01/14/2025
Words often fall short in capturing the full weight of pain, loss, confusion, or the overwhelming emotions we face in times of crisis. The past few days have been heartbreaking for so many of us. What we once knew has been taken away, leaving behind a sense of emptiness. A dream that seemed real is now gone, and the loss feels so profound, it’s as if something precious has died—perhaps never to return to what it once was.
This deep change has reverberated throughout the Los Angeles area, affecting so many of us here. I remember learning that Los Angeles is sometimes called "the city of the lost." It’s a harsh truth, but it also reflects the experience of those who came here, hoping to build something new, to create dreams, and to make a life.
In moments like these, hope, dreams, and belief are the foundation we must dig into if we are to rebuild. Without them, it’s easy to feel lost or without direction. But I also believe that the things we possess are not what define us. What truly matters are the people who are still here—those who love us, the memories we’ve made that will never fade, the kindness of strangers, and the deep gratitude for help when we needed it most. Every small moment is a gift. The material things we cling to aren’t worth stressing over.
While our community may have lost its physical structures, the spirit of the people remains. We are still here, ready to help each other rise again. It’s in the moments of awakening, of gratitude, and of shared understanding that we find the strength to rebuild. The values of connection, safety, and human kindness are the true foundation for any new beginning.
New doesn’t mean something entirely foreign—it simply represents the unknown, a space where possibilities emerge. So, take a moment to express your thanks, breathe deeply, and know that the path to rebuilding will call you. What was lost will eventually be transformed, shaped by your spirit, your dreams, and the collective strength of all who remain.
