The Survival of Memories: Stories of Loss and Resilience in the Aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton Fires
A Jar of Peanut Butter: Alissa McFeat’s Practical yet Poignant Choice
When the Palisades fire compelled Alissa McFeat, a 12-year-old from Altadena, to flee her home, the urgency of the moment didn’t overshadow her thoughtful consideration. As the power went out, Alissa moved swiftly, gathering essentials like her piggy bank, shoes, and school backpack. Yet, in the chaos, she found herself drawn to the kitchen, a space that held deep significance for her family. With the aid of a flashlight, she carefully selected a few items from the pantry: a can of artichokes, a can of heart of palm, a loaf of sourdough, dark chocolate, and a jar of peanut butter. These were not just random grabs; they were provisions for the uncertain days ahead.
Alissa’s decision to take these items, though practical, initially puzzled her parents. Her father, Ian McFeat, admitted that he and his wife were perplexed by her choices, questioning why she would save things that could easily be purchased again. However, as the reality of their situation set in, the importance of her decision became clear. Days later, when their home was destroyed, the family found themselves relying on the food Alissa had saved. In a moment of normalcy, Alissa and her mother shared artichokes straight from the can, evoking memories of their kitchen. The jar of peanut butter, now in her uncle’s fridge, continues to be a symbol of resilience, with Alissa enjoying it on her oatmeal. Her family is even considering ways to preserve the jar as a keepsake, a tangible reminder of their strength and unity.
A Hello Kitty Doll: Anniah Baynes and the Enduring Power of Sentimental Objects
Anniah Baynes, an 18-year-old from Altadena, faced a heart-wrenching decision as the Eaton fire approached her home. Her cherished collection of over 90 stuffed animals, gathered over the years, lay before her. Despite the sentimental value, she knew she couldn’t save them all. In a bittersweet moment, she took one last photo of her collection before leaving, capturing the vibrant assortment that had brought her so much joy. Among them was a Hello Kitty doll gifted by her boyfriend, which she chose to take with her—a small but significant token of love and connection.
By the next day, Anniah’s home, where she had lived since infancy, was gone, leaving only the Hello Kitty doll as a remnant of her past. Now, the doll rests on her bed in her mother’s apartment, a poignant reminder of what she lost and the support she has gained. The doll symbolizes more than just a cherished gift; it represents the care and prayers of her community, particularly her boyfriend’s church, which rallied around her in her time of need. For Anniah, the doll is a testament to the enduring power of love and support, even in the face of profound loss.
The Weight of What We Carry
The stories of Alissa and Anniah highlight the profound significance of the objects we choice to carry with us in times of crisis. These items, though simple, hold deep emotional weight. For Alissa, the jar of peanut butter symbolizes practicality and the continuity of family life, even in the face of disaster. For Anniah, the Hello Kitty doll embodies the enduring connections of love and community, offering comfort amidst loss.
These choices also reveal the resilience of the human spirit. Alissa’s foresight in packing food ensured her family’s basic needs were met, fostering a sense of normalcy. Anniah’s decision to save a single doll from her collection underscores the importance of holding onto poignant reminders of joy and connection. In both cases, the objects they saved serve as tangible links to their past, offering comfort and hope as they navigate their new realities.
The Unseen Labor of Loss
The process of deciding what to save is never easy. For Alissa, it involved a swift yet thoughtful selection of essentials, reflecting her family’s values around food and togetherness. For Anniah, it meant confronting the limits of what she could carry, forcing her to prioritize the sentimental over the sentimental. Their choices reveal the unseen labor of loss, where every decision carries weight and every object tells a story.
In Alissa’s case, saving food became an act of love and care, ensuring her family’s well-being. For Anniah, choosing the Hello Kitty doll was a way to preserve a fragment of her past, a beacon of hope and connection. These acts of preservation are not just practical; they are deeply emotional, reflecting the complexity of grief and resilience. Each saved object becomes a testament to what endures, even as much is lost.
The Power of Ordinary Objects
The objects Alissa and Anniah saved may seem ordinary—a jar of peanut butter, a stuffed doll—but they hold extraordinary significance. These items are not just things; they are carriers of memory, emotion, and identity. They remind us that even in the face of disaster, the ordinary can become extraordinary, imbued with meaning that transcends their materiality.
For Alissa, the peanut butter jar is more than just food; it’s a symbol of her family’s resilience and the simple pleasures they once shared. For Anniah, the Hello Kitty doll is more than a toy; it’s a tangible connection to the love and support that have sustained her. These objects remind us that in times of loss, it’s often the small, everyday things that become the most meaningful.
Looking Ahead, Holding On
As Alissa and Anniah rebuild their lives, the objects they saved will likely remain important reminders of their journeys. For Alissa, the jar of peanut butter may one day be a keepsake, a story to share with her children. For Anniah, the Hello Kitty doll will continue to symbolize the love and support that have carried her through.
Their stories also remind us that resilience is not about moving on, but about finding ways to carry what matters forward. The objects they saved are not just remnants of what’s lost, but also seeds of hope for what’s to come. In the face of disaster, these ordinary objects become extraordinary, holding the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
