This post is about a reminder to appreciate life after a bomb scare.

Last night, my neighborhood in Berlin faced a situation that felt like a relic from a bygone era: a World War II bomb alert. We were told to evacuate with little time to spare, carrying only the bare essentials. As I packed a small bag and left my home, a place of comfort and security, I felt a profound sense of vulnerability. It made me realize how easily we take basic amenities for granted, like a roof over our heads, a warm bed, and a sense of safety.

But amid the chaos, I witnessed something remarkable. At the town hall, which served as our emergency shelter, a community came together. Neighbors helped each other, and the rescue teams worked with incredible efficiency, setting up beds and distributing blankets and water. The speed with which these leaders established a safe, supportive environment was a testament to the power of preparation. It underscored the vital role of established protocols, policies, and frameworks in navigating unexpected emergencies. While the bombs themselves might be old and often harmless, the adherence to these safety measures is what keeps people safe.

This experience was a powerful reminder to appreciate the small things in life. In the face of a sudden upheaval, the “bigger things” I’ve been chasing seemed to fade into insignificance. All that mattered was safety and the kindness of strangers. It was a stark lesson in gratitude, a moment where I was reminded that true wealth lies not in our possessions but in the security of our community, the strength of our leaders, and the simple fact that we have a home to return to.

About the WW II bomb situation in Berlin

Unexploded World War II bombs are still a common occurrence in Berlin and other German cities. Here’s a brief summary:

• Frequency: An estimated 2,000 tons of World War II munitions are found in Germany each year. In Berlin alone, 1.8 million pieces of ordnance were defused between 1947 and 2018.
• Discovery: Bombs are often discovered during construction projects, but can also be found in rivers, such as the Spree, or even in wooded areas.
• Protocol: When a bomb is found, authorities establish a security perimeter and evacuate residents from the affected area. Specialists then assess whether the bomb needs to be defused or can be safely moved. Evacuations can affect thousands of people, and shelters are often set up in public buildings like town halls.
• Impact: While many bombs are harmless, they still pose a risk and can lead to major disruptions, including the closure of roads, public transport, and even major train stations. There have also been cases where bombs have exploded, causing injury or death.