#28: Surviving the 1908 Earthquake in Messina, Italy
The story of the author’s dad’s aunt is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Living in Messina, Italy in the early 1900s, she experienced a devastating earthquake that destroyed much of the city. Tragically, she was trapped under rubble for three days alongside the bodies of her parents and three brothers.
Remarkably, she emerged from the wreckage without a single broken bone, defying the odds and inspiring those around her. She went on to lead a full and productive life, having 10 children of her own and living to the impressive age of 97. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is still hope and the possibility of resilience and strength.