READER REPORT:

Christchurch, searching for a new way

ANNE BROWN

Last updated 05:00 31/10/2012

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We moved from Christchurch in May in search of a new life, a new beginning.

We love living in the country, starting to do it simple again, focusing on what's real. Focusing on our family and friends, not possessions and where we live. Focusing on healing and learning from what has happened to us.

What I miss most about Christchurch is the careless feeling everyone had, now everyone you see is dealing with something more deep, you see people stopping and looking around, searching for answers or even a place to run if the ground shakes again. But there does seem to be a new normal for everyone, whatever the new normal is.

I hope one day soon everyone will be able to hear a loud noise and not jump, that we will be able to walk around town and see how beautiful it will become. I look forward to 5 years' time when it is just a memory, not a feeling that we all have.

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