Slate News How To! | Rebuild Your Life After a Wildfire
Feb 8, 2025
Laurel Braitman, author of "What Looks Like Bravery" and a wildfire survivor, shares her heart-wrenching journey of loss and recovery with Jeff, who recently lost his home. She discusses the emotional toll of grief and offers insights on navigating the aftermath. Their conversation highlights the importance of community support, self-care, and honoring what was lost while rebuilding. With humor and profound reflections, Laurel inspires hope amidst devastation and emphasizes the resilience of those impacted by wildfires.
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Sudden Evacuation
- Jeff's family lost their home in the recent LA wildfires, forcing a sudden evacuation amidst strong winds and dense smoke.
- He prioritized his family's safety, grabbing essentials and comforting his youngest son with his weighted blanket and stuffed animals.
House Burns Down
- Jeff's family stayed in a hotel, shocked and exhausted, while their house burned down the next day.
- His oldest child tried to save the house with a beach pail of water, highlighting the emotional impact of the event.
Numbness After Trauma
- Jeff describes feeling numb after the fire, focusing on practical tasks rather than processing emotions.
- He acknowledges that the emotional impact may hit him later, a common experience after trauma.