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Jan Seeley's avatar

Riveting. Provocative. Thank you for giving us this up-close perspective on the Palisades fire. Thank goodness you and your family safe.

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

I’m glad you liked it Jan. I too am grateful that we weren’t as impacted as so many others. We are working hard to help people rebuild their lives. So many of our friends have had everything destroyed.

I don’t think I will give the details of the story, but suffice to say, my wife is a hero. The things she is doing every day, all day, are inspiring. She is a rose emerging from the ashes.

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Jan Seeley's avatar

What is happening for your daughter and her schoolmates?

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Joan Freese's avatar

Jeff - so sorry you had to go through this. I'm so glad you and your family are safe and healthy!

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

Thank you Joan!

It was definitely one of the more surreal weeks of my life.

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Tobin Trevarthen's avatar

powerful words that usually don't show up with precise meaning until you face that moment of decision. I am glad to hear you and your family weren't one of the red houses. My heart aches for those people and what they will have to endure to rebuild. We had a moment not unlike yours during the Napa fires. It is frightening to see flames surrounding you, and you have no control over its progression when the winds are howling.

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

I know you know the feeling, Tobin. That uncertainty of l having to move forward without the assurance of ever being able to turn back.

It’s weird.

Our daughter was evacuated to a friends house.

20 minutes later they were evacuated from that house and the family drove over to ours and were sitting on our living room couch as their house was burning to the ground (or about to).

We are resilient.

But it’s hard to start life over from nothing.

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Mo__'s avatar

Heartfelt words, Jeff. Beautifully conveyed for all of us, and as we hold thoughts of support for those who face 100% rebuilding of their lives. While my deepest regard and sympathies do go out to those most directly affected, no doubt, your family will be fully a part of the rebuilding of community… may it bring more depth, meaning and hope to you and all you know. TY for sharing such a personal experience.

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Jeff Matlow's avatar

I really appreciate the comment, Mo. Yes, many families are facing some pretty daunting issues, not the least of which is finding a place to live when there simply isn’t enough housing availability to take care of tens of thousands of misplaced people.

I hope you are well!

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Bette A. Ludwig, PhD 🌱's avatar

This is such a heartbreaking situation. I read an article recently about a woman who lost her house after living in it for 40 years. She lost everything. I can’t even imagine how it must feel to stand by helplessly and watch your home burn to the ground. It must be an absolutely devastating experience.

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