A Personal Update: Navigating the Fires and Finding Gratitude

Liz Colon
Jan 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 11

In the heart of La Crescenta, California, life often feels warm and full of community — but recent wildfires have reminded us how quickly everything can change. As a family and as a small business rooted in creating joyful Events, we’ve learned to hold on tighter to gratitude, resilience, and the connections that truly matter.

Helicopter drops water over a forest fire at night. Glowing orange sky and dark silhouettes of trees create a tense, urgent scene.

Facing the Fires Head-On

As I sit down to write this, I’m struck by the mix of emotions that these past few weeks have brought. Living in La Crescenta means wildfires are something we’ve unfortunately grown accustomed to, but each time they strike, they bring a new wave of challenges and reflection.

This year’s fires — including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire — hit incredibly close to home. We were told to evacuate our neighborhood, and the experience was both surreal and stressful. With cell service and internet down, uncertainty filled the air. When the evacuation notice came, Tony, my daughters, and I packed our essentials and left quickly. Rio didn’t have school at Crescenta Valley High, which made it easier to go, but the weight of the situation was undeniable.

View from a car on a highway under smoky sky with an orange hue from the setting sun. In front of the 2 highway

The air grew thick with smoke, and the usual vibrancy of our surroundings dulled under a persistent haze. Schools closed intermittently, outdoor activities stopped, and the worry for friends, family, and neighbors near the flames lingered constantly. Even though we are safe now, the experience was a powerful reminder of how fragile daily life can be.

Staying Grounded in Challenging Times

One way I’ve stayed grounded is by focusing on gratitude. In stressful moments, it’s easy to spiral into fear, but shifting my mindset toward appreciation has been transformative. I’m deeply grateful for the first responders and firefighters who risk their lives to protect our communities. Their courage and commitment are nothing short of extraordinary.

I’m also thankful for the sense of togetherness that emerges during difficult times — neighbors checking in, friends offering help, and strangers showing kindness. Tony and I contributed water, juices, and sodas at the Santa Anita Race Track, where evacuees and emergency personnel gathered. It was a small gesture, but it carried great meaning — a reminder that even small acts of compassion make a difference.

Balancing Family and Business

Running Captured Celebrations during uncertain times adds a unique challenge. As a business owner and mother, finding balance between family needs and professional commitments can feel overwhelming. But what keeps me motivated is seeing the joy our photo booths bring to others — especially now, when moments of happiness feel even more precious.

Through every event — from Weddings to Corporate Events and even festive Holiday Party Photo Booth setups — we see firsthand how laughter, creativity, and connection can bring light during dark times.

At home, Rio and Sky continue to amaze me with their resilience. Rio adapts gracefully to changes, while Sky’s energy and curiosity remind me daily to appreciate the little things: laughter, family dinners, or a quiet moment of peace.

Looking Ahead with Hope and Gratitude

As we navigate these challenging days, perspective becomes everything. The fires may have disrupted our routines, but they’ve also revealed what’s truly important: family, community, and the will to keep moving forward.

To anyone facing similar challenges, please know you’re not alone. Resilience isn’t built in isolation — it’s nurtured through connection, through leaning on one another, and through small acts of care that remind us we’re all in this together.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, messages, and prayers. They mean more than words can express. For now, we’ll continue forward one day at a time — grateful, hopeful, and ready to create brighter moments ahead.

Let’s Celebrate New Beginnings

When the skies clear and it’s time to make new memories, Captured Celebrations is here to help you bring joy back into your gatherings. From Roamer Photo Booth experiences to interactive Audio Guestbooks, our team helps you turn every moment into something unforgettable.