“Look for the helpers“ is a quote attributed to Fred Rogers. The beloved TV host said it was advice from his mother when something bad happened. Almost side by side with the flames that have ravaged my Altadena town, helpers have popped up. My neighbor sent me a photo of my house that is still standing, even though I have been evacuated for more than a week now. Although we are all scattered on temporary sofas, The families of my block have kept in touch with emails of hope and information. And it has put me in touch with how many families I have. Although my beloved Pasadena Jewish Temple has burned to the ground, leaving many congregants totally homeless, and others, like me, evacuated with no timeline for return, patches of helpers have sprung up like flowering weeds that grow on barren ground. They don’t need water; hope is their nutrient. Housing, food, medical care and other survival necessities have been served up and handed out like food at a drive-through. Burgers with a side of hope. No charge. Is it enough? Of course not. But it continues to grow and revitalize the human spirit. Are the bad guys out there? Oh, yeah. As I write this, the National Guard is patrolling the street where my house remains to keep out looters. The juxtaposition of people who look at others’ tragedies as an opportunity versus the people who see it as a call to help is astounding. I would say right now the helpers are steamrolling the bad guys. Email Patricia at [email protected] Related Articles Things To Do | As the winds whip up, a book of poems is a reminder of a mother’s love Things To Do | Why keeping a journal helps chronicle the past and provide hope for the future Things To Do | Baking muffins at midnight under the watchful eye of Mr. Moon Things To Do | When you’re full of joy and falling (safely) down the staircase Things To Do | Life’s always an adventure, though sometimes it’s a bit of a reach