyndon guessed what was coming next, shoved our granddaughter in her backpack and he and our daughter in law sprinted for high ground. They made it with the Tsunami literally 2 metres behind them. They only have the clothes on their back and have been taken in by a UN official who happened to be nearby. They should be flying back to their home in Melbourne tomorrow.

Not a dry eye in the James household at present.

The support from all you guys really does show KB in absolutely its best light and also speaks volumes for the biking community at large.

Thanks so much again,

Geoff

Excellent news, Geoff!
You guys must be so relieved.

**oldrider** · 1st October 2009, 09:49

Didn't know that, glad to hear that they are safe! Serious business, close shave too!

**vifferman** · 1st October 2009, 09:50

Great news, Geoff!

**Ronin** · 1st October 2009, 09:52

Some great news there mate.

**KiwiPhoenix** · 1st October 2009, 09:53

Glad your family are safe and sound!

**Firefight** · 1st October 2009, 09:53

Great news Geoff.

F/F

**Jantar** · 1st October 2009, 10:03

That is good to hear. I am thrilled that they are alright.

I have heard that my nephew and his family living in Samoa are all OK, but their village is some distance from the sea. We have friends in another village who we haven't yet heard from, but they should be OK as they are on the northern side of Upolu and a shorth distance away from the beach.

Paulette and I only arrived back from visiting Samoa on monday last week, so the memories are still fresh in our minds of what it looked like before the devastation, and now to see the pics on TV it is a real eye opener. We spent part of trip staying in a beach fale on Savaii only 2 meters from the waters edge, and it would have been a long sprint to get to higher ground.

**MSTRS:Me** · 1st October 2009, 10:05

That is great news. Thanks for letting us all know.

**Swoop** · 1st October 2009, 10:12

Great news Geoff!!

A sleepless night, presumably.

**Blackbird** · 1st October 2009, 10:14

Thanks so much everyone, it really is very much appreciated. Last night was pretty sleepless and early this morning, I logged onto an Aussie website and saw that it had been confirmed that a 2 year old NZ’er with Australian residency had died. Decided Jennie didn’t need to know that and it was pretty hard to bear alone; talk about dark night of the soul. Now feel terrible for those families who have loved ones who didn't make it.

I know it's only just gone 11, but I think something stronger than coffee is called for.

**Edbear** · 1st October 2009, 10:15

Wow! That was close! It's a real tragedy and our hearts go out to all who have suffered loss. Thanks for the thread, as we didn't know. Our thoughts are with you all.