Thanks Anna. It’s been quite an ordeal, but it’s been helpful to have folks like you reaching out from far and wide to express their condolences. It means a lot.
I'm glad it helps a little! It's good you're reaching out. I imagine that'll be important as the rest of the world gets distracted but recovery is still underway and you're still rebuilding or finding a new home. Take care!
Hey Josh, this was quite a powerful read. The pictures and videos we see on the other side of the pond do not capture the very real emotions and experiences of those who lived through it in the moment. Glad you are all safe and hope you are all doing as best as can be.
Thanks David, I appreciate the note. I don’t think the pictures will ever do it justice. I’m bracing myself for the first time I am able to visit in person. I am expecting it to bring even this not-so-emotional guy to tears.
I am so relieved that both you and your family are safe after this terrible disaster. Over the past three years, and until only a few months ago, Pasadena was my home as well. I can still vividly remember accidentally stumbling on Palisades coverage on YouTube and praying that that would be the extent, all the while worrying about the hills near Mount Wilson which when I had left last summer were as grown as I could remember. My heart sunk when the coverage shifted.
It's a strange helpless feeling - being a world away, completely safe and yet completely useless, watching the places I had known and loved vanish in real time. I too believe in God's providence. Altadena, Pasadena, and all of LA will be forever changed from these fires in ways impossible predict. Yet the places, the material, lost were always ephemeral. Your spirit, your faith last forever. It is learning that these remain unbroken for both your the community at large, that gives me hope.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in these challenging times. Sophie and I still have our roots in Pasadena - both our hearts aching at the long road ahead. But a road traveled with others can help share the burden.
Thanks Hunter for the note. The damage and devastation is too much to bear. I still haven’t been able to go back yet due to the mandatory evacuation order that’s still in effect for our neighborhood, but even seeing the photos on the map as they survey the structures is so sad. On top of it all it’s just not something you can prepare yourself for. One day life is going along as normal. The next, your whole world has changed.
Josh, thank you for letting us know about you and your family - and your faith! Inspiring on all counts. Holding you and all those affected by the fires in my prayers.
I've been holding my breath for this blog post. I wasn't even sure you were going to post today, but I am so so glad to hear that you and your family are safe, and that your house is intact as well. I haven't known you for that long, but when I have talked to you, or just seen you around, you've exuded this bright enthusiasm that is not really common nowadays. So when my friend told me that you lived in Altadena it greatly saddened me to think about what you and your family might be going through.
I'm not really sure what the point of this comment is or if you'll read this but I guess I wanted to say that I'm glad I know you and I'm glad you're safe.
Hey Professor Josh, that is a very stirring account. I felt a heaviness in my chest as I read through your story, then was massively relieved to find out that God graciously spared your house, even though most of your neighbors' homes had burned to the ground. Riveting, and thank God.
Prof Brake - it breaks my heart to learn that you and your family have been affected by the fires. I remember when you had a Mudd brunch at your house in what would’ve been 2019 or so. The only details I can recall are that i thought the food was delicious and I was in awe at the care you put into your coffee roasting and brewing. That home clearly had a lot of love in it, and I’m glad your new one still seems to standing. Praying that you and your family remain well.
So thankful you're safe – and so sorry for your experience, and that of your community. Thank you for sharing your experience so openly.
Thanks very much Justin for the note and for reaching out. It’s been wonderful to experience the kindness of friends from all over.
I love the concept of open-eyed gratitude. 🙏Quite the neighbor you have to homebrew the fire fighter setup :)
Glad you are physically safe and big respect for sharing your journey in making sense of this.
Also, A+ Dadding!!
Thanks Dan. Indeed, quite the neighbor. I’m so glad that he was able to get out in one piece without any injuries too.
Appreciate you!
Thank you for sharing your story; I'm so sorry you've been through this and glad you and your family are okay! Your faith is very moving too.
Thanks Anna. It’s been quite an ordeal, but it’s been helpful to have folks like you reaching out from far and wide to express their condolences. It means a lot.
I'm glad it helps a little! It's good you're reaching out. I imagine that'll be important as the rest of the world gets distracted but recovery is still underway and you're still rebuilding or finding a new home. Take care!
I'm friends with your mom - and like Josh Eyler so very grateful that you and your family are all safe...
Thanks Dottie. We are grateful for safety and holding on to the knowledge that somehow God has good plans for us even in the midst of deep pain.
Hey Josh, this was quite a powerful read. The pictures and videos we see on the other side of the pond do not capture the very real emotions and experiences of those who lived through it in the moment. Glad you are all safe and hope you are all doing as best as can be.
Thanks David, I appreciate the note. I don’t think the pictures will ever do it justice. I’m bracing myself for the first time I am able to visit in person. I am expecting it to bring even this not-so-emotional guy to tears.
Dear Prof. Brake,
I am so relieved that both you and your family are safe after this terrible disaster. Over the past three years, and until only a few months ago, Pasadena was my home as well. I can still vividly remember accidentally stumbling on Palisades coverage on YouTube and praying that that would be the extent, all the while worrying about the hills near Mount Wilson which when I had left last summer were as grown as I could remember. My heart sunk when the coverage shifted.
It's a strange helpless feeling - being a world away, completely safe and yet completely useless, watching the places I had known and loved vanish in real time. I too believe in God's providence. Altadena, Pasadena, and all of LA will be forever changed from these fires in ways impossible predict. Yet the places, the material, lost were always ephemeral. Your spirit, your faith last forever. It is learning that these remain unbroken for both your the community at large, that gives me hope.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in these challenging times. Sophie and I still have our roots in Pasadena - both our hearts aching at the long road ahead. But a road traveled with others can help share the burden.
Wishing you and your family all the very best,
Hunter
Thanks Hunter for the note. The damage and devastation is too much to bear. I still haven’t been able to go back yet due to the mandatory evacuation order that’s still in effect for our neighborhood, but even seeing the photos on the map as they survey the structures is so sad. On top of it all it’s just not something you can prepare yourself for. One day life is going along as normal. The next, your whole world has changed.
Wild stuff. Well-written, too. Praying for you and all affected.
Thanks, Vic. I appreciate your prayers for my family and neighbors.
Glad that you and your family are safe.
Me too. Thanks so much Karen. Despite all the pain and loss, we have much to be thankful for.
So grateful that you are safe!
Thanks Josh. Despite it all, we have much to be grateful for.
Josh, thank you for letting us know about you and your family - and your faith! Inspiring on all counts. Holding you and all those affected by the fires in my prayers.
Thanks Lorraine, we appreciate it very much.
Oh Josh, I'm so sorry to hear about these trials, but grateful to know that all of you are safe and your spirits remain strong.
Thanks so much, John. Appreciate your note!
Dear Prof Brake,
I've been holding my breath for this blog post. I wasn't even sure you were going to post today, but I am so so glad to hear that you and your family are safe, and that your house is intact as well. I haven't known you for that long, but when I have talked to you, or just seen you around, you've exuded this bright enthusiasm that is not really common nowadays. So when my friend told me that you lived in Altadena it greatly saddened me to think about what you and your family might be going through.
I'm not really sure what the point of this comment is or if you'll read this but I guess I wanted to say that I'm glad I know you and I'm glad you're safe.
Devon
Thanks Devon, I appreciate your note and support.
Hey Professor Josh, that is a very stirring account. I felt a heaviness in my chest as I read through your story, then was massively relieved to find out that God graciously spared your house, even though most of your neighbors' homes had burned to the ground. Riveting, and thank God.
Prof Brake - it breaks my heart to learn that you and your family have been affected by the fires. I remember when you had a Mudd brunch at your house in what would’ve been 2019 or so. The only details I can recall are that i thought the food was delicious and I was in awe at the care you put into your coffee roasting and brewing. That home clearly had a lot of love in it, and I’m glad your new one still seems to standing. Praying that you and your family remain well.