Caruso’s Palisades Village, largely escaped the fire storm because of the construction material. Kinzelberg’s home across from the Village burned.
By MARY KINZELBERG
My house burned and it was the closest to The Village [built by Rick Caruso]. We were 92 steps to the movie theater and used to brag about that and argued with someone that said they were 91 steps. He said we were really closer. He just wanted to argue.
Surviving on the mental thoughts of everything I saved from my parents, grandparents and great grandparents being gone is a hard pill to swallow.
We didn’t even grab my engagement ring that was my mom’s diamond because we honestly thought this was a dress rehearsal.
I was not thinking of saving my heirlooms or the best paintings I painted because we were coming back in a little while.
Now my regrets are many and I live each day in honor of those material memories. We lived at 1046 Monument for 32 years. I always thought I would be there until I was 100 or more.
I would cross the street and eat at a new restaurant every time one opened. I am currently trying to face each day with some other people I know, whose house burned down and are staying near us.
My husband and son are a great help, but I have to help myself more to motivate myself to think positively about the future. But it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to accomplish in my life. I’m getting help from therapy and I want to tell you I will survive. I don’t know how yet, but like everyone says to do, “One day at a time.” I think one minute at a time is better to think of life.
I hope you grab your memories if the fire ever gets close to you.
In the meantime, make new memories.