Home is the Hands we Hold to Keep Ours Warm
February 3rd, 2025
Writer: Grace Gingold
Editor: Carly Anderson
On the morning of January 7th, my city was engulfed by flames. Entire neighborhoods vanished—friends’ homes reduced to ash, cherished restaurants gone, the CVS where I spent countless afternoons, the soccer fields of my childhood, Friends St., and the familiar trails of the Palisades Bluffs. Each burned area was more than just a place: it was a memory, a chapter of my life.
The Pacific Coast Highway was more than just a scenic route for me and my friends—it was a space to share music, laughter, and stories, each of us taking turns as the DJ. Music has always had the unique ability to unite communities, weaving bonds that transcend individual differences. The Los Angeles I grew up with looks drastically different now, as many of the places I hold dear have been lost to devastating wildfires. Yet, even amid this loss, music continues to bring people together, providing solace and a sense of connection.
I’ve witnessed this through the incredible efforts of companies like Live Nation, which hosted concerts dedicated to wildfire relief, such as the inspiring FireAid events at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum. Their commitment to aiding communities during times of crisis fuels my desire to learn and grow within the music industry. I aspire to gain the creative tools and resources necessary to make an impact, following in the footsteps of organizations that use music as a powerful force for healing and rebuilding. For me, music isn’t just a soundtrack to life; it’s a beacon of hope for a community that is grieving.
I reflect on a summer day with my dad at the Malibu Feed Bin, a charming old-school feed store that provided food and supplies for horses, livestock, and pets for over 50 years—a hidden gem from my childhood. Giggling like co-conspirators, we snuck into the back to play with the baby chicks. Their chirps blended with our laughter as we chased them around in a tiny wooden barn. It was a moment that felt infinite in its simplicity. That day concluded at Cholada Thai, a small, unassuming eatery nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway. We chowed down plates of noodles as we watched the waves crash in the distance. It was a meal I have had countless times with friends, perched up on that same bench overlooking the water- memories forever ingrained in my mind.
With great sadness, I realize all of it is gone—my father, the Malibu Feed Bin, Cholada Thai, and even pieces of the Pacific Coast Highway itself. These memories, though tinged with loss, feel like treasures. They remind me of the fragility of places and people we love and the beauty of cherishing them while they’re still here.
As I’ve navigated my mourning, I’ve realized that a home isn’t warmed by its four walls, but by the hands we hold to comfort us. Grief—whether for a person, a home, or a place—is tied to the memories they held: the safety of your bed, the mirror reflecting your growth, the comfort of familiarity. Yet, amid loss, there is a strange beauty. Communities come together to rebuild, rekindling old friendships. Sudden loss can be that reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of gratitude for those around us.
In embracing the impermanence of life, we discover the gift of the present. We must find beauty in nature’s resilience and we count our blessings every day, knowing every moment is precious. Throughout these trying times, we must come together to create a more beautiful future. Below are links that can help to rebuild communities:
Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires
Brands Providing Products to Families Affected by Fires
Help Restore The Palisades by Together Palisades GoFundMe
Help the Head Family After Wildfire Loss GoFundMe
Photo Credits: Natalia James
