Finding Empathy in the Wake of Loss

This week, our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the fires in LA. For so many, the unimaginable has become a reality – homes, cherished belongings and communities gone in an instant. While we can’t claim to fully understand what it’s like to face such profound loss, we want to pause and reflect on how we can show up for those who are grieving. Loss is deeply personal and multifaceted, but one thing is universal: the importance of empathy and connection during difficult times.

Acknowledge the Weight of Loss

Loss takes many forms, and its impact is far-reaching. Beyond the tangible – homes, possessions, familiar surroundings – there is the emotional weight: the memories tied to spaces now gone, the dreams abruptly shattered, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

For us, it feels especially close to home. LA isn’t just a city to us – it’s a place that has shaped so much of our lives and relationships, not to mention the birthplace of the Everviolet collection. Seeing it scarred in this way feels deeply personal.

Even if we haven’t experienced this exact kind of devastation, we can still honor its magnitude. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer is simple acknowledgment: “This is hard. I’m here for you.”

There’s no need to try to make sense of someone else’s grief or compare it to anything we’ve been through. Loss doesn’t need to be understood to be respected, and empathy begins with listening and validating the experience of others.

Empathy in Action

Empathy isn’t just about feelings – it’s about showing up. Here are a few ways we can put care into action:

• Listen without judgment or solutions. Sometimes, people need space to express their pain without advice or reassurance. A simple “I’m here for you” goes further than words meant to fix.
• Extend patience and grace. Those impacted by loss may not respond as they usually would. Emotions can be raw, and routines may feel impossible. Small gestures of patience – a warm check-in, a meal delivered – can mean the world.
• Offer tangible help.  Instead of saying, “Let me know how I can help,” consider specific offers: running errands, taking care of pets, or helping to organize essentials for displaced families. This assistance might mean checking in with friends, donating to local organizations, or sharing trusted resources with our community.

On Holding Space

There’s a unique power in simply holding space for someone who is grieving. This means being present – physically or emotionally – without the pressure to do or say the “right” thing. Holding space doesn’t require us to fix the situation or even fully understand it – it’s about showing that we care.

We’ve found that some of the most meaningful moments come from quiet support. Whether it’s sending a message to someone in LA or reflecting on our own ties to the city, this is a time to lean into community, however we can. Other silent gestures might include sitting in silence with a friend who feels overwhelmed, sending a thoughtful text to remind someone they’re not alone, or sharing comforting words that resonate:

• “I’m thinking of you every day.”
• “You’re not alone in this.”
• “I don’t know exactly what to say, but I’m here for you.”
  

Resources for Healing

Grief and trauma are complex, and there’s no single way to move through them. While everyone’s process is unique, having access to resources can help ease the burden:

• Professional Support: Therapy and counseling can provide a safe space to process overwhelming emotions. Services like the American Red Cross also offer crisis counseling during natural disasters. There are handful of organizations and many independent health practitioners offering pro bono assistance throughout Los Angeles.
• Community Connection: Whether it’s through local groups or online forums, connecting with others who’ve experienced similar challenges can be deeply validating.
• Mindfulness Practices: Gentle practices like deep breathing, journaling or meditation can offer small moments of calm during chaos. Even taking a few minutes to pause and ground oneself can make a difference.

As Californians, we’ve seen time and again how resilient our communities can be. This moment is heartbreaking, but it’s also a reminder of how deeply connected we all are. Together, we can help rebuild not just structures but also hope.

We don’t have all the answers, but we’re here to stand in solidarity with those who are hurting. To everyone affected by the fires – whether you’ve lost a home or business, a cherished space or simply the sense of safety – we’re holding you in our hearts. Let’s continue to show up for each other in ways big and small, reminding one another that even in the darkest times, kindness and care remain.