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From the Ashes: The Heart of a Home

Updated: Feb 1


This devastating sight of one or many houses burning has affected all of us on the Westside. Photo by Charles Claverie
This devastating sight of one or many houses burning has affected all of us on the Westside. Photo by Charles Claverie

In my 35 years in real estate, I’ve come to understand that a house isn’t just a structure; it’s where life unfolds.


It’s where memories are made, where love thrives, and where connections deepen. The recent fire in the Palisades, which claimed our home, reminded me that while the walls and roof may be gone, the true heart of a

home remains.

Our home was more than a house; it was a hub of joy, laughter, and love. It’s where my grandrascal, Aurora, loved to be chased around the couch, her giggles filling every corner of the room. It was a gathering place for my fiancée Julia’s kids and their friends, who would watch movies, soak in the hot tub, and celebrate holidays when they couldn’t be with their families during college. And, it was a space where Julia, with her elegant touch, hosted everything from charity fundraisers to intimate family gatherings, making everyone feel at home.

Among the many losses in the fire was a gold necklace with an Italian horn, a family heirloom steeped in love and meaning. I had given it to my father after a trip to Italy, right before the birth of my first daughter, Lauren. My dad wore it every day until he passed, after which my mother cherished it just as deeply. When she passed, Lauren asked me to promise that I’d pass it to her someday.

Losing that necklace has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. It was more than just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of our family’s connection and resilience. When I told Lauren about its loss, I felt the weight of breaking my promise. But as we talked, I realized that the love and legacy it represented remain intact, carried forward in our memories and shared stories.

Amid the rubble, my youngest daughter, Brittany, offered a reminder of what truly matters. She said, “Dad, I’m amazed at how you take things in stride and start taking the next steps.” Her words struck me deeply. Maybe it’s my military training that taught me to face adversity with resolve. Or, maybe it’s the knowledge that what we’ve lost doesn’t define us; it’s how we move forward that does.

Losing our home and the tangible pieces of our family’s history is devastating, but it’s also a reminder of the things fire can’t touch. The love, laughter, and memories created within those walls live on.

To Julia, whose grace has always been the heart of our gatherings, thank you for creating a home where everyone felt welcome. To Lauren, know that while I can’t pass down the necklace, I’m passing down the love and strength it symbolized. And to Brittany, your words remind me that even in the face of loss, we have the power to rebuild.

The fire may have taken the walls and roof, but it could never touch the heart of our home. That heart beats stronger than ever – in Aurora’s laughter, in Julia’s warmth, and in the love that connects us all. As we take the next steps together, I know we’ll create something extraordinary again, because the essence of a home isn’t in what we lose, but in the spirit we carry forward.


By Richard Lombari


*Editor’s Note: In February of last year, Richard wrote an inspiring column on what it means to have a home. This is the companion piece for this year. Last year’s column follows Richard’s story below.

 

Reprint story from February 2023.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

By Richard Lombari


Home is where the heart is, and as Valentine's Day approaches, our thoughts turn to the enduring love affair we have with our homes. These cherished spaces hold the tapestry of our lives, weaving together memories that linger long after the paint has dried and the furniture has settled.

For many, childhood homes evoke a nostalgia that transcends the limitations of size or amenities. Perhaps lacking the sleek, modern features of today's residences, those homes were the backdrop to laughter, family gatherings, and the magic of holidays. They were not just structures, but vessels of love, where every nook and cranny held a story.

The journey of creating a first home is a testament to youthful ambition, filled with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and newfound independence. Young singles or couples, armed with dreams and paintbrushes, embark on the adventure of turning a house into a home.

The to-do list grows, evolving in financially-mandated phases, and with each completed project, a milestone is etched in the story of their shared life.

As families expand and little feet patter through the hallways, homes can sometimes feel like they are shrinking. The need for more space, better schools, or a shorter commute begins to shape the narrative of the next move. The quest for a larger home becomes not just a physical upgrade, but a pursuit of enhanced comfort and convenience for the growing family.

Homes, whether modest or grand, serve as more than just shelters. They are vessels of memory, providers of security, and even markers of status. In each room and every corner, lives unfold, leaving imprints of joy, challenges overcome, and the passage of time. As we celebrate love on Valentine's Day, let us also celebrate the enduring love affair with our homes, where the heart finds its truest sanctuary.

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