Help Richard and Juliana after CA fire destroyed their home

My name is Steph, and these are my fur nephews, Arrow and River. They, and their parents, are among the thousands of residents of Altadena, California, who quickly and unexpectedly left the comfort of their homes in the wee hours of January 8th, only to return hours later to a pile of ash and rubble.

While I am endlessly grateful that they escaped unharmed physically, the emotional and financial toll of having lost a lifetime of both necessities and tangible memories in less than a day's time is a weight that few of us can even imagine.

Their father, my brother, Richard, is a talented artist and craftsman who poured his quiet heart and enormous talent into making their home into the kind of sanctuary that anyone would be drawn to during times of both sorrow and joy; a place where peace held court and comfy chairs were placed so that sunlight and shadows landed just right on anyone lucky enough to rest there.

Their mama, Juliana, is sunlight in human form who brought an undefinable and energetic light to the hushed peace my brother had so carefully cultivated. As they are continuing their weary travels away from what was once their home, she somehow manages to remain cautiously optimistic, bright, and tender-hearted.

Their home was never large or opulent, but it was rich with love and comfort. The loss of that sense of safety, as well as every one of their belongings, has left them reeling.

In their half-aware rush, they left with only a few hastily grabbed items and the clothes they were wearing. They left behind the dogs' food and medications and all of their own day-to-day belongings and toiletries, as well as all their keepsakes.

To paraphrase the ever-clever and realistic Juliana, "I'm heartbroken and regretful at the loss of Richard's art and all of the hard work he put into our home. And I'm pissed that I didn't pack my shoes."

While I am aware that the need from this tragedy seems endless, my hope is that you may stumble upon this page, and the story of my little family, and that your heart may be touched enough to want to help. These four souls are truly a light to so many of us. I've never known them to ask for anything for themselves, and they aren't even 100% sure about this GoFundMe, but the loss of everything they've ever owned is greater than their pride.

If you're able to donate a few dollars, please know that it will be gratefully accepted, and if all you are able to give is your kind wishes and hope for better days ahead, we will take that with gratitude as well.

Sending love to each and every human and animal affected by this awful situation.

- Steph