Help Sammy and Paul Make it Through the Altadena Fire

A Statement from Sammy & Paul: 

We don't even know what to say here you guys. The last two months of our journey have been some of the hardest trials we've had to face - and we aren't even done yet. We can tell you all though what we have experienced through this is an overwhelming flood of love, kindness and grace from so many humans we've been lucky enough to encounter in our lives. January 7 was a normal Tuesday. We went to work and kept just thinking "wow it's pretty windy". So we kept on as normal, keeping plans with Sammy's Book Club (shoutout Bitties) and Paul's Card night (shoutout FABFam). We made a fabulous steak dinner- and then our power went out (approx 630pm). Before we knew it we had texts incoming from friends and neighbors telling us there was a fire in Altadena and to get out quickly. We had no internet and couldn't confirm, but that is when we looked out our window and saw a plumeing tower of smoke to the East and our neighbors packing things into their cars. Before we knew it we had our cats packed up as well as a few days worth of clothes and some important documents. We joke that we actually left our largest suitcase empty in the middle of our bed because we didn't think we'd need it - we were coming back. As we were fleeing, we could not believe what we saw. Our town was burning. Our mountain was in flames. People were running out of their homes with their animals trying to get things in the car. Wildlife running in the street, so confused and scared. And we were one of them. We met up with the Selinske Family at their home along with Paul's sister Claire and our friend Moses who also had been evacuated. Our amazing friends Jack Bush & Sarah Hayashi didn't miss a beat, letting us know they had a place for us and our cats to stay until the smoke cleared. It was the next day in the middle of their living room when our next door neighbors Patty & Ernie called letting us know the worst news - our home was gone. There was nothing left. Life has been just as unpredictable as the fire during the aftermath. The lingering burns that still blister and pop open everyday when you realize more and more what was lost. Yearbooks. Pictures. Heirlooms. Records. Christmas Ornaments. Sammy's Twilight Forever Collector's Edition set. Every one of Paul's Magic and Flesh & Blood cards. All Paul's art. Sammy's Books. Our sense of security. Our resting place. Our haven. The place where we first met and fell in love. We're still fighting this fire, truly everyday. It is the epitome of hour by hour. It is your love and support that is keeping us going In the meantime, we are very grateful for the opportunity to rebuild, and we WILL be back. We've been sheltered with our amazing friend Cassandra Frederick who has taken us in with unwavering support. We are so fortunate that Moses & Claire's house is still standing as once it is clean and habitable we will be able to move into their backhouse, becoming Altadena Residents once again while we wait for the clean up and rebuild of our home. We are thankful to our jobs and coworkers who were some of the first to have clothes, food and necessities for us and who have been so gracious as we take the time we need to realign ourselves. We are thankful to those who have donated to replenish our lives and cherished keepsakes. We are thankful to so so so many who are near and far and who have been here with us this whole time. The Altadena community is a beautiful, strong and unique place, one we have been lucky enough to be a part of for many years. We can never lose that, and it is a driving hope to see that community rebuilt with all the love and comforts that so many hold dear. Please be kind to people at this time. Heartbreak doesn't even begin to describe what is felt here. There are so many emotions right now and every member of the Altadena community has been affected in their own harrowing way. Give them the brevity to mourn whatever it may be. Lend them words of support and encouragement OR say nothing at all. Because after all of this - there just truly are no words other than #AltadenaStrong All of our love, Sammy, Paul & the cats

***See updated pictures at the very bottom*****

Update 2

Again, thank you all for the love and support. There is a chance they will be able to get in to the neighborhood Thursday to sift through the ashes to see if there is anything they can find. They are doing their best to stay positive. Still staying with friends at this time. Posting some pics below of happier times at The Pueblo, which is what everyone called their Spanish bungalow.

Update

First we want to thank everyone for their support. Sammy and Paul have not been able to go in and see the remains. The National Guard has been called in to the area to protect against looters. There are also still downed power lines, open gas lines and the fire is still active. They did however get photos of their house and it is a complete loss. They knew this, but seeing it is a different story. We appreciate all of the kind words, assistance and love that is coming their way. The describe what they are going through is impossible.

Hello

Everyone has seen the devastation of the fires in California. Our daughter Samantha Cheatwood and fiancé Paul Selinske lost their home to the Eaton fire in Altadena. Paul has lived there his entire life, Sam for the last 9 years. They got out with just a few things and their cats. They are getting married in October and are starting completely over. Anything that can be spared will help. If you can't contribute, please say a little prayer and pass this along. Thank you from our whole family!