‘It’s Okay, Mama, When We’re Done With Vacation, We Can Go Home’: A Child’s Response to Her Mother’s Grief After Losing Their Home in the Eaton Fire

On the evening of January 7, Daniel and Savanna watched the power go out in their Altadena home, unaware that this would be the last night their family would ever call it home. What followed was a series of painful days as the Eaton Fire consumed their neighborhood and their life as they knew it.

Daniel and Savanna’s story began with love at their Armenian church in Pasadena, blossomed into marriage in 2019, and grew into a family of four in their cozy Altadena house. Their home was more than walls and a roof—it was the place where they brought home their two daughters, hosted family gatherings, and dreamed of a future filled with love and stability.

Tuesday, January 7: The Winds Begin 

The day started like any other. Savanna had gone to Disneyland to celebrate her sister’s birthday, leaving Daniel at home with their newborn. Their three-year-old daughter was spending the day with her grandmother. By evening, fierce 60+ mph winds knocked out the power in their home. Though inconvenient, Daniel believed it was a temporary issue. When news of the Eaton Fire broke, he packed an overnight bag and joined his family at his in-laws' house.

But as the night wore on, evacuation orders extended to their street. They quickly left Pasadena and sought refuge in a Monterey Park hotel, far from the looming smoke.

Wednesday, January 8: Fear Takes Hold 

By early morning, Altadena was under evacuation orders. Video updates from neighbors showed the fire’s terrifying progress. Initially, there was hope—the homes on their block seemed untouched. Yet, by midday, heavy black smoke filled the air, shattering their optimism.

Daniel tried to return to their home but was stopped two miles away. From a distance, he could see smoke enveloping the neighborhood. He knew what it meant but couldn’t bring himself to voice it. At 3 p.m., the confirmation came—a neighbor sent a video showing their home reduced to ashes.

Savanna fell to her knees. Tears flowed as their three-year-old tried to comfort her, saying, “It’s okay, Mama. When we’re done with vacation, we can go home.” The words were a dagger of innocence piercing their hearts.

Friday, January 9: Facing the Reality 

Daniel attempted to return to their home for a third time but was turned away yet again. Though they hadn’t seen the destruction with their own eyes, the evidence was undeniable. The house where they built a life and memories was gone.

Though overwhelmed by love and support from their community, Daniel and Savanna are left grappling with profound loss. Their three-year-old’s drawings, keepsakes from their wedding, the baby blanket their youngest daughter came home in—all irreplaceable treasures—were taken by the flames.

“We are blessed beyond the material things,” Daniel says. “But this grief will repeat itself for years as we remember what we’ve lost.”

The Armenian Report shared this story to amplify the voices of families like Daniel and Savanna, who face the unthinkable as they rebuild their lives. If you feel moved to help, consider supporting those affected by the fire through local aid organizations or by sharing their stories to inspire others to action.

Together, we can remind families like Daniel and Savanna that even in loss, they are never alone. Please consider supporting this Armenian family at their GoFundMe campaign.