I am blessed to have the memories of growing up in the Canal Zone - nestled inside the beautiful country of Panama. I remember living on Akee Street in a four family house. It was three houses down from the playground on the corner of Amador Road. We lived in the top apartment on the right. I can still see the wooden front door placed in the middle of the building with the stairwell leading up to the apartments above. I can hear the creak of the door as it opens and closes.
Although I was young when living in this house I still carry memories of playing with Monica Livingston underneath the house One particular memory I recall with great detail was the one evening when the house started shaking. I was in my crib on the top floor of the house when Dad came running in, grabbed up and carried me down the stairs, out the door, and into the street. It was an earthquake and everyone was outside questioning if they were going to be able to return safely to their homes. Everyone was in their pajamas and a little concerned. I don't know when we were able to go back inside but eventually Dad carried me upstairs and laid me back down in my crib for the night.
I don't really know why this memory is so etched into my mind but it is - I couldn't have been very old - maybe one or two.
