We live about seven miles from the Eaton Fire, far enough away to be out of danger, but close enough to know many affected. As a UCLA alumni, I also spent a lot of time in the Pacific Palisades area, visiting the Pacific Palisades post office regularly as part of one of my jobs. What has happened and what is happening is so devasting that it’s hard to even process, like my feelings are dampened. It wasn’t until last night, talking to my husband, as we watched footage of the ongoing fires and damage, that I started to tear up.
While one of my college classmates has lost everything in the Palisades fire, most of my inner circle has come out relatively unharmed. One friend is still under evacuation orders, but her house is standing. We are still awaiting news about our beloved doggy daycare which was located in a house in an area where most homes have been destroyed. The owners and dogs were all evacuated to safety.
Eaton Canyon is a spot we hike often. It is heartbreaking to think of the destruction to the trails, and even more so, to the neighboring homes.
This weekend, I went to help clean a friend’s home as their evacuation orders had been lifted; it was heartening to see so many places receiving and giving donations to those in need all along the route. Then I went to dance class where we came together to donate resources, be in community, and have a moment of joy amidst the heartbreak. It’s easy to forget that it’s okay to allow yourself to feel joy in these moments. But we need to do it.
Learn With Vivian 
Leave a reply to Greg&Linda Cancel reply