LOS ANGELES — It’s been nearly a week since the Eaton Fire tore through a SoCal neighborhood, reducing homes to ashes — including the home of Sebastian Pulido and his family.
Standing at a donation center, wiping away tears, Pulido reflected on the emotional weight of his family’s loss.
“I always thought I could deal with things,” he said, his voice breaking. “But sometimes it’s hard… Things happen, and you try to stay strong for your family.”
Pulido admitted the toughest part is realizing there’s no home left to return to.
“We kept driving back and forth, getting supplies,” he said. “I kept wanting to go home, but then it hit me: There’s no home to go to. It’s just hard to deal with.”
Pulido, once a regular donor to community causes, has found himself humbled by the kindness of others.
“You never think it’ll happen to you,” he said. “Being on the other side is different, but seeing how people are willing to help — it’s incredible.”
With four daughters and a grandson depending on him, Pulido holds onto hope even as emotions surge.
“It’s hard,” he said. “You try not to show emotions because the kids feed off that. But moments like this, it hits hard.”
His 16-year-old daughter, Casey, is still processing the loss of her belongings and memories, grappling with the changes in her life.
“Sometimes in the middle of the day, it just hits me — I lost all my stuff, and my friends lost a lot too,” she said.
Despite the despair, Casey finds comfort in the love and support from her community.
“I’m really grounded right now,” she said. “My family, my friends and God are helping me overcome this challenge.”
Therapist Jaime Given, founder and CEO of Given Guidance Family Counseling, explained how trauma affects everyone differently.
“People often experience emotional responses at different times,” she said. “It can take hours, days or even longer to process and heal.”
Given emphasizes that offering understanding rather than hollow reassurances is key to supporting those in grief.
“Instead of saying, ‘It’ll be fine,’ we should ask, ‘What can I do to support you?’” she said.
She added that during this time of loss, they need comfort and words of encouragement.
As Casey rebuilds, she said she sees life with a fresh perspective.
“This is a wake-up call to be grateful for what I have,” she said. “I still have my dreams ahead of me, and I know we can rebuild. My family and friends will be with me every step of the way.”
Though the family’s journey is far from over, Pulido remains determined to teach his children a vital lesson about resilience.
“I want my kids to know that things happen in life, and how you deal with them is what really matters,” he said. “The help we’ve been given reminds me that when others need it, we have to offer that same help.”
And though the fire may have taken their home, Pulido said his family’s heart remains unscathed.