Hey Altadena - You’ve Got a Friend
In the days after the fire, although I was still reeling with shock, sadness, and grief, I saw random acts of kindness that raised my spirits and reminded me of the goodness of so many people. World Central Kitchen was quickly on the ground as were many faith-based groups from all over, setting up in parking lots and wherever they could to help provide food and assistance for thousands of people. I found myself taking pictures of these acts of kindness. Let me share a few inspirational sights I encountered that often brought me to tears.
The school alumni at my parish quickly arranged a clothing/food/necessities drive in the auditorium.
Pop-up fire relief goes to the streets
This photo, taken on January 15 of a pop-up fire relief effort on Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena. People were handing out water, fruit, and other necessities.
Offering a free meal at the Post Office
This wonderful group decided to come up to Pasadena and provide a meal to people who were waiting to pick up mail at the de facto Altadena Post Office (aka the north parking lot of the Lincoln Avenue Post Office in Pasadena.)
I remember bursting into tears when I first saw this pop-up art installation at the corner of Woodbury Rd and Glenrose in Altadena.
The same group created a second installation at the corner of Lake and Calaveras by the Aldi Market. Lake Avenue is home to many Altadena businesses and many were destroyed by the fire.
A Grateful Greeting
This simple sign was near the entrance to the Grocery Bargain Outlet store when it re-opened. Miraculously it was not destroyed in the fire and it provided a sense of normalcy going back in there.
Personally, I had friends, family, and my work team reaching out to me, offering their love and support that left me completely overwhelmed. A place to stay until I rebuild. Sisters sending me clothing. My pick of handmade quilts for my new home, a private “shopping spree” from a pair of sisters who were clearing out their family home, my work colleagues setting up a GoFundMe and the overwhelming generosity of contributors, friends who made me practice spa-like self-care, the college friends who were quick to ask how they could help, lunches with friends to check in and offer their help, and the many hugs and kind gestures I received when I went back to work. In the midst of trying to process insurance claims, registering with aid agencies, and starting to close out the 411, I found myself dumbfounded by so much kindness. My friend Rochelle said it was simply the kindness I had put out in the world for so many years coming back to me. I am humbled by that thought and grateful for the goodness that has come my way.