This past month has been nothing short of heartache for thousands of Angelenos. I am convinced that everyone knows someone who was directly affected by the loss of their homes and lives. It has been a horrific time of grief for so many. Someone said we must stop saying it’s only “things” they lost because those “things” carry memories, history, life, and livelihoods.

For some, it will be easy to start over, and for others, it will take years. There were many with little to no resources and others with plenty. Regardless of the status or neighborhood, the loss is unimaginable and heartbreaking.

So, while you are planning your life, others have to figure out how to pick up the pieces of theirs. I found myself trying to co-exist with both. The realization that the next time I drive down PCH and look over towards the mountains and coastline, the view will be obscured by the destruction of debris from the fires is sobering.

These fires and their proximity have caused me to re-evaluate things and thoughts. I personally have chosen to purge in both the physical and the mental. Release and eliminate the things and thoughts that weigh me down and clutter my physical and mental space.

While we are busy planning, others are frozen in a moment marked by time. While we are busy planning, families are trying to figure out housing, schooling, employment, and where their next meal will come from, and others planning the burials of loved ones. While we are busy planning, children have lost their sense of routine and safety.

While we are busy planning…Be aware, be sensitive, and be kind.

Someone is praying for what you are taking for granted right now.