The Cauldron of Love

Love is the source of all that we need

The last view of a place I once called home.

January 8, 2025, 7:02 pm, Eaton Fire, Altadena, California (image by Claire)

Many of you may know that until very recently, I was a long time resident of Beautiful Altadena, California in unincorporated Los Angeles County. I moved very far away, to Montréal, both because of necessity and also because something obscure had been calling me in that general direction for several years. Something deep within understood that I needed to leave beloved LA before a bitterness might set in. I circumvented that bitterness… this land only holds the myriad fondnesses that I gradually discovered and nurtured over a quarter century.

This shift has come to represent a time of mourning, yet not regret. Simultaneously, it has been a time of incubation, of seeds ready to sprout once winter’s fallowness succumbs to the inevitable warmth of lengthening days and spring.

Last night, my dear daughter sent this image as she and her mom left for the safety of her grandma’s¹ home in Orange County (my other cherished daughters were elsewhere and are also safe, as are their three cats). That image encapsulates so many memories… joy, sorrow, connection, purpose, laughter… the whole spectrum of being human. Perhaps most of all, awe.

I choose not to share the image of what it looked like when they returned today. Our hearts are already too broken over that which we are still dwelling upon… and must dwell upon in each our own ways. As so many Angelinos are grappling with tonight.

It’s been said that the heart breaks—like a creature shedding its exoskeleton—so it can grow larger and more encompassing during this preciously finite time we spend here. In my deep sadness, this notion helps by coming alongside me, supporting and walking with me. I know that our journey along this path will continue. And the cycle of joy, sorrow, connection, purpose, laughter, and awe will continue… onwards. The path likely will not be linear, yet in our wanderings we will grow and evolve… and love.

Ways You Can Support

Only give if you can and what you can. If you simply pause and send a prayer, that is worth the entire universe.

Personal: unlike her dad, my brave daughter is not afraid to ask for help. If you feel inclined and able, here is her GoFundMe: Help Rebuild the O'Rafferty's Home From the Eaton Fire.

Her mom’s wonderful long time and close knit group of friends also have set up a GoFundMe: Jennifer O'Rafferty Family Displacement Costs.

Community: a spreadsheet with links to support black families in Altadena: Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory.

#beautifulaltadena #lafires

1. Grandma Denise passed four years ago. My mom, grandma Linda left us just a year ago. It’s a blessing that their time is complete here: both were superb worriers. I’m glad they need not bear this burden.