Fire. Just the thought of losing everything in a tragic and frightening fire makes my heart hurt.
Days before the 2025 firestorms in L.A. and Altadena erupted, I was working on purging our home of 36 years of stuff we’d accumulated. I’m ashamed to say I was actually waffling over how much to give away. As I held each item and recalled a memory attached to it, I had to decide if it was worthy of keeping, donating, or selling. In hindsight, I think about how trivial that is, and how I still have to continue my own sorting process as I work to unload the heaviness of all we’ve accumulated over the years.
Now, I want to give it all away. How could I be so attached to my acquired stuff when so many of my friends, family, and acquaintances have lost absolutely everything?
I find myself wondering if someone who’s lost all their precious mementos might appreciate a Lladro figurine, or maybe a pretty vintage milk glass vase. Sugar and Creamer, anyone? Of course that’s ridiculous at this point. What they need now is cash to buy new clothes, some warm blankets, baby essentials and food.
As the fires still rage, I find myself sitting in the tension of being overwhelmed to watch our friends lose everything, wanting to help, and yet not knowing the right thing to do. What I am sure of is that we are in this for the long-haul and we will help those we can and trust there are others who will help with the rest.
I’m remembering what my friend Sharon McMahon says in these instances: “In moments like this, do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone.”
When we come together in community to help those in need, the need to know what to do vanishes. We are presented with an opportunity to help, and we help.
In our own broken hearts from watching the devastation and the pain of our neighbors, may we bring the best parts of ourselves and offer healing and HOPE.
I’m right there with you.
With love,
Tami Romani – the Builder’s Wife
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