LOS ANGELES (AP) - Eleven-year-old Ceiba Phillips was heartbroken upon returning to his Southern California neighborhood in Altadena a month after a devastating wildfire swept through the area, leaving destruction in its wake. The fire, which occurred on January 7, consumed homes, his beloved school, the cozy diner Fox's, and notably, the house of his best friend. While Ceiba’s own home survived the blaze, the backhouse where his grandparents lived was reduced to ashes.
Confronted with the ruins, Ceiba struggled to articulate his emotions. "There’s not even a word created for it,” he expressed. "It’s sad, it’s heavy, somewhat angry. Why did this have to happen?” This sentiment resonates with many families facing the aftermath of one of the most destructive fires in California history, as parents and children grapple with loss and trauma.
Experts emphasize the importance of reestablishing routine for children after such disasters. Lori Peek, a sociology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, suggests that maintaining connections with friends and having honest conversations about feelings are essential for coping. "Being honest about our own emotions and inviting children to share their feelings can pave the way for essential conversations,” said Peek.
In response to the community's needs, Chiara Angelicola, an early childhood educator, organized a Kids Town Hall event, providing a safe space for children to express their grief and participate in art and somatic therapy. Ceiba’s younger sister, Quoia, along with their mother, Alyson Granaderos, attended the event, which drew over 100 families. Angelicola noted that many children found it important to discuss their feelings, even if it made the adults uncomfortable. "Introducing children to the reality that experiencing certain feelings won’t hurt us is vital,” she remarked.
In addition, numerous therapists and non-profit organizations have stepped up, offering free mental health services to victims of the Eaton fire. Ceiba’s own home suffered extensive smoke damage, making it currently uninhabitable. During a recent visit, Ceiba, wearing a respirator mask, gazed out his bedroom window and said, “I’d rather have all of Altadena.”
Ceiba vividly recalls the last normal day before the fire. School let out early due to intense Santa Ana winds that fueled the flames. He and Quoia visited their best friend's house, engaging in playful activities. Later that evening, a family text urged them to check for the smoke, leading to a rapid evacuation as they witnessed the mountainside ablaze. "I was on the floor praying, please protect my house and my family,” Ceiba reflected on that harrowing night.
In the wake of the disaster, Ceiba has started to find a new rhythm, especially at his new school in Pasadena. Excitedly, he shared a fun fact he learned regarding a historical topic—Abraham Lincoln’s near involvement with the Donner Party. As he strives to adapt, Ceiba's conversations have taken a somber turn, focusing on issues like insurance and the status of their homes—a reflection of his profound loss.
Despite the heartache, Ceiba remains optimistic about the future of Altadena. “I know Altadena and I know that it’s going to stick together,” he affirmed. The emotional return to their neighborhood has been a journey for the family. Granaderos acknowledged the importance of processing the loss together, stating, “You’re facing this realization of certain conversations you have to start having with your kid.”
Even in their grief, glimmers of hope remain. A resilient Sequoia sapling, planted in their backyard when Quoia was a baby, stands tall amid the devastation. This tree symbolizes resilience, echoing the community's spirit as they navigate the journey of rebuilding and healing together.
