Breathing Again

Hi, Fam.

First, THANK YOU, to everyone who has been texting, calling and messaging Ryeal and I daily to check in on us.

We’re still Ok. The Eaton fire – which has decimated parts of Hastings Ranch, North Pasadena and most of Altadena – hasn’t reached us in South Pasadena. Our bags remain by the door, though, just in case we need to evacuate.

I’m sure you’ve all been watching the news and there’s a lot of misinformation and conspiracy theories floating around. For us, here, we’re not concerned with any of that.

We’re in flight or fight mode, actively mourning the loss of our homes, our loved ones and our communities.

In fact, as I write this, the Washington Post reports that at least 11 people have been killed, and at least 180,000 Angelenos have been forced to flee their homes, apartments, and businesses as the wildfires continue to rage.

Authorities also report that there are six active blazes, including the Palisades Fire – the largest and most destructive of them all – and the Eaton Fire, which is still only 3% contained, and is directly endangering myself and Mr. Simms.

It’s been scary, devastating and heartbreaking to watch the news every day, and hopefulness – like wild fire smoke that had blackened our Cali sky – was starting to choke me.

So, today, after checking the air quality online, I masked up and ventured outside to take a walk. And immediately, I could breathe again.

Where I am in South Pas, we’ve primarily had wind damage. And I know there’s going to be a long path back for so many of my fellow Angelenos who have lost and continue to lose everything to the ongoing wildfires.

But the one thing that has renewed my faith in humanity is how we’ve collectively come together as a Los Angeles County community to help one another.

And to do my part, I’m asking my Fam – those who know, love and follow me – to support a friend close to me who lost everything in Altadena. His name is Jayson Fernandez and he’s my barber.

Jayson’s a good man and a good neighbor, who wants to raise enough money to help himself, his family and his Altadena community – a thriving, historical enclave of Black homeowners and entrepreneurs – rebuild from the ashes: https://gofund.me/db664a55

And trust, I know there are so many fundraisers you could send money to, but I’m personally asking that you help Jayson if you can. No amount is too small.

Appreciate you, Fam.

Love you all.

Monice