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My House Didn't Burn to The Ground

Over these past 8 months, it has been interesting to hear some thoughts expressed: “I’m lucky. My house didn’t burn, and I feel awful for those who lost everything.” “I wasn’t in the fire zone, so I wasn’t really affected.”

I’ve thought about these statements more often than I consider what I’m going to watch on Netflix. One thing I know for sure and certain: if you live in this area or are a Villager, you have been affected! Another thing I’m equally positive about is that there is no positive outcome from comparing who has it worse.

I want to shed a little light on the ones who sometimes refer to themselves as “the lucky ones…” those whose houses still stand. Luck has nothing to do with it. It is simply a fact that embers didn’t fall on their homes; but nevertheless, all manner of devastation has rained down on them in torrents. Catherine Fuller said it well, “My house is one of two on my block that didn't burn down. I have no way to account for it. I don't think God loves me more than he loves my neighbors.”  She doesn’t expect to return before late November.

LuCinda Haagenson may have been among the first Altadena Villagers to move back into her house; she had to make it a home again, and it wasn’t easy. “We are blessed!  After the fire, our house is still standing. However, I had to learn a whole new business model dealing with insurance adjusters and all the necessary restoration companies. There were still many challenges and problems to deal with, some with companies I learned were very unscrupulous!”  She went on to say, “Through all the angst, I felt supported and upheld by the Village with their phone calls and greeting cards. It really did lift my spirits to know that there is a caring ‘family’ in our Village!”

The experience has been different for Natalie Orta, who is still living with her daughter and son-in-law in Rancho Cucamonga. Nine of the 17 homes in her cul-de-sac were destroyed. “Due to the proximity of the burned homes, my insurance declared the entire contents of my home a total loss. I lost books, art, linens, clothes… well, essentially everything. Is anything saved? Who the hell knows?” Natalie went on to say, “I’m grateful for the generosity of so many individuals and entities. The Village was among those who provided me support, computer guidance (try creating multiple spreadsheets without help!), and a listening ear when I just needed to talk.”

The Village Care Team continues to stay in touch with the 40 Villagers most seriously affected by the Eaton Fire. Wayne April stated, “Those whose homes were not burned went through the same crisis as the ones who did burn, because the relief at finding that the house survived was superseded by the realization that it was uninhabitable. Those whose homes stood faced the same trauma and grief of being homeless.”

So much has been written and documented about the thousands whose homes were destroyed, but little has been told about the experience of having a house, but not a home. This article barely touches on the extent of the upheaval, anxiety and continued pressure of daily decisions and negotiations to make it possible to return home. While these Villagers may not be rebuilding a house, they most certainly are recreating a home… eventually.

In the words of Natalie Orta, “We are Altadenans, and we’re all doing our best to face heart-wrenching decisions daily.”